A good way to show that girls are just as capable as boys.

The On My Own Folklore series continues with the story of Calamity Jane by Stephen Krensky with illustrations by Lisa Carlson. Though well adapted with nice pictures on each page, I was unimpressed with the story. I was curious to learn more about this infamous lady of the west, but am saddened by how bland and 'short' her story is. I say this with the intent to bare no negativity to both writer and illustrator, who each did a fine job adapting this story. I just feel that Calamity Jane has a difficult time standing alongside other tale tales such as Paul Bunyan and Pecos Bill. ( )

A good example of legend because tales are based on the life of a real historical person, only the events are exaggerated. This is evident in stories such as when she was a little girl, a rattlesnake was rattling at her, but she laughed, made a much louder rattle sound that could be heard in three counties and the rattlesnake died of embarrassment. In a way, this book also resembles biography because Martha Jane Canary was a real person, also known as Calamity Jane, thus these tall tales are exaggerations based on her life and some instances are more plausible and could be literally true. Regardless, there is a bit of truth beneath every story. The setting is prevalent in this book and has much to do with the plot, in that it deals with the wagon trains, hunting for food, Pony Express, and the Gold Rush. Set in small towns in the Midwest United States in the 19th century, Calamity Jane never stays in one spot for too long, but where there is trouble, she is always found, clearing it up.

Media: oil pastels