This third volume in Lester's widely acclaimed updating of Harris' collection of African. American folk-tales includes 33 stories, with Lester's ironic voice growing even more distinctively his own. It's still dancing with irrepressible wit (the bear cub that eats an alligator ""didn't leave the tail. And he ate the shadow for dessert""), comical anachronisms (Brer Turtle looks miserable, ""like he needed a dime to call his therapist""), and sage observations (""She had so much sense that it was a bother to her sometimes""). Meanwhile, Lester himself is always in evidence, his wit razor-sharp as he describes Miz Rabbit threatening her husband with her consciousness-raising group or calls a remark ""the funniest thing they'd heard since. . .Pavarotti Sings the Blues."" He also stops more often to ruminate on things--like why folks don't think alike, or the meaning of time. Pinkney's fine drawings and paintings continue to enhance the stories; they appear to even better advantage here thanks to better quality paper. A splendid addition to Lester's unique contribution to American folklore.