The Epaminondas character is a young black boy, and the stories are based on folk tales from the Southern states of the U.S., similar to Helen Bannerman's The Story of Little Black Sambo , which was originally written about a boy from Southern India but was later illustrated in many printings with characterizations of African Americans. The stories' texts focus on and derive their humor from the problem of miscommunication between adults and children. This same concept of ridiculous/comical scenarios due to simple ...
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The Epaminondas character is a young black boy, and the stories are based on folk tales from the Southern states of the U.S., similar to Helen Bannerman's The Story of Little Black Sambo , which was originally written about a boy from Southern India but was later illustrated in many printings with characterizations of African Americans. The stories' texts focus on and derive their humor from the problem of miscommunication between adults and children. This same concept of ridiculous/comical scenarios due to simple misunderstandings is also the basis for the famous Amelia Bedelia book series.
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This was my first experience with this book seller. At first I was worried as the book didn't arrive. I contacted the company and they answered immediately. Not long after, the book arrived in perfect condition. It was well packaged. A good deal!
Julie W
May 2, 2013
Strange little book but one my mother loved so I wanted to have a copy. Has to be seen as "folk lore" as it is not meant to be degrading. The illustrations are the best part of the book.
GrannyNanny
Dec 17, 2009
Classic folktale
Although the story is one found in many cultures -- the dim, literal-minded youth who keeps following yesterdays instructions however inappropriate they may be to today's errand -- this book is NOT politically correct. In this case the dimwit is a black child in the American South, and although the language is wonderful --"Epaminondas, Epaminondas, you ain't got the sense you was born with! You never did have the sense you was born with, you never WILL have the sense you was born with!" -- still it will probably cause a lot of hurt feelings. Can't have that.
AuntiePetey
Oct 19, 2008
Love It!
This is a book that I grew up reading. I was unable to find it for years. I enjoyed reading the book as much as I did when I was little. I can't wait to share it with my son.
rachelle
May 3, 2007
just like I remembered...
I chose this book simply because it was a story that my grandmother use to tell us as children. The actually publication was nearly word for word as my grandmother use to tell! I loved it. It is just a little way to preserve her memory now that she has passed. The illustrations are simply and the story line is fun and enjoyable for children of all ages. ~Rachelle
