Swamp Angel by Anne Isaacs Illustrated by Paul Zelinsky

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Bibliography


Isaacs, Anne, 1994. SWAMP ANGEL. Ill by Paul Zelinsky. NewYork, NY: Dutton Children's Books. ISBN 0140559086 


Plot Summary 


Angelica Longrider was her name and she was taller than usual babies. Angelica was only two year old when she had built her first log cabin. When Angelica was full grown she was doing wonders that many could not do. For instance, when wagons were stuck in the swamps Angelica pulled them out like if they were twigs. Pioneers called her an angel and since that day Angelica was known as Swamp Angel. One summer in Tennessee there was a bear known as Thundering Tarnation who was causing trouble to the settlers. Thundering Tarnation was quick, sneaky, and had thick fur that made it difficult for hunters to get rid of him. The settlers wanted him gone so they sent out word that a competition would be held to kill him and the winner would win Tarnation’s pelt. 

There was a line of men waiting to sign up for the competition and along came Swamp Angel. She was received with rude comments and men quickly underestimating her. Tarnation made fools of the men, but he met his match with Swamp Angel. Tarnation and Swamp Angel wrestled through the land drinking up lakes and creating the Great Smokey Mountains. They fought till they fell asleep, but their snores were so strong that they brought down trees. One of the trees that Swamp Angel brought down with her snore fell right on top of Thundering Tarnation and killed him. That night there was a huge celebration in the State of Tennessee on behalf of Swamp Angel. Swamp Angel moved to Montana where she spread the pelt she had won, most people today refer to it as the Shortgrass Prairie. 


Critical Analysis


Anne Isaac’s story of a woman heroine is delightful in both text and illustrations. The story demonstrates a strong female lead that can handle anything that crosses her path and is willing to lend a helping hand. In this Americanism tall-tale one is drawn by the marvelous picturesque illustrations of Swamp Angel fighting Thundering Tarnation all over Tennessee.  This fictional story gives a children a humorous explanation to landscapes such as the Great Smokey Mountains. The story takes place during older times in Tennessee. Isaac uses darker colors, but pictures are full of exaggerating emotions and events. The book’s illustrations credits the history, landscapes, and culture of Tennessee.


Review Excerpts  


  • A Caldecott Honor Book
  • An ALA Notable Book
  • A Time magazine Best Book of the Year
  • A New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book of the Year
  • A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
  • PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “This valiant heroine is certain to leave youngsters chuckling-and perhaps even keeping a close watch on the night sky.”
  • KIRKUS REVIEW: “It is impossible to convey the sheer pleasure, the exaggerated loopiness, of newcomer Isaacs's wonderful story.”



Connections


For those little girls out there to show them that they can do anything they set their mind to. Wonderful story that demonstrates that no one should be underestimated. Story with a main female character that displays how a hero can come in all forms and the importance of doing good deeds. Story reminds readers that good will always triumph over evil. Other books with similar message: 


Bruchac, Joseph. Turtle's Race with Beaver. ISBN 0803728522

Hamilton, Virginia. The Girl Who Spun Gold. ISBN 0590473786


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