Tale of Willie Monroe

by Alan Schroeder, Andrew Glass (Illustrations)

An adaptation, set in the American South, of an old Japanese folktale tells the story of a powerful wrestler who hopes to win the Emperor's Wrestling Match and encounters three exceptionally strong women who train him for success.

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 22, 1999

Reviews

[Arlene Hayman · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘The Tale of Willie Monroe’ is a juvenile children’s picture book, which is of the tall tale genre. It is about a young man named Willie Monroe who meets a wispy girl named Delilah and her ninety-nine year old grandmother who can out muscle him with their physical prowess. Delilah’s grandmother can even carry a horse single-handedly on her shoulders! Willie stays with Delilah and her grandmother for a short time to ‘toughen up’ and to develop his strength, training to eventually enter a contest of strength in Carolina. Written in the vernacular of the South, this story is an excellent example of a tall tale. The humorous illustrations are colorful and charming, and the story, while seeming quite contrived, is nevertheless, endearing and pleasant.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 5 out of 5]

American tall tale retelling of a Japanese folktale.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really charming book. You really have to read this with a southern accent. My children aren't used to that and so they were enthralled. Great fun!