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Bruh Rabbit and the Tar Baby Girl facts for kids

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Bruh Rabbit and the Tar Baby Girl
Bruh Rabbit and the Tar Baby Girl.jpg
Author Virginia Hamilton
Illustrator James Ransome
Country United States
Language English
Subject Children's literature, picture book, folklore
Published 2003 (Blue Sky Press)
Media type Print (hardback, paperback)
Pages 32 (unpaginated)
ISBN 9780590473767
OCLC 50859107

Bruh Rabbit and the Tar Baby Girl is a picture book from 2003. It was written by Virginia Hamilton and illustrated by James Ransome. This book retells a classic story about Bruh Rabbit and how he outsmarts Bruh Wolf. What makes this version special is that Virginia Hamilton wrote it using the Gullah dialect.

About the Book

Bruh Rabbit and the Tar Baby Girl brings an old folktale to life for new readers. It's a fun story that teaches lessons about being clever and dealing with tricky situations. The book is known for its beautiful illustrations and its unique use of the Gullah language.

The Story of Bruh Rabbit

The main character is Bruh Rabbit, a very clever animal. He often finds himself in trouble or wanting something he shouldn't have. In this story, Bruh Rabbit is very hungry and wants to eat from Bruh Wolf's garden. Bruh Wolf is tired of Bruh Rabbit stealing his food.

To stop Bruh Rabbit, Bruh Wolf creates a trap: a doll made of tar, called a "Tar Baby." When Bruh Rabbit tries to talk to the Tar Baby and it doesn't answer, he gets angry. He hits and kicks the Tar Baby, getting stuck in the sticky tar. Bruh Wolf then catches Bruh Rabbit. But Bruh Rabbit, being very smart, finds a way to trick Bruh Wolf into letting him go. He convinces Bruh Wolf that the worst thing he could do is throw him into the briar patch. Of course, Bruh Rabbit loves the briar patch, and that's how he escapes!

Who are the Characters?

  • Bruh Rabbit: He is the main character. Bruh Rabbit is known for being very smart and tricky. He often uses his wits to get out of difficult situations.
  • Bruh Wolf: He is the trickster's opponent. Bruh Wolf tries to catch Bruh Rabbit, but he often falls for Bruh Rabbit's clever plans.
  • The Tar Baby: This is a doll made of tar. It's a silent trap created by Bruh Wolf to catch Bruh Rabbit.

The Gullah Language

One special thing about this book is that it's written in the Gullah dialect. Gullah is a unique language spoken by the Gullah people. They are descendants of enslaved Africans who live in the Lowcountry region of the United States. This area includes coastal South Carolina and Georgia, and the Sea Islands.

The Gullah language is a mix of English and various West African languages. It has its own special sounds and words. Using the Gullah dialect in the book helps to keep this important part of American culture alive. It also gives readers a taste of how stories were traditionally told in Gullah communities.

About the Author: Virginia Hamilton

Virginia Hamilton (1936–2002) was a very famous American author. She wrote more than 40 books for children and young adults. Many of her stories were inspired by African American folklore, history, and culture. She won many awards for her writing. These awards include the Newbery Medal, the Coretta Scott King Award, and the Hans Christian Andersen Award. She was the first African American author to win the Newbery Medal. Her books are loved for their rich language and powerful stories.

About the Illustrator: James Ransome

James Ransome is a talented American illustrator of children's books. He is known for his beautiful and expressive artwork. His illustrations often use warm colors and show strong emotions. He has illustrated many books, and his work has won several awards. These include the Coretta Scott King Award for Illustration. His pictures in Bruh Rabbit and the Tar Baby Girl help bring the characters and the story to life.

Why This Story Matters

The story of Bruh Rabbit and the Tar Baby is an old folktale. It has been told in many cultures around the world. It often teaches lessons about how cleverness can overcome strength. It also shows that sometimes, the smallest or weakest character can be the smartest. This book helps to share these important stories with a new generation. It also celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Gullah people.

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