John Henry (Picture Puffins)

In a three star review, the reviewer writes, that a reference to jacuzzi is confusing in the story of John Henry. Julius Lester, the author of John Henry, explains in his book "Unlce Remus, The Complete Tales, "...the reader will notice a shifting from past to present tense in some stories. Black English does not make hard distinctions between past and present. Is something that happened in the past but is present in emotions, past or present? It is both, according to black people". I am not black but I get it, and totally agree.Mr. Lester writes that John Henry added onto his parents home an indoor swimming pool and a "jacutzis". But John Henry is a legend from 1929? How then could a jacuzzi be a part of the story? The reference to the "jacutzis", I found while reading to my grandhcildren, is simply wonderful, a little gift! It delighted the children as I read to them because children instantly feel the excitment of a swimming pool and "jacutzis". It does not matter that the story takes place in 1929 to a child. What matters is that the mention of a "jacutzis" instantly creates excitment in children and they relate to John Henry as a fun loving and caring son who gifted his parents with such gifts of love and appreciation. (It also serves as a cleaver writing tool, for older children).There are more cleaver examples of past and present emotions used in this wonderful story. But the real treat comes at the end when you read what matters most of all in life is "how well you do your living".The coupling of Julius Lester with Jerry Pinkney is a wonderful enticement to readers of all ages. It is impossible to turn the page without resting your eyes on each detail that Pinkney so unselfishly provides. His art is never ending. Pinkney has a true respect for children. He does not simply use one medium or repeated shapes. Pinkney illustrates with shadows, lines, several mediums and great passionate attention to detail. Pinkney deliberatly sets a trap to capture children in the love of reading. Before the rooster crows, buy this book. Uncle Remus: The Complete Tales

The story of John Henry fleshed out and made magical at the same time. The paintings are evocative watercolors, beautifully done. The language is an interesting mixture of puns and idioms. The story of John Henry is so compelling to my little boy that he resists reading the part where John dies because he just can't stand it. We have to skip over to the page where it explains that you can still hear the hammers ringing out if you listen in the night out front of the White House. He likes that. Odd and mystical. Recommended.

Our grandson loves this story. We actually live just over an hour's drive of Talcott, WV; home of the John Henry statue and the tunnel where John Henry raced the steam drill. Our grandchildren have always been interested in the story of John Henry and consider him to be a true American hero. There are many songs written and sung about him in our area. I was pleased to find this book, especially in hard-cover. Instead of cards (which most people do not keep), my husband and I give our grandchidren a book each year for their birthday and we write our message to them as well as the date and their age on the inside cover. This book was our grandson's "birthday card" or book, I should say; hopefully he will keep the book and be able to remember his birthdate and will always have the message from "Nanny & Poppy" inside.

This book looks and feels good should be in the family a long time

An incredible story with unforgettable illustrations. My mother used to read this to me when I was little and the image of John Henry with the rainbow over his shoulders never left me. Wonderful book.

I'm a music teacher, so I am constantly on the look out for books I can sing to my class. John Henry is a fantastic song of a great African-American hero. While the prose of Julius Lester sings, it isn't the lyrics to the song, so it didn't really meet my needs. It does however read aloud with majesty and grace. I am keeping it for my daughter to enjoy as a bedtime story.If you are looking for a book with gorgeous prose, this is a five-star book.If you are looking for a book you can sing, it won't help you, but the illustrations are so damned gorgeous that I can't help but give it four stars for this.

This is a really fun book. I purchased this for my 4 year old grandson for Christmas. In the past I have used these book while teaching about tall tales in Junior High. I was excited when my grandson showed interest in Paul Bunyan, John Henry, and Pecos Bill. These books are so fun I am excited to share them with him!

The book of John Henry was a very very interesting book