Sparks Fly High: The Legend of Dancing Point

by Mary Quattlebaum, Leonid Gore (Illustrator)

Colonel Lightfoot is never modest, especially when it comes to his dancing or his fine Virginia land. One piece of that land is turning to mud, and the devil himself is rumored to live in that murky mess, for on dark nights sparks fly high. How to put an end to the devil's mischief? Why, a dance contest with the fiery fiend himself. The colonel bristles with confidence, but the devil is equally sure of himself, until, recognizing his own false pride in the devil's boasts, the colonel discovers the perfect way to outsmart him.

Witty, expressive illustrations aglow with color bring to life a Colonial American tale that sizzles and snaps with humor and folk wisdom.

Genres: Picture Books, Folklore, Historical Fiction, Childrens, Humor

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's like The Devil Went Down to Georgia, only with dancing instead of fiddling. I liked the Colonial setting, and the gorgeous, fiery artwork by Leonid Gore.

[Tami · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great example of American folklore that takes its place with tales like The Devil and Daniel Webster.

This one even goes a step beyond, as Colonel Lightfoot not only defeats the devil resulting in the salvation of Virginia's land, but also gains important insight into himself a la Ebenezer Scrooge. His contest with the Devil makes him a better person in his everyday life.

This is a great read-aloud for classrooms studying folklore, Americana--or young students who need a reminder about the downside of bragging.

[Samantha Penrose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love when lore is spun not only to encourage or dissuade certain wanted or unwanted behaviours, but to explain bizarre natural phenomenon!
This is a fun book and despite the devil being a character, is appropriate for a wide age group! (3-8 maybe?) (It involves a dance contest between a boastful man and the devil. The man comes to realize how unbecoming his behaviour has been when he sees the very same characteristics in the devil and uses the hubris against him.)

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellant piece of folklore that was entirely readable and fun to boot. The illustrations conveyed as much about the period of the story as the plot. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Annburnett · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is a dance contest with the devil that leaves a fertile plowing land behind.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting story with excellent illustrations

[Edward · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was incredibly cute and I learned an American folk tale at the same time, Hell Yeah!! Glad I spotted it, the art is great too!!

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

An old Virginia tale sensitively retold by Mary Quattlebaum and illustrated with a light touch by Leonid Gore. Charming.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well told adaptation of a traditional legend. Includes author's note. A little simple, though. And I didn't care for the art, personally.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an entertaining story about a dance contest between Colonel Lightfoot and the devil, based on a Virginia legend. The narrative is fun to read aloud and the story is based on an actual person who lived in Colonial times and was the ancestor to Robert E. Lee.

The illustrations convey the formality and majesty of the English colonists and the determination of the dueling dancers. We really enjoyed reading this book together and I really appreciated the author's note at the end of the story that explained the books that inspired this one.

[Bottom Shelf Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

http://bottomshelfbooks.blogspot.com/...

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

the devil and a colonel dance for land

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A folklore about the fertile lands in Virginia.

[Damore]

Fabulous legend from Virginia that had the kids laughing.