The Terrible, Wonderful Tellin' at Hog Hammock

by Kim L. Siegelson, Eric Velásquez (Illustrator)

"Oree can go to the tellin' for this family," his grandmother said thoughtfully. "He do have the gift his grandpa left him. " Jonas almost choked on a piece of biscuit. No one called him Oree anymore except for his grandmother-and Jonas knew that she meant serious business when she used his Gullah name. If his grandmother decided it was so, Jonas would have to represent the family at the local tellin'-even if he didn't want to. Grandfather had been the best storyteller on Sapelo Island. And Jonas isn't sure that he inherited the family "gift for de lie." On the night of the big tellin', Jonas finally discovers the true meaning of his grandfather's special gift. What does happen on that fateful night surprises everyone! With warm, quiet humor, Kim Siegelson weaves a touching tale about a young boyfinding his place in Sapelo Island's Gullah community.

88 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1996

Reviews

[Ceridwyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kim Siegelson is the author of "In the Time of the Drums". Like that great story, this one is set in the American south, but in modern day times. The traditional lifestyle of the people who live there is presented with love and magic. A boy discovers his talent and his ties with his family, living and dead. I make it sound trite, but it is lovely and compelling and unique.

[Jerry]

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