Monster Stick: And Other Appalachian Tall Tales - Paperback

by Paul Lepp (Author), Bil Lepp (Author), Terry Brewer (Illustrator)

Winner of PLA/ALLS Best New Books for New Adult Readers Storytelling World Award

What's the Monster Stick? It's Paul's "nine-foot, surf casting rod full of six miles of brand new 50-pound test Stren Carp cord with 20 pound, custom made, stainless steel, slip-sliding sinkers." The adventures Paul finds himself in from the day the Monster Stick comes into his life rival those of Paul Bunyan but add a modern twist, as when he somehow sets the hook in a DC-10 flown by drug smugglers.

Then there's Buck-dog, Bil's "extraordinary hunting dog, whose mama was a German shepherd but whose daddy was a determined and extremely prolific basset hound." Buck is smarter than your average human and stronger than four CS&X train engines pulling in unison, which he proves repeatedly as he takes on anything, including the government. These tall tales led the Lepp brothers to so many championships in the West Virginia State Liars' Competition that their amateur status was nearly revoked. But that's another tale...

Author Biography

Bil Lepp Bio:

A nationally renowned storyteller and five-time champion of the West Virginia Liars' Contest, Bil's outrageous, humorous tall-tales and witty stories have earned a dedicated following from all age groups and all walks of life. Though a champion liar, his stories contain morsels of truth which often shed light on universal themes. Be it a hunting trip, a funeral, or a visit to the dentist, Bil can find the humor in any situation. Lepp explains that while his stories,"... may not be completely true, they are always honest."

A storyteller, author, and recording artist, Lepp's works have received awards and recognition from The Parents' Choice Foundation, The National Parenting Publications Assoc., and the Public Library Assoc. In 2011, Bil was awarded the National Storytelling Network's Circle of Excellence Award. Lepp has been featured 15 times at the National Storytelling Festival, and performed at major storytelling festivals, at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, as well as corporate events and functions across the country.