Book Description
The jolly and exciting tale of the little boy who lost his red coat and his blue trousers and his purple shoes but who was saved from the tigers to eat 169 pancakes for his supper, has been universally loved by generations of children. First written in 1899, the story has become a childhood classic and the authorized American edition with the original drawings by the author has sold hundreds of thousands of copies.

Little Black Sambo is a book that speaks the common language of all nations, and has added more to the joy of little children than perhaps any other story. They love to hear it again and again; to read it to themselves; to act it out in their play. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (47)

childhood storybook
I love this story and am sad it was taken out of bookstores. I am Black but of a mix of races. My mom read this story to me when I was growing up. I could not find it when my own son was growing up. I believe that some Black people find it offensive but I don't. I ordered it so the chilren in my family can read it for generations to come. It tells a story.

Little Black Sambo
I loved this story when I was little and am delighted to share it once again with my grandchildren.It is an adorable story of an adorable and smart little boy!I think it is sad that it had to become a racial issue here in the USA because it is a story from India.The other story about India that our grandchildren love is the little video of Rikki Tikki.

little black sambo
check book dimensions. I was surprised at the size. My mother read this book as a child and has always wanted a copy. I knew of the controversy but had never seen the book myself. After buying it I was eager to see what the fuss was about. I don't get! Apparently it is the pictures which were not done buy a professional(in 1899). As for the name sambo, it was turned into a slur by some bigot and probably would have happened with any name chosen. I'm sure many will be offended when I say "get over it" you brought more attention to this "offense" than it ever would have gotten otherwise. EVERYONE has had an unflattering portrayal at sometime. Let it go. I thought it was a cute story.

Review of book purchase.
I was very pleased with my purchase - prompt and efficient service, reasonable price.I was a little surprised that the book was "mini" size and wished that had been indicated; but I liked it nevertheless.I would definitely purchase again.

Important historically, but not delightful
To me, it is not a matter of being offended or not. But if you can read this without any discomfort you need to review your history. Of course kids can like it, but they like throwing rocks at ducks too. What is disturbing to me is how anyone can be nostalgic for a colonial past. Sambo is very lovable, but that is the point. It paid to maintain that the 'primitive' races were childlike, endearingly innocent. This idea of a paternalistic love actually supported Western dominance. They were the 'white man's burden,' permanently in childlike relation to the West, incapable of self rule or living in a modern world. In exchange for being guided to civilization, their natural resources could be had for the superior races. The childlike, innocent native is cut from the same cloth as the threatening cannibal, or the easily scared servant, or the lazy slave. All of these stories came out of that system of beliefs. This is not an Indian folk tale, however clever and tricky Sambo is. This is not, as one reviewer writes, "A loving attempt to reach across the racial divide."The historical record contradicts this reading. Read just a line or two from the official reports written by colonial administrators like Helen Bannerman's husband. This kind of nostalgia erases the history of colonial rule. Maintaining divisions between a ruling class (British) and a subaltern class (colonial subjects) was the whole point of colonialism, of which this tale is a product.You and your children may find this character cute and cuddly, but stop and think about that. So are puppies. It is quite possible to love your mammy or your servant, just as you love your dog. (The mother in this tale is a direct relation of Aunt Jemima and her pancake mix, introduced at the Chicago World's Fair just two years previously) Exactly WHO is nostalgic for this past? I understand how remembering black slaves and coolies as 'happy darkies' is a lot less painful than actually remembering the truth. This was not a simpler time but one in which brutal subordination of a people was sanctioned by the state. If you miss that 'simpler time' I hope you don't live next door to me. My children would not be safe. ... Read more

Book Description
The classic story by Helen Banner man of a young Indian boy who meets up with a tiger and turns him into butter. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Little Black Sambo
The illustrations in this book are disappointing!They really depict Little Black Sambo, his mother and dad in a oid-timey "black," derogatory way.Given the opportunity, I would not purchase this book again.

"The White Man's Burden"
This is not, as one reviewer writes, "A loving attempt to reach across the racial divide."Unfortunately the historical record contradicts this reading, and this kind of nostalgia for a 'simpler time' erases the history of colonial rule. Maintaining divisions between a ruling class (British) and a subaltern class (colonial subjects) was the whole point of colonialism. The story of a cute native is part and parcel of the same ideology that produces the story of the threatening savage, or the easily scared native. Even if he is clever. This idea supported Western dominance. Youmay find this character cute and cuddly, but stop and think about that. So are puppies. It paid to maintain that the 'primitive' races were refreshingly childlike, endearingly innocent, incapable of self rule or living in a modern world. They were the 'white man's burden,' and their natural resources could be had for the superior races. You would see this more clearly if you had a look at any of the official papers written by colonial administrators like Helen Bannerman's husband. All of these stories came out of that system of beliefs. Exactly WHO is nostalgic for this past? Certainly not Black and Brown descendants of a conquered people. This was not a simpler time but one in which brutal subordination of a people was sanctioned by the state. If you miss that 'simpler time' I hope you don't live next door to me. My children would not be safe.

Black Sambo lives forever
This is the best book my parents have ever read to me. I lauged when asked if black peoples lips are really that big. They told me yes but that Maxine Waters has the biggest. Well i don't know who he is but i think the writer meant to say waffles instead of pancakes at the end. Oh and the father didn't drink malt liquer so that's why i think this isn't a true story.

A Wonderful Story of a Loving Family
Bannerman, a white Scot living in India, wrote a children's fantasy about a young Black boy and his loving family. Negative attacks of this work reveal people who use the material as mirrors to guilty souls that live in irrational fear. Their solution to handle this state is empty appeasement and shallow references to stereotypical Black history. This ignores the rich heritage of "unpopularized" Black cultural artifacts. Authors of one race can write about characters of another without being racist. Racist symbols are picked from many non racist sources. The racist use of the word "Sambo" and the similarity of the illistrations to "Blackface" style is after the fact and unfortunate. The book "The Story of Little Black Sambo" is really a loving attempt to reach across a racial divide and can be used in a positive way today.

Racism starts in young
Whether Sambo is African, African American, or Indian, he still represents a colonized or enslaved people who are nearly always identified as childlike and ignorant. This was true for the Indians who were colonized by the British, the Africans enslaved by Europeans, and African Americans enslaved and held down by structural racism in America. And they continue to be portrayed like this main character. The problem with this book is that the racism is masked within a child's story, and is therefore entertaining. For those of you who don't see the harm in it, imagine reading a white counterpart in this story. What if the character were Polish? How would your reaction be different? It is perhaps easier now to see then that this story may be hurtful to some people? Other white counterparts of Sambo include the invariably inebriated Irishman or Scotsman, the ever questioning and unintelligent Swede, or the ever mob-affiliated Italian--all of which are extraordinarily offensive, though they have been lodged within various forms of entertainment for years such as movies and jokes. The fact that sometimes this book sells off the shelves is no surprise because most people don't understand the racial significance of this book and don't care to know (as seen in such reviews celebrating the greatness of this book). The privilege of calling ones preferences "not racist" comes with scrutinizing every aspect of things we like, and rooting out anything that is even in the slightest bit racist. If for you this book is a great book devoid of racism, well, you might want to think twice about thinking yourself as a progressive, unbiased person when it comes to race. If you're reading this book for any reason, it should be coupled with a class on racist ideology and how American culture is infused with it in the shape of seemingly benign forms of advertising and entertainment (i.e. Dairy Queen's "Moolatte", Aunt Jemima, etc). This is therefore not a children's book. For something a lot less offensive, that introduces your kids to other cultures, try Favorite African Folktales edited by Nelson Mandela. ... Read more

Product Description
Sambo is a rugged Russian style of wrestling that emphasizes practical effective submission holds. In this book, Steve Scott teaches you the fundamental holds, breakdowns, arm locks and leg locks of the sport of sambo.

Core Groundfighting Principles: For those new to grappling and groundfighting, Championship Sambo starts off with a look at common positions and core groundfighting princples.

Breakdowns: Techniques for breaking down an opponent from a stable to an unstable position so you can apply a hold or submission technique.

Holds: The most practical holds for controlling an opponent and setting up an arm lock or leg lock to finish him off.

Arm Submissions: 22 armlocks that should form the core of your sport fighting arsenal.

Leg Submissions: 10 core ankle and knee locks that have a high rate of success in finishing a match.

Championship Sambo focuses on building fundamental skills around which you can develop the variations that work best for you. Whether you compete in sambo, judo or mixed martial arts, Steve Scottâs emphasis on technical precision and solid fundamentals will help you refine and perfect your groundfighting game. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Judoka on ground submissions
Steve Scott is a wonderful instructor and his approach is practical and easy to follow. I had the privilege of attending one of his seminars in Minnesota through the Northstar Martial Arts Academy and his book and live demonstrations are totally in sync. You will find you are able to effectively apply what you read in his book.

Not much variety
I bought this book thinking it would explain different submissions and such. It does not. It goes over the same technique in many different cases instead. The same arm lock from the side, from behind, from etc. All the same lock.

It did have some good advice in getting prepared for the ground fight. I will keep the book as reference but expected much more from reading the title and inside cover.

Not impressed
I got this book hoping to learn about footlocks to add to my BJJ game. I wasn't impressed, the book didn't offer much info on footlocks which suprised me because all of the Sambo guys I have trained with were crazy on the footlocks. This book would be good for a beginner who couldn't afford anything better.

great book
good book, easy to follow. and my favorite part, its actually INSTRUCTIONAL...not just a history lesson. much of it is pretty basic, beginner's stuff, but you could probably get some good ideas from it, or at least maybe a different point of view, or a refresher.
many grappling techniques cross over from style to style, meaning you will see alot of this stuff in judo, bjj, as well as sambo and other grappling arts. after all they all share a common heritage. in many ways, the rules dictate the style.

Easy read!
Actually this book is almost too easy to read and use.These kinds of holds really should be taught by a competent instructor for safety's sake.But, Mr. Scott knows his subject so well that the step by step instruction can be followed easily by the rawest beginner or the most advanced practitioner of Martial Arts.And, Mr. Scott covers almost all of the issues with each movemment.The only other book that I have read that is as complete as this one is Mr. Scott's book on armbars.
This book is well worth the price for any student of the Martial Arts. ... Read more

Book Description
A remarkable celebration from the Caldecott Honor-winning artist!
A clever young boy outwits a band of voracious tigers and returns home in triumph to a splendid feast of a yard-high stack of pancakes. The story, penned by Helen Brodie Bannerman for her two daughters in 1889, has captured the imagination of readers around the world and across many generations. But the pictures which accompanied her text were crudely stereotypical and hurtful to many. Caldecott Honor-winning artist Christopher Bing has spent almost fifteen years rediscovering the joy and energy of the original story. He respects that Bannerman was writing in an Indian setting and with Indian animals-after all, there are no tigers in Africa-and faithfully adheres to the original text. However, recognizing that the image of Sambo has been used as a symbol of repression of Africans and African-Americans, Christopher Bing celebrates Sambo as proudly African, a child of beauty and joy, wit and resourcefulness.
In recreating the illusion of an antique, weathered, tiger-clawed storybook filled with exquisitely detailed paintings that draw upon a lush jungle-inspired palette, Christopher Bing s interpretation of Sambo s world seamlessly melds a grand sense of wonder with the minutiae of nature, and a story with history. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Be ready to wait for this item
I ordered this item in December, it is now June ... be advised, you'll have to wait more than 1-3 months for this item.

A Clever boy
This book is beautifully made, and features a strong, clever boy of color who gets gifts from his parents, outwits the tigers, and feeds his family by his cleverness.I have liked every book Christopher Bing has worked on, andthink this is one of the best.I am certain I do not want to perpetuate a stereotype or raise my children with any racism, but I do no think that this incarnation of the book does that.

great
My kids love it just like I did and it arrived quickly and in good condition.

beautiful edition
gorgeous illustrations and great font.my grandchild (not yet three) was spellbound.

Little Black Sambo with illustrations by Bing
I saw this book in a bookstore this summer. I have been getting other editions from England to give to children as gifts. This is a magnificent book with great illustrations by Bing. I have read the other reviews and trust me that this story stands on its own to delight children. When I taught second grade the class loved to hear it. It is not racist in the least.Sambo worries that he will get into trouble when he loses all his new clothes. And children relate to getting into trouble with their parents. He useshis head to outwit the tigers and children naturally indentify with him; like they do with other hero figures in books and television and movies. He has a loving home with two parents who sit down with him to enjoy a wonderful pancake breakfast at the end of the story.Little Black Sambo is a story of a timeless hero! Stop worrying that the setting is India and the child looks African for Pete`a sake! Its FICTION!! Children don`t care about such picky details! This story has been delighting children for generations. Adults should go find something else to stew about! ... Read more

Book Description


This book makes up for the lack of literature on this fascinating combat art of wrestling Sambo of the former Soviet Union, which is gaining increasing popularity particularily between no holds barred fighters and self protection experts in general. This book is suitable for all people, starting from beginners, enthusiasts, and finishing with experienced athletes, also it is a strong guide for martial arts trainers, grappling and wrestling coaches and no holds barred fighters.

Recommendations and 89 actions, including 44 throws, takings down, sweeps, 23 submission techniques, 11 holdings down in ground work, 11 over turnings, presented in the book, equips people with adequate skills, qualifying them to be much mentally, physically, emotionally stronger and confident in real combat street situations and even for participation in important tournaments and competitions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Mediocre Sambo Book
I have studied the grappling arts for years and currently train in Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I bought this book to add some techniques to my arsenal of moves and what I saw was what already knew from my training. The photographs are in black and white and there are very few close-ups on the techniques. If you have any formal training in the grappling arts this book is not for you and if you are looking for books on grappling don't buy this book. I suggest you buy books on Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and wrestling or attend a school that offers instruction in those styles. I think Sambo is an excellent martial art and if you live near a Sambo school train there.

Not quite up to the number of stars given by most reviewers
The photography is good. Nice sequential layout making the book easy to follow.

The techniques? Well...I reckon the ippon masterclass series is much, much better for coverage of technical variations.

This book purports to be a manual for developing good grapplers and real self protection skills. Most of the techniques shown are basic, basic techniques you could learn in a garden variety judo school.

The examples of how to use sambo in "real street situations" as the author puts it are nothing more than a photo gallery of stills from somewhere I suspect to be the author's driveway where he and his students show techniques being executed with no reference to how initial attacks began.

This manual has got little of interest for the experienced grappler and you would be far better to just join your local judo club if just a novice.

Whether this book is Mr Bukauskas' best effort, or merely an attempt to surf the grappling fad that UFC anbd Pride has caused to rear it's ugly head, I think there are far better books out there.

Try any of the ippon masterclass series. Each one is worth its weight in gold. If you are more serious, try "Best Judo" by Inokuma and Sato. I wouldn't go out of my way to get this book if I were you.

Good
I think that this book was solid at best, but not more than that.It really did not go too far into detail, and I thought that there would be more onsubmissions.

On behalf of the author, with his permission
Book Description
This book makes up for the lack of literature on this fascinating combat art of wrestling Sambo of the former Soviet Union, which is gaining increasing popularity particularily between no holds barred fighters and self protection experts in general. This book is suitable for all people, starting from beginners, enthusiasts, and finishing with experienced athletes, also it is a strong guide for martial arts trainers, grappling and wrestling coaches and no holds barred fighters.
Recommendations and 89 actions, including 44 throws, takings down, sweeps, 23 submission techniques, 11 holdings down in ground work, 11 over turnings, presented in the book, equips people with adequate skills, qualifying them to be much mentally, physically, emotionally stronger and confident in real combat street situations and even for participation in important tournaments and competitions.

From the Author
I am writing in response to the reviews of my book. I welcome all comments both positive and negative, but am disappointed when criticism comes from not carefully reading the contents of the book.

This is not a book to read once but studied and referred back to time and again. This book is a technical manual to learn and develop the techniques of Wrestling Sambo, techniques that have been very successfully used in real combat situations.

This is not a book on pure sport technique, if you look to chapter 3 Submissions, p95, p96 and p102, you can clearly see that these techniques can never be used in any kind of competition. You must first learn and master these techniques like any other activity, like for example golf you don't expect to master just because you picked up a club, it takes practise and study till you really began to appreciate and love the game.

As I state at the beginning of the book p.11, this book is a small but important step into the combat art of Wrestling Sambo, opening your eyes to this fascinating art of wrestling and that you begin to get your first taste of it. This is a secret art because there is very little literature on the history or techniques of Wrestling Sambo, hence the title.

More techniques such as neutralizing your opponent when all kinds of strikes, punches and submissions are involved will be covered in following video as there is more than enough techniques to learn and conquer in the book, only having mastered them will you be ready to take on such things and be in my way of thinking. These techniques take a much longer time to master than other martial arts techniques for self-defence like all kind of strikes to the groin, flicks to the eyes, slaps to the Ears all kinds of strikes to the knee etc, and still you have to practise them hundreds of times to succeed. You can read more about this in p138 of the book.

I would like to make a more direct comment to someone who reviewed my book. The comment about the pictures on street grappling, it is clearly stated p133, that these pictures are for your own imagination and that I would not be explaining them. I gave a short description of how to use wrestling Sambo in general in the street. The last comment about the pictures is that me, grabbing and throwing a guy is not self-defence, I don't know how an opponent feels when you are smashing him against a wall, car or pavement to protect yourself, or that a hold that basically dislocates or tears the ligaments of both your opponents elbows is not self defence.

So when you have learnt everything from the book, including 44 throws, takings down and sweeps, 23 submission techniques, 11 holdings down, 11 over turnings in ground work you will be ready for the deep explanation of how to use all Sambo Wrestling techniques for real self protection in street situations.

Thank you for all comments and good luck to everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A REAL guide for REAL suituations!!!!!!
This book is for the serious minded about martial arts.Whether you are a beginner or an experienced martial artist there is something in this book for you.This is a book to study and practice whatever your level, referring back to and revising as you progress through each move. The writing shows that the author knows what he is talking about, and with this book gives you enough actions to get a good grounding in Sambo Wrestling and not be overwhelmed or intimidated.I am very happy with this book and look forward to the next with interest and other works from this author. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Little Balck Sambo
This is a great book I remember this from when I was little I loved it them and still do.

Thrilled to find this again, and clarification of the name Sambo
I fondly recall this story from childhood. There even used to be a restaurant (that served pancakes, no less!) with illustrations from the story. For those who claim the book is racist, please note that Sambo is derived from the ancient Sanskrit word SHAMBO, an epithet of Lord Shiva (Shiva Shambo means Shiva the Benevolent). The tiger symbolism also has a strong link to Shiva. The story and name itself is in no way racist -- would you ban Nietzsche because members of the Nazi party later abused his work?

The Story of Little Black Sambo
An excellent story that was read to me and I read as a child and then read to my children and grandchild. If anyone sees racism in this book, they probably see ufo's and tinkerbell in their back yard...

welcome back!
This was my favorite childhood story.I too was fascinated by the bright colored illustrations - bright colored clothing that wasn't part of my culture.There is a wonderful lesson to use cleverness to overcome bullies.It went out of print at the time I expected my first child.I hunted and hunted until a rare-book store found me a copy, a copy my daughter still treasures.This book doesn't teach racism.Racists keep that ugliness alive.And thank you to the grandmother that pointed out that children of all races enjoy this tale.

The Storyof Little Black Sambo
I ordered this for my greatgrandson.It was exactly as I remembered reading to my children.My greatgrandson loves it.He is only two years old. ... Read more

Product Description
Learn to apply 65 essential leglocks for jujitsu, judo, sambo and mixed martial arts. Coach Steve Scott teaches you the keys to successfully applying lower body submission techniques and getting your opponent to tap out. Vital leglocks is divided into the three major categories of lower body submission skills: ankle and foot locks, knee locks and hip/upper leglocks.Learn to successfully use ankle locks, toe holds, heel hooks, knee locks and bars and knee cranks in a variety of grappling situations, including as counters to common holds. In addition to learning how to set-up and apply fundamental leglocks, Coach Scott shows you how to defend against common lower body attacks, master the concept of leg wrestling, actively control the match and use leglocks strategically to get the win. Leglocks in Vital Leglocks include: Straight Ankle Lock, Gator Roll Ankle Lock, North-South Ankle Lock, Scissors Ankle Lock, Standing Heel Hook, Saylor Heel Hook, Rolling Heel Hook, Ankle Crush Toehold, Bent Knee Lock, Strraight Knee Lock, Cross-body Knee Lock, Rolling Knee Lock, Outside Knee Jam, Double Leg Knee Jam, Bent Knee Crank, Banana Split ,Boston Crab, Grapevine ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Master information
This book has very good photos with commentary.If you already have a background then this will be even more insightful.Steve has put together a masters level of information for you here.

very good book
Tons of locks. If you want to learn about leglocks and their setups, this is the book. ... Read more

Book Description
The Story of Little Black Sambo is a popular children's story authored by Helen Bannerman. This story was written by Bannerman, a Scot, while living in India. Although the book doesn't contain any racial overtones, it has been known as a controversial book due to the original illustrations in early european and american editions which gave the character an african look. In reality, this popular fairy tale is about a young boy in India and his adventures. ... Read more

Book Description
Helen Bannerman, the author of many children's books lived the big part of her life in India. Little Black Sambo was the most famous books she wrote, it was achildren's favourite book for almost a half of century. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (27)

Little Black Sambo
This is a terrific little book with delightful pictures.Besides the traditional story we learned as children, it also includes several other cute and endearing stories.Highly recommended for children from 1 to 100.

Reminds me of my childhood
Little Black Sambo was one of my favorite stories when I was a child.It is nice to be able to share it with my children.

Really Good. A Classic!
I don't undestand why this book would be considered rascist. Some say the pictures are the reason.If no one were to tell me, I would have never known.If some people think this is a story that relates to the author's rascism, then that is their small-minded problem.

If you like 'Sambo', then you'll like Why the Sun and the Moon Live in the Sky. ( From what I've read of it, Julius Lester's version has no substancee)

My fondest childhood book.
It saddens me to not have this book available to little children as it was to me.I never thought of it as a prejudice statement.I was not brought up to thing that way.Just that everyone has there own way of living and differences.I loved that book and wish I had my original.I can still picture it.

Read it to children over and over again
there is no better children's book than this. My family would laugh and laugh when we read this book. It makes every child smile and learn important truths of our culture. ... Read more

Product Description
This is the 1934 Whitman Edition of Little Bacl Sambo with illustrations by Nina Jordan. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Little Black Sambo
This is a book that I read when I was younger and I now read today. I feel that this is a good story to read to children because it teaches you about patience with animals and courage.I know I can't wait to read an updated version so it is not racist. I am not racist myself but I feel that the book is kind of racist. ... Read more

Product Description
A New Telling of Little Black Sambo ... Read more

Book Description
Before the tumultuous events of the 1960's ended his long life, "Sambo" prevailed in American culture as the cheerful and comical entertainer.This stereotypical image of the black male, which developed during the Colonial period, extended into all regions and classes, pervading all levels of popular culture for over two centuries.It stands as an outstanding example of how American society has used humor oppressively.Joseph Boskin's Sambo provides a comprehensive history of this American icon's rise and decline, tracing the image of "Sambo" in circuses and minstrel shows, in comic strips and novels, in children's stories, in advertisements and illustrations, in films and slides, in magazines and newspapers, and in knick-knacks found throughout the house. He demonstrates how the stereotype began to unravel in the 1930s with several radio series, specifically the Jack Benny show, which undercut and altered the "Sambo" image. Finally, the democratic thrust of World War II, coupled with the advent of the Civil Rights movement and growing national recognition of prominent black comedians in the 1950's and '60's, laid Sambo to rest. ... Read more