Swamp Angel

 

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Isaacs, Anne. 1994. SWAMP ANGEL. Ill. by Paul O. Zelinsky.  New York: Dutton. ISBN 978-0-525-45271-3

2. PLOT SUMMARY

This is the story of Angelica Longrider, an exceptional girl from birth.  Angel, as she’s called, was a true Tennessee outdoorswoman. As an unusually large lady, she had many unique skills and talents that she used to help her fellow folk.  Thundering Tarnation was a big bear who was terrorizing the Tennessee countryside.  Many country gentlemen attempted to trap Tarnation, but they all failed.  Then Angel went head to head with him.  The two wrestled and fought and struggled until they absolutely wore each other out.  After they fell asleep, they snored so loud that they brought the pine trees down. One tree landed on the Thundering Tarnation, and that was his end. Angel won the battle and won his pelt. 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This feminist folktale is very entertaining. There is nothing the red-headed swamp angel can’t do. Isaacs creates Angel to be a humble hillbilly heroine. Setting the story in the yesteryear, in the backwoods of Tennessee gives the background characters some hilarity and provides opportunity for some fun Southern lingo. The illustrations are exceptional and fun. They provide much of the comedy in this colorful picture book. 

The main conflict and action of the story proves girls can do anything, even when the fellows fail! The match between Angel and Thundering Tarnation, the bear, reads more like a battle between gods or titans. The defeat and accidental nature of the bear’s death softens the violent end.  

4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

ALA Notable Children’s Books, 1995

Caldecott Honor, 1995

Kirkus Starred Review, 1995 “...It is impossible to convey the sheer pleasure, the exaggerated loopiness, of newcomer Isaacs's wonderful story. Matching the superb text stride for stride are Zelinsky's altered-state, American primitive paintings -- gems that provide new pleasures, reading after reading. To say that you are entering Caldecott land doesn't begin to do this book justice.”

5. CONNECTIONS

*This story can be paired with other gentle giants, like 

Dona Flor: a tall tale about a giant woman with a big heart, by Pat Mora or Wilfred by Ryan T. Higgins. 

*Other well-written Tall Tales to compare/contrast:

Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind Crockett: a tall tale by Steven Kellogg and Thunder Rose by Jerdine Nolen.