Title: Sody Sallyratus

Retold and Illustrated by:  Teri Sloat

Published by: Dutton Children’s Books, a division of Penguin USA

Copyright:  1997

ISBN: 0-525-45609-0

Awards:   

Reading Level:  K – 2

Summary:  No one heads the old woman’s advice to stay away from the berry patch, and the whole family winds up in quite a predicament.  They are rescued from the bear by the unlikeliest of characters, a biscuit loving squirrel!

This is a wildly funny Appalachian Mountain folktale retold by Teri Sloat.  The rhythm and language used by Sloat makes it so much fun to read aloud.  The beautiful, warm, autumnal illustrations are filled with amazing detail that helps to place the reader deep in the heart of the mountains.  Children will enjoy this funny, energetic tale!  At the back of the book you will find interesting facts about baking soda and a recipe for the old woman’s bakin’ soda biscuits.

Activity Suggestions: 

Read other folktales from the book, Twenty Tellable Tales by Margaret MacDonald.  These are audience participation folktales for the beginning story teller. 

Make the bakin’ soda biscuits from the recipe in the back of the book.  Eat ‘em while they’re still warm!

Make a baking soda rocket out of an old film canister.  Fill with two tsp. vinegar and one tsp. baking soda.  Place lid on canister, set on a flat surface, and watch it explode!   This is an outdoor activity!