This is a refreshing retold version of the classic Southern "noodlehead" tale, Epaminondas, written in Ms. Salley's inimitable storytelling style. This familiar story takes on new silliness as the improbable possum-child interacts with his human mama and auntie, both of whom resemble Ms. Salley. Epossumondas visits his auntie and each day she sends him home with something. He carries home a piece of cake scrunched in his hands; Alligator comments that it doesn't look much like cake. Mama tells Epossumondas that he doesn't have the sense he was born with and instructs him to carry the cake under his hat. When he gets some fresh butter and puts that under his hat, the trouble (and fun) begins. The possum's literal interpretations of Mama's advice will keep both children and adults entertained. The book was beautifully illustrated by Janet Stevens.

View awards for Epposumnodas

To get a copy of the CD of Coleen Salley reading the Epossumondas tales, please send an e-mail to Genevieve Athens.

The following pictures show Ms. Salley doing a storytelling
in New Hampshire in 1989.

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