I saw Little Black Sambo as a hero, a roll model. Back in the days of 45 records( yellow with a blue label with Nipper listening to his master's voice) that came with a book. The story was told and a bell would tell you to turn the page. I was probably 4 or 5. I guess Sambo became a derogative but was sorry to see the tale lost. Still one of the good guys for me.
I have a copy of the Helen Bannerman version--it's a lovely story, and what she's drawn is a Tamil boy (not surprising--she drew what she saw around her)--have a post on this. Maybe someday people will see her story for what it really is--a tale of triumph. She did sell the copyright, and some illustrations not by her were racist. But look at her story--a great one. And yes--Sambo was so brave. I admired him so much when I was 4 or 5, too. And now!
I saw Little Black Sambo as a hero, a roll model. Back in the days of 45 records( yellow with a blue label with Nipper listening to his master's voice) that came with a book. The story was told and a bell would tell you to turn the page. I was probably 4 or 5. I guess Sambo became a derogative but was sorry to see the tale lost. Still one of the good guys for me.
I have a copy of the Helen Bannerman version--it's a lovely story, and what she's drawn is a Tamil boy (not surprising--she drew what she saw around her)--have a post on this. Maybe someday people will see her story for what it really is--a tale of triumph. She did sell the copyright, and some illustrations not by her were racist. But look at her story--a great one. And yes--Sambo was so brave. I admired him so much when I was 4 or 5, too. And now!