Sweet Land of Story - Paperback

by Pleasant DeSpain (Author)

NCSS/CBC Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies

This unique collection of American stories from the frozen tundra of Alaska to the lush green hills of Virginia; from the sweltering bayous of Louisiana to the windswept prairies of South Dakota is told in DeSpain's signature gentle style. Every reader will find something of interest - the stories range from practical tales of wisdom such as "Pulling the Rope" to silly and scary ones such as "The Haint that Roared" and "The Big, Smelly, Hairy Toe."

The stories' represent not only the geographic diversity of the United States but also offer a portrait of our nation's character, values, beliefs, and customs that differ from region to region yet retain a fundamental sense of shared community. These American folktales will teach readers the importance of fairness, responsibility and trustworthiness.

Back Jacket

The American experience in stories that young and old love to tell

In the introduction to his latest August House collection, Pleasant DeSpain writes, "Working as a professional storyteller, I travel in every state in this country, and I have found stories worth hearing and telling again in each". Sweet Land of Story shows the proof is in the pudding with a compilation of stories from every part of the nation -- from the frozen tundra of Alaska to the lush green hills of Virginia; from the sweltering bayous of Louisiana to the windswept prairie of South Dakota.

Each story is told in DeSpain's signature gentle, simple style, ensuring this collection's roles as a handy classroom tool and an "on-my-own" read for children in upper elementary and middle grades. Every child will surely find something of interest -- the stories range from practical and wise ones such as "Old Joe and the Carpenter" and "Pulling the Rope" to silly and scary ones such as "The Haint that Roard" and "The Big, Smelly, Hairy Toe". According to the author, the stories' variety represents not only the diversity of the United States, but "a storyteller's portrait of our nation's character".

Sweet Land of Story embodies almost thirty years' worth of traveling, telling, and -- just as importantly -- listening for Despain. Each story is a microcosm of American culture: our various values, beliefs, and customs that differ from region to region yet retain a fundamental allegiance to the importance of passing that culture on through story. "After all", DeSpain writes, "it's our stories that tell us who we are".

Author Biography

Pleasant DeSpain Bio:

Pleasant DeSpain has a most unusual but true name and an equally unusual but true profession - writer and storyteller. He travels the world collecting, researching, writing and retelling traditional tales from native cultures. Born in Colorado, he wrote his first original story at age eight. It was published as "The Mystery Artist" in 1996.

Pleasant taught speech-literature-drama for six years at three universities, and wrote-produced-hosted an award-winning TV show called "Pleasant Journeys" on KING TV, Seattle. Now, the author of eighteen award-winning, multicultural story collections and picture books, published by August House, has a home in Troy, NY and frequently travels to spend extended periods of time in Thailand. Pleasant continues to travel the world having amazing adventures. While living in Thailand he has continued to collect more stories and is working on a new book.