Product 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

Customer Reviews (63)

Little Black Sambo
Our mother would tell this story when my sisters and I were little girls.So glad to find the book!

Huge disappointment
Book is so small in size. I would never had thought to check for demensions of book. Very disappointed. I was looking forward to reading to my grandson.

Just like I remembered
This little book was just like the one I remember from the '50s, except so very little.Of course, I was smaller in the '50s.What a sweet, delightful story-- one that I would love to share with my grandson.

Not what I expected
When I was looking for this book and was shown a picture I thought (and was not told any different) this would be a new publication.But when I recieved the book it was an old, ripped, torn & appeared to be an abused version of the story.I am not sure if this was an original publication but I think that the picture & info that I was given prior to purchasing the book was missleading.My intention with this book was to give it as a gift, and when I opened the package I was suprised as to the condition and the missleading representation the book was given.When you first look at the posted picture of the book it appears to be a new publication, there is no description of the age or condition of the book and I think the seller should have included that info.If I would have known what condition the book was in I would have NEVER ordered it as a gift, the picture of the book sure does look different from what arrived in my mailbox.The seller did send the book in a timely manner.

You're kidding right?
I can't believe Amazon is still selling this trash!! You all LOVED the book??? Does it mean anything to you all that is it demeaning trash to African Americans??? You've GOT to be kidding!!! ... Read more

Product Description
The classic story by Helen Bannerman of a young Indian lad who meets up with a tiger and turns him into butter. Includes Introduction. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (21)

Old fave
My mom told me this story as a little girl! I've loved it ever since! Such a whimsical story

A perfect classic!
I was asked to bring a children's book to my first grandbaby's shower..I searched for this classic and was thrilled with the discovery of this book in Amazon's great collection. I was not disappointed.

Great/Controversial choice!
I needed this for school, Amazon had the best price, and the quality was fantastic!

Great
Happy to find this book, made a great stocking stuffer for a long time fan of this cute little story!

An old classic favorite...
I bought six of my favorite childhood books for my great-grandson..."Little Black Sambo", "The Three Billy Goats Gruff", "Henny Penny", "Chicken Little", "The Three Little Kittens", and "Classic Tales of Brer Rabbit".(I didn't realize this book was so small..."A Wee Book for Wee...")I would have preferred a larger sized book to go with the others.My great-grandie is 2-1/2 and I can't wait to read these wonderful stories to him. ... 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 Scott’s 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

Product 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 (2)

Wonderful Classic
This is a charming story about an Indian boy who tricks the lions into giving him back his fabulous new clothes.The illustrations look more African American than Indian in these earlier copies.Many people have a problem with this book, as they see it as being racist.To me, the main character being described as "black" is about as offensive as Snow White being called white . . . take it as a childhood character description, and move on with the story.The text is superbly written and easily flows off the tongue when read.

no illustrations downloaded; ...SO I bought another illustrated version
I expected this to have at least one illustration... it did not.
So, I ordered the one with ILLUSTRATED in the larger discription.
... this infers that it does have some illustrations.
I wanted the older version to bring back memories of the story I loved in the '40s.
The book went out of print; I'm delighted to have the it back. ... Read more

Product Description
Learn to dominate opponents with the explosive throws, sweeps and takedowns of Sambo.Coach Steve Scott teaches 75 of the most effective ways to put your opponent on the mat and keep him there. Whether you compete in sambo, judo, jujitsu, submission grappling or MMA, the techniques Takedowns and Throws for Sambo, Judo, Jujitsu and Submission Grappling will arm you with an arsenal of explosive, functional throws and takedowns.Coach Scott starts you off with a thorough overview of the concepts and principles of throws and takedowns including technical execution, grip fighting, stance, posture, balance,defense, fitness and drill training. Building on these fundamentals, he teaches 75 takedowns, throws and sweeps including lifting throws, pick-ups, leg grabs, knee drop throws, body drop throws, over body throws, leg hooks and sweeps. Each technique is extensively illustrated with photos from key angles and Coach Scott's straightforward explanations make it easy for you to put these techniques to work on the mat in your next training session.THROWS and TAKEDOWNS INCLUDED: The Buck ~ Inside Thigh Lift ~ Outer Thigh Sweep ~ Cuban Leg Grab ~ The Metz ~ Ankle Pick ~ Hand Wheel ~ 1-Arm Knee Drop ~ Cross Arm Knee Drop ~ Tight Waist Knee Drop ~ Fireman's Carry ~ Cross Body Outer Hook ~ Sweeping Hip Throw ~ Inner Thigh Throw ~ Cross Grip Major Outer Hook ~ Front Kick Throw ~ Minor Inner Hook ~ Open Chest Body Drop ~ Side Body Drop ~ Knee Body Drop ~ Back Grip Hip Throw ~ Belly-to-Belly Throw ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Good resource book
Well written,although more directed toward tournament performance. Well worth the price if that's your goal.

For the Advanced Judoka
This book is written by a man who completely understands his field.But Mr. Scott has written for the advanced Judo player.Anyone can benefit from the study of this manual but those with the most experience will gain the most from it. ... Read more

Product Description
A little boy in India loses his fine new clothes to the tigers, but while they dispute who is the grandest tiger in the jungle he takes his fine clothes back again. ... 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?

Excellent Childrens Book
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


This book makes up for the lack of literature on thisfascinating combat art of wrestling Sambo of the former Soviet Union, which is gainingincreasing popularity particularily between no holds barred fighters and self protectionexperts in general. This book is suitable for all people, starting from beginners,enthusiasts, and finishing with experienced athletes, also it is a strong guide formartial 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 muchmentally, physically, emotionally stronger and confident in real combat streetsituations 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

Product 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 (13)

Loved the Illustrations!
I've owned many copies of this book because I loved it as a child and so did my kids and now my grandkids.But this book is definitely the best of all the books because the original story is still there but the illustrations give the story a whole new life.My kids had an older version with simple pictures but this one that I bought for my grandkids is just so visually beautiful that my grandkids are just engrossed in the pictures.The book is hard covered and big and made to look old which also fascinates my grandkids.I was so impressed with this book that I quickly bought another one for a present.The price was great too.

Beautiful illistrations and cover, collectors quality
This book has beautiful illistrations and a quality binding and cover. It does not have the original illistrations. This book also has an extra feature that adds so much. It has commentary on the history of the book; who wrote it, and comments about the social climate when it was written.It tells of the controversy in the 1960's, and of the person who has created the new illustratons for this re-print. I have always loved this story for the story, just as I love the Jungle Book, and Tarzan, tigers and jungles are in a lot of my favorite childhood stories, the names never meant a thing nor brought any ideas of racial differences to me. I was so disappointed when it was no longer available for my children.
Reading the commentary though brought into focus what this book could have meant to other people, and now as an adult, I can understand what was going on in the 1960's. I still think this is a wonderful childrens story, remember when it was written, 1899.
I commend the publisher, Christopher Franceschelli, for his valuable comments, and Christopher Bing for his illistrations.

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. ... Read more

Product Description
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery. ... 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
In a follow-up to his popular Championship Sambo: Submission Holds and Groundfighting, Steve Scott teaches you 85 essential armlocks for jujitsu, judo, sambo and mixed martial arts. The armlocks taught in the Armlock Encyclopedia apply to gi and no-gi combat sports, allowing you to use them in a wide variety of situations, including self-defense and street applications.Steve Scott makes it easy to learn the most effective and popular armlocks of modern grappling sports by organizing them into four broad categories: the cross-body armlock, the bent armlock, the straight armlock and the armpit lock. In addition to teaching how to set-up and apply each of the locks, he shows you how to defend against common armlocks, fight from both the mount and guard, lever your opponent’s arm free for an attack and vary your grip for maximum power.For those new to grappling, you’ll also learn the core skills of applying armlocks, controlling position, and training smart plus a glossary of grappling terms and a Rules of the Room guide to common sense rules on the mat. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

An excellent guide to Jujitsu/Judo armlocks by a true master.
As a lifetime student of the martial arts (Judo, Jujitsu, Karate, Kenjutsu, Kobudo, Krav Maga, Westling, Boxing, Combatives)I found this book interesting and very informative. I thought I knew a lot of armlocks, but after reading this book, I realized there are numerous variations of this hightly effective grappling technique. For those reviewers who claim this book only covers the basics and they did not learn anything from reading this book, I keep wondering just how much experience these people actually had in the martial arts.This book does cover the basic armlocks, but one MUST learn the basic principles before moving on to the variations and advanced techniques.Steve Scott is well known in the Judo field. And no, I am not a student of the author, though I have met him at a law enforcement seminar.In conclusion, this is a book for anyone who desires to extend their knowledge of armlocks.Rating:5 Stars.Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Bushi Satori Ryu Official Jujitsu Manual, Monadnock Defensive Tactics System, Use of the Monadnock Straight Baton, PR-24 Police Baton Advanced Techniques, Martial Art Myths, Never Trust a Politician).

Armlock Encyclopedia
Very well done and comprehensive book. I found a lot of information in it. Perhaps a bigger format would have made the picture more usable
Ciao,
Andrea

Armlock Encyclopedia
A large number of books on the market cater to beginners who know a couple of basic moves and drills with little knowledge of how to go beyond that. They offer little guidance for experienced fighters or combat athletes. Armlock Encyclopedia is one of these.

The photos are OK and it's well-written. Some of the other more critical reviews probably originate in the book's inclusion of armbars that no one would or could ever use with little to distinguish them from high probability moves. It is more like a compendium of variations on different armbars than the sort of book that will help you deal with a fight - either in sport or on the street.

I use it primarily to think of different ways to position myself for an armbar. While it is reasonable for that, the truth is I haven't looked at it for a long time and find other books to be much more helpful. It may be useful for someone who is not quite a beginner, but for anyone more advanced than that, it probably won't provide much instruction.

Very basic
Not really that good.Very basic.I would say it gives a couple of good turn over attacks, but either basic or unrealistic against someone knowlegeable.I was very disappointed.

Nothing new here... Poor quality photos
I've studied BJJ and Judo for about 5 years now and was hoping this book would be a nice reference catalog of armbars - That is not the case. The title is a bit deceptive. It's realy just a handfull of armbars with several slight variations... So if you have at least 1 year of BJJ, Judo, Sambo or submission wrestling, you already know all of these. If you are new to the game, this book won't help you too much. e.g. The illustrations and descriptions are weak so you will stuggle to pick up anything out of it. It reminds me of all those crapy books from when I was a kid - the ones where you couldn't tell from the pictures what the heck you were supposed to do... ... Read more

Product 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.^L

Joseph Boskin's ^ISambo^R provides a comprehensive history of t ... Read more

Product Description
Once upon a time there was a place called Sam-sam-sa-mara, where the animals and the people lived and worked together like they didn't know they weren't supposed to. There was a little boy in Sam-sam-sa-mara named Sam....

So begins this delightful telling of one of the most controversial books in children's literature, Little Black Sambo. Julius Lester and Jerry Pinkney reveal at the heart of this story a lively and charming tale of a little boy who triumphs over several hungry tigers.

"Lester and Pinkney have stripped away the ugly racism and...reclaimed a great classic for children. [The] expansive black storytelling voice is both folksy and contemporary, funny and fearful." --Booklist

"Lester's wit...makes the story fresh and funny; Pinkney's watercolors have vitality and, in the tigers, magnificence." --The Horn Book

Awards:
( An ALA Notable Book
( An NCSS-CBC Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies
( An American Bookseller "Pick of the Lists"Amazon.com Review
In the original story by Helen Bannerman,Little Black Sambo must tread carefully, lest his clothes be stolen from himby a gang of tigers. Today, it is the teller of the tale who must treadcarefully, lest the forces of political correctness attack, charging racism.Because of the names she chose for her characters, the book has become asymbol of intolerance in the century since it was written. Strip away race,however, and the tale underneath is both simple and affecting. To make itmore palatable to modern readers, Julius Lester has recast the tale in a"Southern black storytelling voice." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (22)

Pictures and story equally beautiful
I can't tell which I like better in this book: Jerry Pinkney's beautiful watercolor illustrations, or Julius Lester's engaging prose.'Mr. Elephant's Elegant Habiliments' is one of Lester's literary inventions.

The world where all the people and animals get along, and all the people are named Sam come alive in this witty story.My children could listen to it again and again, and I don't object to reading it to them--as long as they help out with the 'roars!'The pictures are brilliant; even the trees have faces, and there is something unexpected on every page.The picture of the tigers melting into butter is a revelation.

This book is definitely one of my 10 favorite children's books of all time.

Great book!
Ever since my 6 year old brought this book home from the school library my 4 year old loved it. He would ask for it whenever it was his turn to pick the evening book. So I got it for him for his 5th birthday and he is as happy as can be. There is a part where the tigers start calling each other a couple of names such as "Insect breath" and "loser". I drop those phrases as I'm reading and nobody knows the difference. Otherwise it is a fun book to read and the illustrations keep those little eyes on the pages. I recommend this book.

Update: My youngest is 7 years old now and this book is still his favorite.

Nice Illustrations, But Doesn't Replace The Original In My Heart
My mother read the story of Little Black Sambo to me when I was just a little kid. Ofcourse I could not see any racism in it at that time. To me it was a book with vivid colors where I used my imagination to put myself in Sambo's place, and seeing those pancakes made out of tigers made my mouth water. I remember that as I heard my mother telling me how the tigers chased each other's tales faster and faster, in my mind there was a race going on, and I loved to hear the ending of how Little Black Sambo had been so smart and lucky, and how his parents were so proud of him. The pictures in this new book are beautifully enchanting, but the story lacks its original feel. I miss this book, and I was shocked to hear that it was considered racist. I never thought of it that way, and I'm not racist in any way, shape, or form. This new story is NOT the original and it will never replace the original one in my heart. ALSO, the original is a piece of history, and I think it is the most horrible thing we can do to ban books of any sort. I agree with the other reviewer that I will never give up my copy of the original, but if you don't have a copy of the original, then buy the new one, because the framework of the story is still there. It's one that you CAN read to your kids, which I honestly would not recommend for the original tale.

Sam and the Tigers:A New Telling of the Little Black Sambo
The new version of this story puts humor into an old story. The illustrations invite the reader to look at all the details on each page.

Little Black Sambo:New Sentiments of an Old Stereotype
This book merely re-creates the old sentiments of the antebellum and immediate postbellum discriminatory culture of American society. Sambo is not a stereotype that blacks should embrace.It is apart of the heritage that was given to us, not the heritage that we created.This book only penetrates the sterotypes that have been and still are present in popular culture today.The fact that this book is an educational tool feeding poison to the minds of our youth in America is shameful.
This book is a representation of the stereotypical mirror that forever keeps African-Americans in regression. From the depths of subculture, I arise and when I think that I have found the truth, society hands me lies.Stereotypes penetrate and images delineate perceptions of my race faced with tons of mirrors."Mirror, mirror on the wall, which perception is truest of all?"I cannot rely on its answer because Little Black Sambo is filling my mind with societal cancer.The mirror reflects society's views and I am not my own person because everytime I look into it, it shows a mammy-like diversion. I do not wish to be a descendent of such a family of images used to ease the minds of the advanced.I blink but I can't seem to erase Sambo's illuminating smile that places my people into exile.Created to advertise? Created to lie? Created to educate? I find it hard to decide because the scheme is to use our image in vain while maintaining revenue from the sales of this book.
My generation is faced yet again with mirrors, broken and haunted by seven years or was that 400 years of bad luck.
When the reflection is inverted, it reveals the past. If reflected once more, it is the present which is still haunted by these images that continue to outlast.
IS this how you want to be seen? Is this how you want to be classified?Forever a mammy, forever sambo, forever a coon, forever black Rambo?
I think we need to clean this mirror. ... Read more

Product 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 (5)

The story you love with beautiful and appropriate illustrations
I remembered being read this book as a child and enjoying it.When I saw this edition at our local library, I checked it out.The illustrations are lush, beautiful, and most importantly appropriate.There are a couple of pages in the book describing the origins of this story of an African boy living in India, and how the illustrations in this edition came about.My four year old daughter LOVES this story, and I have read it to her again and again.This is a must buy for your child's home library.

Sun Drenched India
I think to be a great story the pictures need to compliment the writing and this book is beautiful. The colors are vivid and luminous.

Perfect for the sun drenched backdrop of India.

outstanding
used this for a read-aloud and all my classes loved the pictures of this timeless tale
fellow teachers enjoyed the history in the back as well

VIVID ILLUSTRATIONS to a CHERISHED TALE
This is no Golden Book!I'm proud to add it to my library of books.Brilliant colors radiate from every oversized page giving new vitality to an old story.How could you NOT be pleased with it!

Not nice looking
Maybe I should have read description better but book was pretty cheap looking.The story is obviously the same, pictures are fine.Looks like a little kids book instead of a copy you would be proud to put in your book case. ... 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 (7)

Good book with detailed moves
The book is good, it has detailed moves and pictures.The pictures are black and white, I would prefer color, but you can't beat the price.Good book if you want to expand your grappling game....

Lacks depth
The book covers a variety of Leg Locks, but the book lacks one key component; the proper way to apply the locks. The subtle nuances that go into finishing any type of ankle lock are key for a high success rate. The book says it has "65 vital leg locks" but the number is irrelevant with out the proper instruction in actually applying the hold. You could have 2,000 leg attacks and you would be in the same place; some cool moves with no knowledge of how to make it work. They very briefly cover how to apply the holds, but not in any kind of detail. Actually, this is a huge flaw I find in most ankle lock books. As a BJJ competitor, I have used ankle locks, and the details can not be overlooked. I really couldn't recommend this if you were a beginner because it lacks the fundamentals you need. I also couldn't recommend it if you were advanced because you probably know all the information.

Extending JiuJitsu knowledge
This book is written by a man with extensive knowledge of several Martial Arts.It is designed to be used as a text book with an Instructor and has suceeded in this.It is a very well done manual and well worth being an addition to any Martial Artists library.
I am a fourth degree black belt in Judo and a third degree black belt in JiuJitsu.

My husband loves the Scott books!
I bought this and three other Steve Scott books for my husband and he absolutely loves them. (His personal favorite is the one about arm locks.) I'm sorry he's not writing this review, but if he's not at work, he's reading these books! LOL

There are better examples
The pictures are a dark black and white.The steps are not that clear and many of the leglocks are similar.I would not say this book is much better than the Gracie books which show the same basic leg locks and have much better color pictures. ... Read more

Product Description
Once upon a time there was a little black boy, and his name was Little Black Sambo.

And his mother was called Black Mumbo.

And his father was called Black Jumbo.

And Black Mumbo made him a beautiful little Red Coat, and a pair of beautiful little blue trousers.

And Black Jumbo went to the Bazaar, and bought him a beautiful Green Umbrella, and a lovely little Pair of Purple Shoes with Crimson Soles and Crimson Linings.

And then wasn't Little Black Sambo grand?

So he put on all his Fine Clothes, and went out for a walk in the Jungle. And by and by he met a Tiger. And the Tiger said to him, "Little Black Sambo, I'm going to eat you up!" And Little Black Sambo said, "Oh! Please Mr. Tiger, don't eat me up, and I'll give you my beautiful little Red Coat." So the Tiger said, "Very well, I won't eat you this time, but you must give me your beautiful little Red Coat." So the Tiger got poor Little Black Sambo's beautiful little Red Coat, and went away saying, "Now I'm the grandest Tiger in the Jungle."

And Little Black Sambo went on, and by and by he met another Tiger, and it said to him, "Little Black Sambo, I'm going to eat you up!" And Little Black Sambo said, "Oh! Please Mr. Tiger, don't eat me up, and I'll give you my beautiful little Blue Trousers." So the Tiger said, "Very well, I won't eat you this time, but you must give me your beautiful little Blue Trousers." So the Tiger got poor Little Black Sambo's beautiful little Blue Trousers, and went away saying, "Now I'm the grandest Tiger in the Jungle."

And Little Black Sambo went on, and by and by he met another Tiger, and it said to him, "Little Black Sambo, I'm going to eat you up!" And Little Black Sambo said, "Oh! Please Mr. Tiger, don't eat me up, and I'll give you my beautiful little Purple Shoes with Crimson Soles and Crimson Linings."

But the Tiger said, "What use would your shoes be to me? I've got four feet, and you've got only two; you haven't got enough shoes for me."

But Little Black Sambo said, "You could wear them on your ears." ... Read more