Paul Bunyan on the West Coast Book

For young people and anyone else who loves West Coast mythology, tall tales, stories of the woods, and just plain fun.

Candace Deisley - Children's Literature

Whenever you are ready for a good chuckle, pick up this book of tall tales about Paul and Babe the ox and their exploits through the Canadian west coast. The prose is great, and the humor running throughout makes this an ideal read-aloud for programs or for the study of original folklore. There are words specific to the logging trade with which the audience (and the reader) will be unfamiliar, but they are explained well in the back. Stories explain the formation of islands and bodies of water as Paul works to solve problems in his logging camp. Animals that "no longer exist" are described in the manner of a pourquoi tale. The last story tells of the death of Babe, who succumbed after swallowing a hot woodstove. Everything is highly exaggerated, of course, but that is where the humor lies. The woodcut illustrations in green and black accent the flavor of this tasty treat! 1995, Harbour Publishing, Ages 8 to 12.