Further Tales of Uncle Remus: The Misadventures of Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox, Brer Wolf, the Doodang, and Other Creatures

by Julius Lester, Jerry Pinkney (Illustrator)

A retelling of the classic Afro-American tales relating the adventures and misadventures of Brer Rabbit and his friends and enemies.

16 pages, Hardcover

First published May 14, 1990

About the author

Julius Lester was an American writer of books for children and adults. He was an academic who taught for 32 years (1971–2003) at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He was also a photographer, as well as a musician who recorded two albums of folk music and original songs.

Reviews

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I offered the Julius Lester version of the Uncle Remus tales to a second grade teacher as an alternative to the Joel Chandler version that she'd been reading to her class for years. I suggested this version because even though I hadn't read them myself, I trust Julius Lester to retell the stories with humor and without a racist lens.

They were a huge success, but required some improvisation and quick thinking on the teacher's part, as they're hilarious but not entirely appropriate for a second-grade clasroom. The kids loved them and begged for more. The teacher loved them -- despite the last-minute skipping of certain sections or stories -- and plans to read them again next year.

Of course I needed to read them for myself. I really appreciated Julius Lester's introduction, which laid out a context for the Trickster in general and Brer Rabbit in particular... and helped to address the moral qualms that come up when you're with Brer Rabbit and he acts badly. Along the same lines, I loved the moments when the narrative voice cut in and gives commentary on the action. I think I'll reread the Joel Chandler Harris version too, to see how they compare, and revisit them again when the third graders learn about Trickster tales later this year.

[Marlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

These stories are simple and funny. My son and I both really enjoy them. Many of theme are quite violent, though presented in a way that seems simple and funny rather than upsetting and horrifying. Though we've done the books in order, it wouldn't be necessary at all. This could as easily have been a single book, rather than a book in a series.

[Gina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting in that there are more stories with the focus on other characters, so more variety. Brer Rabbit still comes up regularly.

[Ann Marie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I would not know who to recommend this one to...there is no appropriate age...I cannot imagine children understanding it - teens putting in the effort or adults who might be satisfied...just my opinion...I did not see any point to writing it and felt it was only published for the ( and I loved the origanal)Uncle Remus factor...again it is just me but honest...the art work was nice though