The Cow-Tail Switch: And Other West African Stories (Newbery Honor Book)

This is a superb copy I received from the vendor, I am truly gratified. The stories in the Courlander collection are great stories wonderful for use in comparing other stories from and about the folklore of Africa. Prior to reading Chinua Achebe's classic tales, or any story or novel set in another region of the world, I set a reading requirement goal for my students that must include a rich array folklore and geography. In addition my students research the artist who did such an outstanding job of illustrating the collection.

As an intermediate-grade teacher, I have often used stories that have been told through long periods of time and refined by a culture to teach a lesson in an interesting way. Respect for diversity, so important today, is strengthened by seeing common values such as the importance of taking care of other people in "Kadoo's Wall." I will use other stories as the time is right.

This is a beautiful book and even better for children. This short book does a brilliant job, in my opinion, encapsulating the beauty and history of West Africa and its people. It tells the proverbs and stories that are useful to anyone!

The story Talk had been read to me by my mother since early childhood from the Childcraft collection we had. Fortunately, each story in Childcraft had the original source of the story and I tracked down this book. I was NOT disappointed.

I first found this book at a middle school library. I was working as a substitute at the time, and would keep this with me so there was something to read to the children after their seat work was finished. In general, reading stories from other cultures is rewarding. This book is an awesome read aloud book. One class applauded enthusiastically when I got to the end, and the stories always held students' attention.Now I read it to my own children as a stay at home mom. My eldest, 11 yrs. old, is a voracious reader and gets bored easily. She has read CowTail Switch more than once!!

Trying to read all the Newbery award winning books and this is one. Great little book of 17 West African short stories. Some of them had a lesson, some of them were just funny stories. I enjoyed it for what it was. Very easy to read.

This is a must have book. Eight to twelve year olds love it! I had countless requests for this book as a substitute teacher. Students would ask me to read stories from it year after year. I began taking it with me whenever I subbed because it was always requested. They would give up play time at recess just to hear the stories. Not dependent on a child's background.

I love these West African tales. Richly told. My favorite is The Cow Tale Switch. Very enjoyable.

great stories, well told...perfect night-time read-aloud texts...grandchild, 8, loved it...

Engaging folklore retold in a fantastic style. Very readable and highly enjoyable. Suitable for all ages. I'd recommend this to anyone with an interest in folklore or African cultures and anyone with children who enjoy fairy tales.