When Birds Could Talk And Bats Could Sing

by Virginia Hamilton, Barry Moser (Illustrator)

Based on African-American folktales told in the South during the plantation era, a collection of stories originally gathered by journalist Martha Young pays tribute to the human spirit in the face of terrible hardship.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Nature, Birds, Fiction, African American, Fairy Tales

72 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1996

About the author

Virginia Esther Hamilton was the author of forty-one works of fiction and nonfiction. She was the first Black writer awarded the Newbery Medal and the first children's writer to be named a MacArthur Fellow (the "Genius" grant). She also received the National Book Award and the Hans Christian Andersen Medal.

Reviews

[Art · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a certain cadence to these stories, especially when reading them outloud. And these are exactly the sort of stories that you must read outloud if you are going to read them at all. The cadence might be unfamiliar to you of you are not from the Southern United states. So I recommend taking your time with these stories. Read them slowly and deliberately. Read them with pauses between the phrases. Read them with emphatic inflections at the end of the sentences. To get the mood right for telling these stories, you may need to draw on your fondest memories of walking in a field or sitting on a porch in the summer. The stories are that kind of relaxed, even when they are a little scary or sad. There's a moral at the end of each chapter. I guarantee that if the child is old enough to sit for the entire telling, and if they were listening at all, they will understand the moral right away and they will know how the animals and people relate to their own lives and they will remember it.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

wonderful book of american slave folktales.

two of the stories explain why bats are such ugly critters.

the story "Cardinal and Bruh Deer" has a bit of a nasty moral at the end, "don't change anything about you when you are far from home; that is, if you want a welcome when you get back." Deer has been shot, his face covered in blood, Cardinal, a grey feathered bird stops and cleans the blood off Deer's face permanently changing his feathers red. Cardinal flies home, his wife doesn't recognize him, a chase straight out of a marvel comic ensues w/wife fleeing the strange bird and Cardinal trying to convince her of his identity. finally night falls both birds are tired and stop at a pond and wife recognizes his voice. the only way the wife would have recognized her husband was if Cardinal didn't stop to aid Deer, "pass up those in need because it will cost you" is a lousy moral. so the one sentence cost the book a star, would have rated it 4.8 stars if i could.

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Birds Could Talk And Bats Could Sing by Virginia Hamilton and illustrated by Barry Moser (1996).

"Way far back, when birds could talk and bats could sing, feathered folks just naturally fussed and squabbled among themselves. They were full of pride and foolishness, same as human folks are now - and they were just as full of fun and cleverness." From the front jacket.

My favorites are "Blue Jay and Swallow Take The Heat" about how people got fire, "Bruh Buzzard and Fair Maid" although it made me sad, and "Hummingbird and Little Breeze" because of my joy in hummingbirds.

All are good stories to read with little ones.

Grades: 2-5
Lexile Measure: 620L

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book delighted me with its unknown stories and quirky endings. I was also quite taken with its colorful illustrations. Looking like Audubon creations, only with hats, cigars and other anthropomorphic touches, each bird is distinct in its representation and they all play their parts in the various stories. The ones about poor Bat giving up its brilliant feathers and beautiful singing voice to become the dull creature it is today are particularly cutting.

Humans make their appearance, too, in the form of Alcee Lingo, a small boy who’s a bit of a rascal but more of a regular human just trying to make his way in the world. But it’s the birds and bats who take the attention for they are cunning or stupid, sly or innocent, helpful or hindering—just like human beings.

If you’re looking for different kinds of folktales, these cante fables are just the ticket. They are meant to be read and read aloud, so they will appeal to young children.

[SmokingMirror · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations are wonderful and the stories are well told, though most endings are telegraphed. The morals are reminiscent of those in Harold Courlander's African collections, which is not to stand out from the rest or assert yourself beyond your station, a rather disheartening message; the other side of the unrealistic: you can be anything you want, and if you're not celebrated, you're a loser. The middle way seems most attractive, though the point is that the stories in this book give a depiction of how some people in the 19th century looked at the world.

[Lindsay Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet set of stories inspired by folktales told by slaves. The illustrations are beautiful and expressive watercolors of birds (and other animals) with attitude. The stories are traditional tales of mischief and arrogance and all end with a lesson.

[Beverly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charming but forgetable African-American folk tales about birds and other flying animals from slavery times. They are retold in a light black dialect that is slightly distracting, but adds liveliness to the stories. Nicely illustrated with full page watercolors.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book! A must read. My son Andres' favorite story is how the cardinal became red. (OK, I'm gonna give it away..a deer gets shot and the cardinal cleans him up..get it? Now he is red!

[Marisa]

I collection of stories from the time when birds could talk and bats could sing. Each story has a moral for it, and the stories keep my 4 year old entertained.

[Lisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

BEAUTIFUL illustrations even though I didn't like the fables.

[Melissa Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the stories and the illustrations are delightful. Great for story time with children or reading aloud for pleasure.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Completely interesting.

[Sara Mayse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute folktales starring birds. A gives it five stars.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great stories; wonderful illustrations.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This traditional anthology of African-American folk tales from the South captivates readers with tales warning of the pitfalls of vanity and pugnacity and reminding readers of all ages to be grateful to those who help them. This would be a wonderful addition to a unit on folk tales.

[James Greening · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful children's book through and through - the vernacular is spot on and makes it unique; the lessons at the end of each story are exactly what I expect in children's stories; and the illustrations are brilliant! Cannot recommend this book enough.

[Spencer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gift from Harper's grandmother