LSSL 5360: Module 2 -- Traditional Literature

Swamp Angel

By Anne Isaacs

1)    BIBLIOGRAPHY

Isaacs, A., & Zelinsky, P. O. (1994). SWAMP ANGEL. New York: Dutton Children’s Books.  ISBN 9780525452713

2)    PLOT SUMMARY

Swamp Angel is a tall tale about Angelica Longrider who became the greatest woodswoman in Tennessee.  Although when she was born no one would’ve predicted she would be known far and wide for saving the day countless times in Tennessee.  She received her nickname when she saved a wagon train from despair in Dejection Swamp.  Although Swamp Angel did her best to help those around her, there was a bear named Thundering Tarnation that was wreaking havoc and eating everything it came in contact with.  Soon there was a reward for killing the bear, and Swamp Angel was ready to take her turn in taking the bear down.  The bear was a tough opponent, they fought for days, but Swamp Angel ended up victorious.  Swamp Angel moved to Montana, took Tarnation’s pelt with her, but some say that you can still see the bear in the stars at night from when she threw him up in the sky. 

3)    CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Isaacs’ debut novel Swamp Angel immediately grabs your attention and has you enthralled in the tall tale.  Her use of figurative language with comparisons, exaggerations, and sound words has reader believing that there isn’t anything that Swamp Angel couldn’t do.  This would be a great book to read aloud when teaching figurative language, and then to have students identify where the author used figurative language.  Also, to take it a step further, ask students how the figurative language enhanced the writing.  Isaac weaves a beautiful tall tale, and her use of language makes it evident that the story is best told aloud.  Zelinsky’s illustrations bring Swamp Angel’s actions to life with grace and beauty.  His illustrations are done with an oil painting technique that makes the reader feel as if they are a part of the story.  When he illustrates Swamp Angel emerging from the mist the reader is drawn to the clearer image at the bottom right, which shows the contrast in light.  Swamp Angel is truly a book that draws you in on an epic journey of a tall tale!

4)    REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Publisher Weekly’s Review:  “Zelinsky's (Rumpelstiltskin) stunning American-primitive oil paintings, set against an unusual background of cherry, maple and birch veneers, frankly steal the show here. Their success, however, does not diminish the accomplishment of Isaacs, whose feisty tall tale marks an impressive picture-book debut.  This valiant heroine is certain to leave youngsters chuckling-and perhaps even keeping a close watch on the night sky.”  (Reviewed 8/29/1994)

Kirkus’ Review:  “It is impossible to convey the sheer pleasure, the exaggerated loopiness, of newcomer Isaacs's wonderful story. Matching the superb text stride for stride are Zelinsky's (The Wheels on the Bus, 1990) altered-state, American primitive paintings--gems that provide new pleasures, reading after reading. To say that you are entering Caldecott land doesn't begin to do this book justice.”  (Reviewed 5/20/2010)

5)    CONNECTIONS

v This book is great if you are teaching:

o   Figurative Language: Hyperbole, Alliteration, Simile, Metaphor, and Onomatopoeia.

o   Tall Tales

v Other similar stories:

Isaacs, Anne.  DUST DEVIL  ISBN 0375867228

Isaacs, Anne.  MEANWHILE, BACK AT THE RANCH  ISBN 0375867457

Kellogg, Steven.  PECOS BILL:  A TALL TALE  ISBN 0688140203

Kellogg, Steven.  PAUL BUNYAN, A TALL TALE  ISBN 0688058000