The Tales of Uncle Remus / Сказки дядюшки Римуса. Книга для чтения на английском языке

” He has preserved the story lines, the wit, the humor – all of the attributes which have made the stories so much a part of my life – while making them accessible to readers. It is interesting to read the foreword to this collection, preferably before reading the stories. Much research and personal feeling have been distilled into a concise, historical, and chronological explanation of the Uncle Remus stories. This foreword is invaluable to the appreciation of the tales.

I can not emphasize enough the importance of telling the stories.

As you listen to yourself the rhythm and melodic language of Lester’s telling will come forth[4 - will come forth – (разг.) проявится в полной мере]. The contemporary approach to some of the stories brings them into today’s lifestyle. They fit into the traditional and bring a modern humor to the stories. They must be told and I look forward to sharing them with children.

В В В В Augusta, Baker

В В В В Columbia, South Carolina, August 1985

Augusta Baker is former Coordinator of Children’s Services of The New York Public Library and Storyteller-in-Residence at the University of South Carolina.

How the Animals Came to Earth

Most folks don’t know it, but the animals didn’t always live on earth. Way back before “In the beginning” and “Once upon a time,” they lived next door to the Moon. They’d probably still be there if Brer Rabbit and Sister Moon hadn’t started squabbling with one another like they were married[5 - like they were married – (разг.

) как будто они давно женаты]. The way it come about was like this:

The animals liked to sit out in their yards every evening and look at Sister Moon. They thought she was just about the prettiest thing they’d ever seen, and Sister Moon never argued with them. Well, the animals started noticing that she was losing weight. To tell the truth, she was looking downright puny, like she had gone on a cottage cheese diet.

Brer Rabbit decided to climb over the fence to find out what was going on.

“What’s the matter, Sister Moon? I don’t mean to hurt your feelings or nothing like that, but you look po’ as Job’s turkey.”

Sister Moon said, “I ain’t been feeling like myself of late.”

“Is there anything I can do to help you?”

“Thank you, Brer Rabbit, but I don’t believe you the man to do what I need doing.”

Brer Rabbit was insulted.