Liza Lou and the Yeller Belly Swamp

I just bought this book. It was the book I checked out most from the library as a child. I couldn't articulate why at that age. It's a sort of Little Red Riding Hood scenario, but the little girl is outsmarting monsters. She's so clever. The humor is great in how she deals with the monsters. I will say a few of the monsters were a bit scary for me when I was little but that made it all the more great when Liza Lou WASN'T afraid and tricks each of them. It's just a fun, empowering book for children to see such a confident young character. Did I mention the illustrations are beautiful?

This is my favorite childrens' book because it is about a teeny little Black girl living in a swamp who meets all kinds of weird and scary creatures and outwits them all! Every day she starts out with different a request from her momma, never doubts herself, takes off, meets obstacles, and ends up fulfilling her momma's request. The illustrations are wonderful! This story is about goal-setting, fearlessness, staying focused, using your brains instead of brawn and enjoying the fruits of victory. WHAT MORE COULD YOU ASK?!

As a child, this was the my favorite book. When I was a child, I had a xerox copy of the book, now as an adult I'm buying the book for my library collection.A Must Read!!! for any age...

This is one of those books that makes you glad you're a girl! However, that's not to say that boys can't get a kick out of it too. Liza Lou is a strong and intelligent little girl. She's a good role model for little girls everywhere. I'm always looking for books that will make my little girls feel strong, and this is definitely high on the list. The best thing about it, is that it's just as enjoyable for adults as it is for kids. The imagination in the story telling is wonderful and humorous. And Mercer Mayer's illustrations are, as usual, outstanding!

I still read this book...the past 20 years have not tarnished its class and charm...it is given to every new child that enters my life....it is not one to be missed....Lizzy Lou is so saavy and brave this book shall inspire children for years to come...

This "oldie but goodie" shows how a brave and clever little girl outwits some pretty scary bad guys who inhabit the Yeller Belly Swamp. It's great fun to read with children and help them find the similarities to Red Ridinghood, Three Billy-Goats Gruff and the Uncle Remus stories. I'm glad it's still in print!