The Story of Little Black Sambo is a popular children's story authored by Helen Bannerman. This story was written by Bannerman, a Scot, while living in India. Although the book doesn't contain any racial overtones, it has been known as a controversial book due to the original illustrations in early european and american editions which gave the character an african look. In reality, this popular fairy tale is about a young boy in India and his adventures.The Story of Little Black Sambo is a popular children's story authored by Helen Bannerman. This story was written by Bannerman, a Scot, while living in India. Although the book doesn't contain any racial overtones, it has been known as a controversial book due to the original illustrations in early european and american editions which gave the character an african look. In reality, this popular fairy tale is about a young boy in India and his adventures.