Sam and the Tigers; A New Telling of 'Little Black Sambo' (1996)

This is one of my all time favorites for First Grade. The author after much research has created a new telling of the controversial story of Little Black Sambo. Lester and Pinkney collaborate to create an incredible feast for the ears and eyes in this story of young black boy from Sam-sam-sa-mara where people and animals live and work together. In this funny tale Sam is able to outwit the large and powerful tigers after a very tricky encounter. Vivid language and gorgeous illustrations help to tell this wonderful story. Perfect for this age group.

A retelling of Little Black Sambo in a southern African-American storytelling voice. The illustrations and the words are humorous from the start. The reader laughs with Sam and not at Sam. That helps to rid the story of its negative reputation. There’s a reference to Brer Rabbit, the trickster from African-American folktales. It is as if this modern version is now legitimately recognized as a folktale. The true trickster in this story is Sam, the boy who outwits the tigers. ( )

Sam lives in a town where animals and people live and work alongside each other and everyone is named “Sam”. On his way to school, the colorfully-clad boy encounters hungry tigers threatening to eat him up. One by one, Sam outsmarts the tigers – but will he make it safely to his classroom? Julius Lester’s rich retelling of the controversial “Little Black Sambo” honors the elements from the original tale he loved as a child, while adding newer, fresher language and leaving the stereotypes behind. There is extensive explanation printed within the storybook’s inside covers and introduction that validates Lester’s intentions to save an imaginative story that was written in the wrong time and place and criticized for decades as racist and bigoted. His matchless black southern storytelling brightens up the pages and makes the reader admire all the characters and their lives. Award winning illustrator Jerry Pinkney’s gorgeous pencil and watercolor drawings lend emotion and beauty to every page. His sweeping brush strokes and vibrant color choices bring the jungle (and the tigers!) to life on the page. Over 50 versions of the story have been printed, but now little Sam has finally found an appropriate and endearing resting place that permits today’s children to fall in love with the classic tale without hesitation. Recommended for ages 3-7. ( )

Genre: This book is a good example of a folktale. The story of Sam has been past down through the generations with talking animals and humans living in harmony. Even though this story couldn't happen in real life, it does stem from the original story written in the 1800's.

Characterization: 4 stars

Age: Intermediate ( )

Julius Lester's briliant retelling and the luxurious artwork of Jerry Pikney combined makes this story a wonderful experience for all readers.