The Narrow Escapes of Davy Crockett: From a Bear, a Boa Constrictor, a Hoop Snake, an Elk, an Owl, Eagles, Rattlesnakes, Wildcats, Trees, Tornadoes, Books
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Rating: -
I checked this book out from my local library and it was an instant hit with my 6 year old son, and with me too. We've read it every night for a week at his request so we're buying our own copy. The title makes it clear that this is not a typical story that tells one tale from start to end, but it's a collection of tales: the narrow escapes of Davy Crockett. It even spells out the various animals and things that the tales are about. It may not have seamless transitions, but this, for us, in no way detracts from the enjoyment of the book. The back of the title page notes that "Most of the stories and some of the original language come from the Crockett Almanacs, published between 1835 and 1856." For me, the story should be judged not just on the flow between the tall tales, but on the fact that it captures the flavor of the time period it is based on, and that it captures the imagination of young readers. I also enjoy the illustrations and think that art is a matter of personal reaction, you either like it or you don't. I recommend this book for adventurous young kids who can relate to feeling like they are the biggest, strongest, fastest, everything-est there ever was. It's a fun book!
Rating: -
"There never was anyone like Davy
Crockett. By the time he was eight years
old he weighed two hundred pounds with
his shoes off, his feet clean, and his
stomach empty."
This books starts off very promising (see above) but then flounders. For one thing, the stories run together without titles or other demarcation. After reading it through once you figure that out, but it is still an awkward and annoying feature.
For example, in describing a scene in which Davy is being hauled out of a hollow tree by a bear, the last sentence is;
The bear was sore behind, and fled before
Davy could thank it for the ride!"
This is the last sentence on the page and it is not at clear that it is the last sentence of the story. The next sentence on the following page is; "Davy was exhausted, so he sat down, rested his head in the fork of a young tree...."
Sounds reasonable that ole Davy might be tired after wrestling with a bear BUT it is a different story. Arggh.
Three Stars. [C-] Artwork not so good. Stories run together and are not in the clearest prose. Three stars because I have not found another text that offers any of these tall Americana tales which I think are valuable for young children.
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