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mnstucki's review
4.0
Beautiful illustrations and an original story that feels like it comes straight from true folklore. I could see this being a contender for not just the Caldecott but also one of the Coretta Scott King Awards (which honor Black authors and illustrators).
tripp_2mylou's review
5.0
Holy cats, this is incredible! Everything about it is executed well, from the story to the illustrations! Absolutely beautiful!
missprint_'s review
3.0
Hmm. Strange one. Very fine tall tale but I think it needed one more page with what happened to Julius. Also since we see KKK in the story (as "Fearful Men") I think an author’s note situating this story and contextualizing it in relation to events like the Tulsa Race Massacre (which granted is much later than the time period in which the story is set) would have gone a long way.
As it is the ending is abrupt and there’s a lot for adults to unpack with small readers. Some of the artwork is truly stunning and some of the paintings are very basic. Uneven.
As it is the ending is abrupt and there’s a lot for adults to unpack with small readers. Some of the artwork is truly stunning and some of the paintings are very basic. Uneven.
tripp2mylou's review
5.0
Holy cats, this is incredible! Everything about it is executed well, from the story to the illustrations! Absolutely beautiful!
yarydoll's review
funny
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
alisa4books's review
5.0
A beautiful African American folk tale with gorgeous illustrations. In the tradition of Liza Lou and the Yeller Belly Swamp. tw: visual representation of hooded KKK figures
library_kb's review
challenging
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This picture book is a story I had never heard before, but it seems to be an African American tall tale. It is about a town facing threatening racism, and the magical character of Rootilla Redgums and her grandson who save the town through their actions. The illustrations by John Holyfield are fantastic--definitely one that should be added to all American tall tale collections.