Swamp Angel

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Isaacs, Anne. 1994. SWAMP ANGEL. Ill. by Paul O. Zelinsky. New York: Puffin Books. ISBN 0-14-055908-6

PLOT SUMMARY

When Angelica Longrider was born in 1815, she certainly made a BIG impression. At birth, she was taller than her ma.  By the time she was twelve, Angelica (lovingly known as Swamp Angel) towered over all those around her.  One summer the residents of Tennessee were being terrorized by a bear. Swamp Angel sets out to defeat Thundering Tarnation, the giant bear who ate all of the settlers’ food and was too wily to be caught.  Tarnation and Angel battled on and on, through day and even in their sleep. In this way, the tall tale explains why the Great Smoky Mountains were named so and how Ursa Major ended up in the starry night sky.

 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This is a great read aloud book for older children. The story uses a lot of “down home drawl” and the phrases from 1800s Americana.  In fact, a working knowledge of dialects (such as the typical Tennessee drawl) would add a lot to the understanding of this book.  The beautiful oil paint pictures add to the story. It is no wonder why SWAMP ANGEL is a Caldecott Honor Book. There is movement and action within the illustrations. They are done in the traditional early-American style, thus adding to the time period being represented in the story.  Reading the story with an accent can add to the fast-paced, humorous story.  Overall, the exaggerated story and beautiful pictures leave an impression on readers, both young and old.

REVIEW EXCERPTS

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY review:  “This valiant heroine is certain to leave youngsters chuckling-and perhaps even keeping a close watch on the night sky.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “It's an American classic in the making.”

CONNECTIONS

There are many tall tales that can be read in conjunction with Swamp Angel.  A great way to explain legendary American tall tales is through these picture books:

Blair, Eric. PAUL BUNYAN: A RETELLING OF THE CLASSIC TALL TALE. Ill. by Micah Chambers-Goldberg. ISBN 1-4048-0976-7.

Glass, Andrew. FOLKS CALL ME APPLESEED JOHN. ISBN 0385320450

Kellogg, Steven. SALLY ANN THUNDER ANN WHIRLWIND CROCKETT. ISBN 9780688171131

And, of course, readers must know what happened to Angelica when she moved to Montana:

Isaacs, Anne. DUST DEVIL. ISBN 0375867228