The Story of Little Black Sambo published. Written and illustrated by Helen Bannerman. Though very controversial today, the book is notable for its humor and mischievous protagonist. Although it is set in India, the name "Sambo" became a negative pejorative used to describe African Americans. In 1996, two titles challenging the stereotypes inherent in Bannerman's version were published: Sam and the Tigers (Written by Julius Lester, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney) and The Story of Little Babaji (Illustrated by Fred Marcellino).