Other editions of book Little Black Sambo

This work has been considered very politically incorrect for the last half century or so, because of the use of language that many consider racist and the illustrations that many believe are based on racist stereotypes. There are modern versions of this book that are available that edit out the language that many consider racist and that use newer illustrations that are more politically correct. This work is not one of those. This work is the original 1899 work with its original illustrations. This is a classic childrenÕs tale and it should be read as such.

Sambo is a South Indian boy who lives with his father and mother, named Black Jumbo and Black Mumbo, respectively. While out walking, Sambo encounters four hungry tigers, and surrenders his colourful new clothes, shoes, and umbrella so they will not eat him. The tigers are vain and each thinks he is better dressed than the others. They chase each other around a tree until they are reduced to a pool of ghee (clarified butter). Sambo then recovers his clothes and collects the ghee, which his mother uses to make pancakes.