African-American Stories

What do you do if you're in the middle of the swamp on the way to Grandma's house and you suddenly encounter the Hairy Man? Well, if you're Wylie, you sincerely hope that your mama has noticed that the glass of milk on the kitchen counter has turned red, signaling trouble. "Wylie & the Hairy Man," one of a pair of wonderful whoppers expertly told by Jackie Torrence, is an edge-of-your-seater originating in Africa and transformed in the melting pot of American culture into an African-American story. Similar, in some respects, to "Red Riding Hood," the story is an elaborate bogeyman tale told with expressive zeal by Torrence, who--like the best storytellers--puts her whole body into the telling. The second tale, "The Little Old Woman Who Lived in the Vinegar Bottle," draws on the familiar theme of the magical creature who is freed and grants her savior a wish--only to be bombarded by human greed. These lively tales, delivered with impeccable timing before a very attentive young audience, are a joy to watch and listen to--a reminder that even in our MTV-driven age, the appeal of a timeless tale, well-told, endures. A genuine winner that belongs in larger collections. Highly recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (R. Pitman)