Kind Blanche, following the instructions of an old witch, gains riches while her greedy sister makes fun of the old woman and is duly rewarded. A Creole folktale spread through the American South.
Julius Lester's retelling of "John Henry" has been praised for its lyrical prose and its ability to resonate with readers of all ages. The combination of Lester's storytelling and Pinkney's illustrations has made the book a popular choice for both educational purposes and leisure reading.