Carrimebac
The Town That Walked
by David Barclay Moore
illustrated by John Holyfield
Candlewick Press, 2022. 40 pages.
Review written May 25, 2022, from a library book
Starred Review
The flap of this picture book calls it an “original folk tale,” and I’m not sure if technically one person can make up a folk tale, but that’s the feeling this book gives, whether or not you bog down on the technicality.
This is the story of how a town of African Americans outwitted the “Fearful Folks” (who wear white hoods and carry torches) back in 1876.
And it’s all about a 100-year-old lady, Rootilla Redgums, and her peculiar grandson.
Rootilla brought magic to the town.
She taught them to weave rugs that never wore down, to fire or bake ceramic jugs that never emptied of sarsaparilla, and to carve wooden walking sticks that somehow never got you lost in the woods.
But the Fearful Folks who lived around the town believed the Blacks who lived there practiced magic.
Rootilla always used to say that she wasn’t magic.
But the things she made were . . .
The first night the Fearful Folks decided to attack, Rootilla thwarted them, turning their torches into cornstalks. But they were planning to come back, and that next morning, on her 100th birthday, Rootilla passed away. She asked her ten-year-old grandson to carry her back to where she came from.
The way he answered that request makes a tale where the whole town escapes — and now there’s a lake in its place, named Carrimebac in memory of the folks who lived there before.
This magical and folksy tale is delightful fun. It’s always good to hear a story about humble people victorious over those who want to oppress them. The beautifully painted illustrations add to the warm feelings the book brings.
davidbarclaymoore.com
johnholyfield.com
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Disclaimer: I am a professional librarian, but the views expressed are solely my own, and in no way represent the official views of my employer or of any committee or group of which I am part.
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