Why Brer Possum Has No Hair on His Tail

Lester, Julius.  "Why Brer Possum Has No Hair on His Tail".  The Last Tales of Uncle Remus.  New York:  Dial Books. 1994.  Print.

Brer Possum  is considered the laziest creature around.  One day he wakes up very hungry, but is too lazy to leave the tree in which he is sleeping to go and find food.  It is only after hearing his grumbling stomach talking to Ol' Man Death that Brer Possum decides to find something to eat. 

Brer Rabbit pretends to be a good and caring friend in telling Brer Possum that he should go over to Brer Bear's apple orchard to fill up on the apples there.  Brer Rabbit tells Possum that Brer Bear will not miss a few apples.  Brer Possum takes Brer Rabbit at his word, goes to the apple orchard and gets his fill of apples.  Of course, at this same moment Brer Rabbit is tattling to Brer Bear that someone is in the apple orchard.

Brer Bear finds Brer Possum in the apple orchard and after much chasing and struggling by both, Brer Possum gets away and Brer Bear gets a mouthful of Brer Possum's hair.  And this is why Brer Possum Has No Hair on His Tail.

Cultural Origins:

The author references African American culture and how the tales began with a slave telling the stories to other slaves.

Audience:

I think this story could be enjoyed by a variety of ages from preschool age to adults. There are not a lot of characters so younger children will not get lost trying to keep track of multiple characters.  The story can be fun and fast-paced to be enjoyed by all.

Adaptations:

I think the major adaptation I would make with this story is to have different voices with each of the characters.  I would also ask for audience participation at some parts, such as asking the audience for a prediction before Brer Rabbit goes to inform Brer Bear of Brer Possum in the apple orchard.  Another adaptation may be to change the foods mentioned at the beginning of the story to reflect the audience members, and foods they may enjoy and be able to relate to.