The Adventures of Molly Whuppie and Other Appalachian Folktales - by Anne Shelby (Hardcover)

About the Book

Combining traditional Appalachian folktale plots with a contemporary sensibility, writer and storyteller Shelby creates 14 lively, original children's stories of a funny, magical, yet familiar world. Many of the stories feature a girl named Molly Whuppie, who is clever, brave, and strong.

Book Synopsis

Combining traditional Appalachian folktale plots with a contemporary sensibility, writer and storyteller Anne Shelby creates fourteen lively, original stories of a funny, magical, yet familiar world.

Many of the stories feature a girl named Molly Whuppie, who is clever, brave, and strong. Encountering witches, giants, an ogre who refuses to do housework, unwanted boyfriends, and all manner of conundrums, Molly manages to outwit them all with a potent combination of nerve, trickery, and plain luck. Also appearing in the stories are Molly's sisters Polly and Betts, the famous Appalachian hero Jack (Molly saves him a few times), and three cornbread-baking mice.

These delightful and often surprising stories are sure to appeal to readers and listeners of all ages who enjoy an adventurous tale well told.

Review Quotes

"Anne Shelby has done Molly proud. . . . We need more women like Molly and more writers like Shelby, who is not only a good storyteller but also a good scholar. Her narrative voice helps us 'know' Molly, and her scholarship helps us value the folktale tradition and its living legacy."
—"Now and Then"

"Fall in love with childhood again! . . . Good advice from the 14 stories . . . can be used by all."
-- "Courier-Journal"

"Storyteller Shelby uses warmth, folksy humor and unexpected turns of phrase to bring this plucky heroine to life, and McArdle's childlike, black-and-white illustrations provide an additional comic touch. A nice choice for intermediate and reluctant readers."
-- "Kirkus Reviews"

"Storytellers . . . will relish these energetic stories, which skillfully juxtapose old-fashioned flavor and modern sensibilities."
-- "The Horn Book Guide"

"Young readers and listeners will make these stories their own and enjoy retelling them for a long time to come."
-- "School Library Journal"