Combining traditional Appalachian folktale plots with a
contemporary sensibility, writer and storyteller Anne Shelby
creates fourteen lively, original stories of a funny, magical, yet
familiar world.
Many of the stories feature a girl named Molly Whuppie, who is
clever, brave, and strong. Encountering witches, giants, an ogre
who refuses to do housework, unwanted boyfriends, and all manner of
conundrums, Molly manages to outwit them all with a potent
combination of nerve, trickery, and plain luck. Also appearing in
the stories are Molly's sisters Polly and Betts, the famous
Appalachian hero Jack (Molly saves him a few times), and three
cornbread-baking mice.
These delightful and often surprising stories are sure to appeal to
readers and listeners of all ages who enjoy an adventurous tale
well told.