Epossumondas Book

Coleen Salley's signature tale.


You can't help take on a slight Southern accent when you read it aloud--which is exactly what should happen. It's a noodle-head folktale and after a trip or two to his aunties, kids really start to get the humor and the giggles.

I read it to first grade but it's got broader appeal. I like to pair it with Epossumondas Plays Possum, a book I like just a bit more.


oh - for fun when you use it as a read aloud - Janet Stevens based Epossumondas's mama on Coleen Salley. They were friends and Stevens decided to draw her likeness right down to her yellow hat with a red rose. How great is that?
Between Epossumondas stories, I lay the book cover out on my lap and tell the kids about Coleen Salley (storyteller, south, etc) and finish by saying she was famous for wearing dresses with colorful flowers and a yellow hat with a red flower on it. The moment you say red flower, a group of them will figure it out and the moments of recognition are such fun.