Wiley and the Hairy Man: Ready-To-Read Level 2

One of the best retellings of this classic African-American tale, where little Wiley, with the help of his mother, outsmarts a conjure man who wants to eat him!

The only reason I give this book 4 stars instead of 5 is because the quality of the illustration reproduction could be higher (the illustrations being excellent in themselves). If you have ever lived in the deep south, you may have experienced some feeling of magic in the air, some feeling of ancient strength or knowledge that is just beyond the bayou. Molly Bang has tapped into this with a powerful mythical story of survival within the mojo filled natural world. (similar in flavor to the Grey Lady and the Strawberry Snatcher). She has also told the tale of a very strong woman and child who overcome a force (the Hairy Man) who threatens them. We have two children, age 2.5 and 9 who both enjoy this story.