The People Could Fly: The Picture Book facts for kids
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| Author | Virginia Hamilton |
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| Illustrator | Leo and Diane Dillon |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Subject | Children's literature, Picture book, Slavery in the United States, Folklore |
| Published | 2004 (Knopf) |
| Media type | Print (hardback, paperback) |
| Pages | 32 (unpaginated) |
| ISBN | 9780375824050 |
| OCLC | 859073829 |
The People Could Fly: The Picture Book is a special book from 2004. It was written by Virginia Hamilton and beautifully illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon. This book shares a powerful folktale about a group of African-American slaves. They use old magic to escape their difficult lives by flying away to freedom. This picture book is a new version of the main story from Hamilton's earlier 1985 book, The People Could Fly: American Black Folktales.
Contents
Discovering the Story: What is it About?
This book tells a magical story passed down through generations. It is about people who were enslaved and worked hard in the fields. They faced many challenges and longed for freedom.
The Power of Old Magic: How Do They Fly?
In the story, some of the enslaved people remember an old secret. They remember how to fly! This magic was given to their ancestors long ago. A wise, older man named Toby helps them remember the words and movements. He helps them unlock this forgotten power.
A Journey to Freedom: Where Do They Go?
When the time is right, Toby whispers the magic words. The people who can fly begin to rise into the air. They leave behind their hard lives and fly away to a place of freedom. The story shows how hope and belief can help people overcome great difficulties.
The Creative Minds Behind the Book
This amazing book was created by a talented team. The words were written by a famous author. The pictures were drawn by two award-winning artists.
Virginia Hamilton: The Storyteller
Virginia Hamilton (1936–2002) was a very important American writer. She wrote many books for children and young adults. Her stories often explored African-American history, culture, and folklore. She won many awards for her work, including the Newbery Medal and the Hans Christian Andersen Award. She was known for bringing traditional tales to new readers.
Leo and Diane Dillon: The Illustrators
Leo and Diane Dillon were a husband-and-wife team of illustrators. They were famous for their unique and beautiful artwork. They won the Caldecott Medal twice for their picture books. Their illustrations for The People Could Fly bring the magic and emotion of the story to life. They use vibrant colors and detailed images to show the characters and their journey.
Why This Story Matters: Its Important Message
The People Could Fly is more than just a magical tale. It carries deep meanings and important lessons. It is a story of hope, resilience, and the power of imagination.
Understanding Folktales: Stories from the Past
A folktale is a story that has been passed down by word of mouth for many years. These stories often teach lessons or explain things about the world. They can also be a way for people to share their history and feelings. This particular folktale shows how enslaved people used stories to find strength and hope. It gave them a way to dream of freedom, even when it seemed impossible.
A Message of Hope: Never Give Up
The story reminds us that even in the darkest times, people can find ways to resist and hope for a better future. It celebrates the human spirit and the desire for freedom. It teaches young readers about a difficult part of history in a way that focuses on strength and triumph.
