An adaptation of a traditional Choctaw tale told in the rhythmic verse reminiscent of the classic Br’er Rabbit tales, this vivid and clever story comes to life through illustrations and unique storytelling. Sly Possum is manipulative and knows that the very hungry Deer will do anything to reach the beautiful persimmons waiting in the tree. Possum is hungry as well, but does not feel like helping Deer—he’s just too lazy! Possum could simply climb the tree and knock down the fruit, but he prefers to trick Deer into doing all the work. Deer tries his hardest to get the persimmons down, but Possum only laughs and laughs. What results is a change in both of them that lasts forever.
About the Author
Johnette Downing is an award-winning, internationally recognized singer and songwriter. Her many accolades include six Parents’ Choice Awards, four iParenting Media Awards, and four National Parenting Publication Awards. She wrote and illustrated There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Bugs, My Aunt Came Back from Louisiane, Why the Crawfish Lives in the Mud, and Amazon Alphabet and is the author of Chef Creole, Down in Louisiana, Why the Oyster Has the Pearl, Today Is Monday in Louisiana, Today Is Monday in Texas, Today Is Monday in New York, and Today Is Monday in Kentucky. Downing lives in New Orleans, Louisiana.
About the Illustrator
Christina Wald specializes in illustration and toy, giftware, and product design. Wald graduated from the University of Cincinnati College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning with a BS in industrial design. She is the illustrator of Pelican’s Annie Jump Cannon, Astronomer. Wald lives in Cincinnati, Ohio.
WHY THE POSSUM HAS A LARGE GRIN
By Johnette Downing
Illustrated by Christina Wald
JUVENILE FICTION / Fairy Tales & Folklore / Adaptations
JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Nocturnal
32 pp. 8 1/2 x 11
31 illus.
ISBN: 9781455616398