Epossumondas by Coleen Salley

Author:Coleen Salley [Salley, Coleen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

And Epossumondas's mama got her basket, but before she left, she said, "Epossumondas, do you see those six pies cooling there on the porch?"

"Yes, Mama."

"Well, Epossumondas, you be careful about stepping on those pies!"

Then Mama went off to see Auntie.

And then—Epossumondas WAS careful about stepping on those pies. He stepped right in the MIDDLE of EVERY one!

* * *

STORYTELLER'S NOTE

Long before authors, books, and publishers existed, storytellers wove folktales that enthralled groups of adults—and any children who might be listening In those days, storytelling was not limited to an audience of children, as is prevalent in modern times. The oral tradition was a way of communicating with an entire community.

Folktales have endured for many centuries because they entertain, stretch the imagination, evoke emotion, nurture a sense of humor, and picjue curiosity about other cultures. They have attempted to explain nature, natural phenomena, and even the behavior of animals and humans. Similar tales appear again and again throughout the world, reinforcing the truth that people everywhere are more alike than different. And all of these ideas and themes are delivered in packages filled with action, heroes and heroines, lessons, and satisfying endings—all the elements of a good story.

EPOSSUMONDAS is a type of tale called a noodlehead story. Mishaps occur but are not caused deliberately. The humor is gentle and silly. The plot may be highly improbable, but not impossible-it COULD happen. Some outstanding noodlehead stories are about the wise Nasreddin Hodja (Turkish), those amiable Fools of Cheltn (Jewish), lazy Heinz (German), foolish Jack (British), Jean Sot (Cajun), and Epaminondas (southern United States).

Throughout the ages, storytellers have embellished, adapted, deleted, and added to the tales they tell. The details change, but the heart of the story remains. We recognize old favorites in a new rendition. Thus EPOSSUMONDAS-a new name for a classic character—has moved from the human world into the world of animals. And if you think that little possum is just foolish, look closer. Maybe he's full of mischief, trying to get a rise out of his mama so he can escape all those errands! Does he remind you of anyone you know?

—COLEEN SALLEY

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