Wiley and the Hairy Man: Adapted from an American Folk Tale (Ready-to-Read)

I have read this book numerous times to classes of elementary students. It has become one of my go to books that I know will grab the students interest. The book is a Southern folk tale. I love Molly Bang's version of the story. The illustrations are the best and the kids love the details found in the pictures. I once read this to a group of 2nd graders and when I was finished one of the toughest little guys in the group just said, "can you read it again?". That's when you know the story was a good one! One question to ask is what lesson did you learn from the story. I think a good answer is when you find yourself in trouble go ask an adult for help. They just might have the answer you need. Wiley asked his mom and her wise advice made show more all the difference in outsmarting the Hairy Man. Good story! show less

Loved this version of the classic fable. The illustrations reminded me of those of Leo and Diane Dillon, but more natural, less avant-garde (or whatever; I don't know how to talk about art). Highly recommended for classrooms pre-K to 12, as it can be appreciated on different levels and studied in different cross-curricular themes. Plus, it's adventure and funny!

Only African-American book I have come across, which is great for presenting diversity to the classroom. The illustrations are quite unique as they have an almost neon tone. Wiley figures how to outwit the Hairy Man who is constantly tormenting him. It took more than one time to rid Wiley of his enemy, but eventually the use of brain rather than violence is how he prevailed over the Hairy Man. The conclusion was happy and Wiley and his mom were now safe from harm, typical to fantasies.

This book teaches how important it is to listen to your mother. Wiley's mother always told him to let his dogs protect him from the Hairy Man and always keep them closeby. One day, the dogs fled after a big and Wiley was all by himself. Wiley remembered what his mother had taught him in different situations and he took care of it which made the Hairy Man go away. The Hairy Man kept coming back throughout the story and Wiley and his mother kept trying to find a way to fool him. They finally fooled him towards the end of the story so that he never came back and Wiley and his mom were safe and sound.

Very good African-American folktale with involved obstacles for the protaganist

Bang, M., (1976). Wiley and the hairy man. New York: Macmillan.
The motif of this book is a trickster in the story. The story is about a boy who tricked an evil hairy man who was after him. The book is of American origin.