Helen Bannerman Books

Helen Bannerman was a Scottish author whose most famous work has become controversial. While her stories celebrate the intelligence and ingenuity of children, particularly from South India, the protagonist's name has unfortunately become a racial slur. Consequently, her books have often faced censorship and bans, leading to later politically correct adaptations. Nevertheless, her works serve as a reminder of a different era in children's literature, written with distinct intentions and contexts.

The Story of Little Black Sambo
Color Facsimile of First American Illustrated Edition
62 pages
3 hours of reading
4.6(10)Add rating
Set in South India, the story follows a young boy named Sambo who encounters four tigers while out for a walk. To avoid being eaten, he gives away his vibrant clothes and umbrella. The tigers, each believing they are the best dressed, end up chasing each other around a tree, resulting in their transformation into ghee. Sambo retrieves his clothes and the ghee, which his mother uses for pancakes. This reprint of the 1923 edition features 27 color illustrations that align more closely with the artistic style of its time, avoiding the racist depictions found in other versions.
The Boy and the Tigers
24 pages
1 hour of reading
4.0(924)Add rating
After giving four hungry tigers his beautiful new clothes so they won't eat him, Rajani finds them engaged in a fierce fight about who is the grandest, which proves to be their undoing
The Story of Little Black Mingo
Celebrating the richness of literature, this collection features timeless classics ranging from ancient texts to contemporary masterpieces. It pays tribute to legendary authors and influential figures who have shaped the literary landscape, offering readers a curated selection that honors their contributions to the art of storytelling.

The Story of Little Black Sambo

The Boy and the Tigers

The Story of Little Black Mingo