Bryan gives a joyous performance of his work on this recording of some of his favorite African tales. Adapted from the picture book Beautiful Blackbird
and the collection Ashley Bryan's African Tales, Uh Huh,
this project capitalizes on all the author's storytelling strengths. Throughout, Bryan delivers words that bounce with the music and rhythm of poetry. His enthusiasm and emphasis on certain passages will quickly captivate young listeners, and the selections here serve as a fine introduction to this genre of literature. On the title track, Blackbird appreciates inner beauty as well as pretty plumage. In "Tortoise, Hare, and the Sweet Potatoes," Tortoise tricks Hare out of some good food. Simple humor, sound effects, rhyming and wordplay give the proceedings a consistent air of fun. Bryan clearly delights in taking on several animal voices, giving his snakes hissing "s's" and a slow-speaking, deep-voiced Tortoise, two examples of the reading's highlights. Ages 4-9. (Jan.)
