Book Description

Illus. in full color."Mirandy is sure she'll win the cake walk if she can

catch Brother Wind for her partner, but he eludes all the tricks her friends

advise. This gets a high score for plot, pace, and characterization. Mirandy

sparkles with energy and determination. Multi-hued watercolors fill the pages

with patterned ferment. A treat to pass on to new generations."--(starred)

Bulletin, Center for Children's Books.Cassette running time: 20 min.




... Read more

Reviews (1)

Can the wind be a partner?
This children's book, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney, is about a young and joyous African-American girl who hopes to win a prize at a cake walk by capturing the wind as her partner. The story takes place around 1900 and is a beautiful view of a happy people. The book was a 1989 Caldecott Honor book (i.e., a runner-up to the Medal winner) for best illustrations in a book for children. ... Read more

Book Description

Here is the thrilling story of Rikki, a fearless young mongoose who finds himself locked in a life-and-death struggle to protect a boy and his parents from Nag and Nagaina, the two enormous cobras who stalk the gardens outside the familys home in India. Nobel Prize winner Rudyard Kiplings timeless masterpiece has been lovingly passed from one generation of readers to the next. Triumphantly brought to life in stunning watercolors from Caldecott Honor artist Jerry Pinkney, this is a tale that will win the hearts of young and old alike ... Read more

Reviews (14)

One of the best children's stories ever
Everyone will love Rikki Tikki Tavi. He is cute and furry, he has been rescued from certain death by his humans, and best of all he fights snakes in a land where they are an everyday part of life - and death.

This is not just a story for children. The writing is sophisitcated enough to appeal to adults and is very funny in parts, and very touching in others. But it is a great story to share with children - it touches on all the things we want for our kids - strong and loyal friends, a protective and supportive family, and the ability to know when its time to stand up for yourself, and take risks if you need to.

It is a really wonderful story (as are all of Mr Kipling's - to be fair) but this is quite a masterpiece. Share it with a special child and enjoy it all the more.

A beautiful story
A young mongoose got swept away from his family by a flood and ended up with a person family. They took very good care of him and he loved them. Cobras who were called Nag and Nagaina lived in the garden. Rikki Tikki Tavi protected the family from them. There were birds, too, who were friends of the mongoose. One of their babies fell out of the nest and Nag ate it. My brother and I loved this book. Hannah, aged 7

Rikki-Tikki-Tavi
In the story, Rikki-Tikki-Tavi is a mongoose. When a flood washed him away from his home, he is adopted by Teddy and his family. While exploring the garden, he meets Nag and Nagaina, two deadly cobras. Later that night, he overhears the cobras' plot to enter Teddy's house and kill his family. When Nag and Nagaina get inside, Rikki attacks and kills Nag in Teddy's bathroom. The next day, Rikki finds Nagaina's eggs on the ground and begins crushing all of the eggs except for one. When Nagaina threatens to kill Teddy, Rikki distracts her by threatening to destroy her last egg. Then, Rikki chased Nagaina into her hole in the garden and kills her. From then on, Teddy's family hailed Rikki-Tikki-Tavi as a hero for saving them from the two deadly cobras.

A wondeful book by a not so wonderful author
Dear readers,
a few weeks ago I read a book called Rikki Tikki Tavi. It's a kind of weird story about a mongoose who is washed from his home and into an Indian family's garden. This where a small boy named Teddy picked the mongoose, a.k.a. Rikki Tikki, up and kept him as a pet and a guardian. After this Rikki Tikki decides to explore the land outside of the house. This is where he meets Nag and Nagina(both are cobras). This is also where he begins his war aginst the snakes. So as you can see this a very interesting story with a great moral,"Never let your guard down"'.

Rikki-Tikki-Tavi
I bought this book for my child who was at the time 5 years old. It has become his favorite book and he always chooses it when he's asked to bring in a favorite book. The illustrations are beautiful and it serves the classic story very well. Though it is a bit lengthy for a bedtime story, it is one book that I never mind reading to him. I would recommend this book for any child who has an adventurous side. ... Read more

Book Description

The stunning 1995 Caldecott Honor Book

John Henry is stronger than ten men, and can dig through a mountain faster than a steam drill. Julius Lester's folksy retelling of a popular African-American folk ballad has warmth, tall tale humor, and boundless energy. Jerry Pinkney illustrates the story with "rich colors borrowed from the rocks and the earth, so beautiful that they summon their own share of smiles and tears" (Booklist).

"A tall tale and heroic myth, a celebration of the human spirit....The story is told with rhythm and wit, humor and exaggeration, and with a heart-catching immediacy that connects the human and the natural world." --Booklist, starred review

* A Caldecott Honor Book
* Winner of the Society of Illustrators' Gold Medal
* An ALA Notable Book
* An NCSS-CBC Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies
* Winner of the Boston Globe/Horn Book Award
* The Horn Book Fanfare List
* A Parents Magazine Best Children's Book of the Year
* A BCCB Blue Ribbon Book
* Winner of the Aesop Prize

* A Picture Puffin
* Full-color illustrations
* 40 pages
* Ages 4 up ... Read more

Reviews (3)

If I had a hammer...
If you haven't read a book that combines the individual talents of Lester and Pinkney (Julius Lester writes, Jerry Pinkney draws) then this might be a good place to start. The two artists have reinterpreted a variety of classic African-American tales to their own liking. From their, "The Tales of Uncle Remus: The Adventures of Brer Rabbit" to the more recent "Sam and the Tigers" (a reworked "Little Black Sambo") they are nothing if not prolific. With this book they tackle one of this country's tallest tales. The legend of John Henry. And whether you delight in their version or cling to the story you learned as a child (as I confess, I did while reading it) you have to step back and admire their enthusiasm.

In this version of "John Henry" the duo has consulted a variety of texts and versions, adding some special touches and flourishes of their own. This John Henry is a baby one day and an adult the next. He can outrace the meanest man in town and carve through solid rock with a rainbow draped across his shoulders. When the final showdown against a steam drill comes, John Henry's ready. He beats that drill only to die from a burst heart. We are assured, however, that he is buried on the White House Lawn and that at night you can hear his voice singing.

There's some getting used to here, certainly. No refrain of, "I'm gonna die with a hammer in my hand" is chanted. And John Henry doesn't work the railroads with everyone else. Rather, he accidentally stumbles across the man with the steam engine while on travels of his own. And then Lester has tried to make the story applicable to the youth of today. He did this in "The Tales of Uncle Remus" too, and I had some very similar problems. In this particular book, for example, it mentions early on that, "That day John Henry helped his papa rebuild the porch he had busted through, added a wing onto the house with an indoor swimming pool and one of the jacutzis". Personally, I don't see why this helps the text at all. I dunno. Maybe kids like hearing about Jacuzzis in their picture books. But for me, at any rate, it distracts. Pinkney's illustrations, on the other hand, are above criticism. Here we have a Ferret-Faced Freddy that has a mean weasel-like face. We see John Henry grow older and older as we watch, as well as taller and taller. I liked the clothes, the setting, and the landscapes. I especially liked the fact that John's gap-toothed grin is with him from infancy through adulthood.

The world is sorely in need of more African-American fables as remarkable as this one. And it goes without saying that everyone EVERYONE should know the ballad of John Henry by heart. I'm not willing to drop the towel and declare this particular version the epitome of all John Henrys, but it is still a noble work. Feel free to criticize it, but don't discount it. Never discount it.

Magical
Julius Lester's version of the legend of John Henry is well-told. I laughed out loud when Lester described Ferret-Faced Freddy, a man "so mean, he cried if he had a nice thought." Lester also uses marvelous metaphors (next to a large mountain, John Henry doesn't look "much bigger than a wish that wasn't going to come true"). Lester's version is very different from other versions I'm familiar with (such as Ezra Jack Keat's), but I love it.

Pinkney, who has teamed up with Lester on other books (my favorite is "Sam and the Tigers"), provides beautiful illustrations to accompany the text.

So-so
My 5 year old was only half interested in this book. I think the story was a bit long, and the wording did not flow well. The drawings were nice, but I think they appealed to me more than my son. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Two sisters lived down Louisiana way long ago: Rose, who was unpleasant, mean, and the older of the two; and her younger sister, Blanche, who was "sweet and kind and sharp as forty crickets." Guess who has to do all the work for Rose and their mother? Blanche's kind and obedient nature finally pays off when she helps an old woman who has magical powers--and a chicken house full of talking eggs containing treasures for those who do as they're told: gold and silver, jewels, silk dresses, satin shoes, "even a handsome carriage that grew in a wink from the size of a matchbox...." Robert D. San Souci's lively, humorous retelling of this Creole folktale abounds with colorful expressions, and Jerry Pinkney's full-page illustrations make us believe in the marvels that Blanche finds, even the two-headed cow, square-dancing rabbits, and rainbow-colored chickens! This inspired collaboration, a 1989 Caldecott Honor Book, will delight young readers who like a captivating story with a strong heroine and a dash of mystery. (Ages 5 to 10) --Marcie Bovetz ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Great Story!
The Talking Eggs was a great story!The way the author put the story together was wonderful.Blanche had a mean mother and sister.Poor Blanche had to do all the work. But then she got what she deserved when she met an old woman on the road. I would say that this story was great. I would recommend the book to ages 6 and up.

An Imaginative, Heart-Warming Variation on Cinderella
This book received a Caldecott Honor as one of the best illustrated children's books in 1990. The rich, subtle watercolors expand the reader's appreciation of the story, and help keep some of its stronger elements in balance for younger children. The story itself is a cross between several favorite fairy tales, most significantly Cinderella, and represents a retelling of a Creole story from the American South.

A widow has two daughters, and lives with them on a poor farm that "looked like the tail end of bad luck." Rose, who was like her mother, was "cross and mean and didn't know beans from birds' eggs." Her sister, Blanche, was "sweet and kind and sharp as forty crickets."

Unfortunately, their mother liked Rose best because they were so similar, being "bad-tempered, sharp-tongued, and always putting on airs." While the two of them chatted, Blanche did the work.

One day, Blanche was getting water and ran into an older woman who asked for a drink. Blanche helped her. As a result, Blanche was late returning and received much ill-treatment from her mother and sister. Running off, Blanche saw the old woman again, who asked Blanche to join her. She warned Blanche not to laugh and to do as she was told. Soon, they are in a magical place where all kinds of strange things happen. But there is plenty to eat and drink. At the end, Blanche is told to bring back certain talking eggs and throw them over her shoulder. When she does, a nice set of surprises occurs.

Immediately jealous, her mother sends Rose to the old woman to get similar help. But Rose cannot follow directions, and the magic either doesn't work for her or causes her problems.

In each case, justice is done.

The story is told in an imaginative way that makes the reader want to know what will happen next. Unlike many fairy tales where you can pretty much outline the rest of the plot near the beginning, this one has some interesting, unexpected twists.

The writing is witty, and makes good use of the story's inherent charm in praising goodness of character.

If you have a sensitive child, this may not be the right book for you to acquire. The treatment of Blanche can upset some children. The magic involves creatures having two heads, and the old woman being able to take her head on and off again. In one scene, Rose takes the woman's head as a ploy to get some talking eggs, too. You can see how this might be a bit much for a sensitive four year old. Children who are able to suspend their sense of reality will probably have no problems with the story.

I enjoyed the watercolors very much. They provided a richness in their exquisite detail that made me feel good just holding the book. Also, it made the book seem more sophisticated than the typical treatment of fairy and folk tales.

The book deals with many realistic problems that occur in families, like having only one parent, not having enough money, having one child be favored over another, having one child be treated poorly, and children looking for sympathy from nonfamily members. This will provide many opportunities to discuss these issues, and find out what your child thinks.

I also suggest that you talk about whether or not Blanche should have gone off with the old woman. The book seems to suggest that looking for help from strangers is a good idea. That's not an idea that I wanted my children to have, so you will probably want to clarify your feelings on this subject as you read the book.

May all be loved, and treated fairly!

The Cajun folktale of Blanche and the Talking Eggs
I suppose "The Talking Eggs" is a variation of sorts on the classic fairy tale of Cinderella, although there are a couple of significant differences. One such difference would be that in this story retold by Robert D. San Souci there is neither a prince nor a grand ball, so there is no notion of romance involved. But the most interesting difference is that there is no wicked stepmother. In fact, the story is about a widow and her two daughters. Blanche is "sweet and kind and sharp as forty crickets" while Rose was "cross and mean and didn't know beans from birds' eggs." The mother makes Blanche do all the work because she likes Rose best; they are, all, just like too peas in a pod in that they are bad-tempered, sharp-tongued, and always putting on airs.

What changes this unhappy state of affairs is that on a hot day Blanche is sent to the well to fetch a bucket of cool water. But at the well she meets an old woman nearly fainting from the heat and the kindly Blanche gives her a drink of water. The old woman says she will be blessed by God for her kind deed, but when she returns home she is yelled at for taking so long that the water is now warm. So Blanche runs away into the woods and finds the kindly old woman who takes her home so that the child can have a supper and a clean bed. However, the old woman makes Blanche promise that she will not laugh at anything she sees.

This become important the first thing she sees at the old woman's tumbledown shack is a cow with two heads and horns like corkscrews. There are even stranger sights to be seen that evening and the next morning the old woman gives Blanche a present by telling her what to do with the talking eggs that are to be found in the chicken house. Actually, it is not the eggs that are present but what is in the right ones if you throw them over your shoulder. However, Blanche getting treasures is only half of the payoff for this story, because her mother and sister have to get their comeuppance as well, which, in the grand scheme of things, is even more satisfying.

The full title of this book is "The Talking Eggs: A Folktale from the American South," but the story is specifically adapted from a Creole folktale originally included in a collection of Louisiana stories published late in the 19th century. San Sourci explains that the story probably had its roots in popular European fairy tales that were brought to Cajun country by French émigrés and that eventually the story was spread throughout the South in different variations with Cajun or Gullah overtones.

The wonderful watercolor illustrations for this Caldecott Honor Book are by Jerry Pinkney, who brings a delightful sense of imagination and detail. My favorite is the double-page spread when the rabbits come out of the underbrush all dressed up and start dancing. There are some rather frightening aspects to this story (the old woman takes her head off so she can fix her hair) but Pinkney avoids showing such things directly, so that the story retains its sense of the fantastical. Young readers will appreciate not only the sense of imagination in both the telling and the illustrating of this tale, but the fact that in the end Blanche gets to live happily ever after while those who mistreated her end up sore, stung, and covered with mud.

Beautifully written, beautifully illustrated.
This is a charming little folktale about two sisters Ð one mean and greedy, the other generous and kind Ð and their encounter with a strange, magical old woman. In the end, the good sister is rewarded and the bad one punished. A nice story with a good message.

But this isnÕt just a nice book, it is an extraordinary one. One thing that makes it special is the way the author uses language. Robert San Souci draws on an African American storytelling tradition and a southern rural dialect that just makes the language sing! The book is full of wonderful, poetic lines and great rhythmic language. ItÕs a joy to read aloud. The words feel good in your mouth. And any parent or teacher who reads aloud a lot knows what a rare quality that is. Even when IÕm tired, I feel like I canÕt read this book badly. The words just flow.

And the illustrations are gorgeous. Jerry Pinkney is one of the best illustrators around and this is one of my favorites of all his work. The composition, the subtle colors, the intricate detail Ð you rarely come across art this fine in childrenÕs books.

I bought this book for my daughter a couple of years ago, and weÕre still reading it over and over again. ItÕs so good, I hope in a generation sheÕll still be reading it to my grandchildren.

good lesson
Great lesson for children. This story teaches that respect, honesty, hard work, greatfulness, and kindness are traits that take you where you want to go and that the opposite traits may yield undeseriable outcomes. My classes really enjoyed the illustration too! ... Read more

Book Description

For the past one hundred years, Rudyard Kipling's classic tales of Mowgli, the lost boy raised by wolves in the jungles of India, have captivated children and adults alike.

Mowgli's days are filled with danger, wonder, and excitement. He learns the ways of the jungle from the wise old bear, Baloo, and the great black panther, Bagheera. He is befriended by the faithful wolf, Gray Brother, and is carried off by the crafty Monkey-People -- only to be rescued by the mighty python, Kaa. And through it all, Mowgli knows that he must someday face his sworn enemy: the ferocious man-hating tiger, Shere Khan.

Presented here in the author's preferred order are all of Kipling's thrilling Mowgli stories, as well as the beloved tale of the brave mongoose, Rikki-tikki-tavi. Brilliantly captured in eighteen lush watercolors by Caldecott Honor artist Jerry Pinkney, this handsome centenary edition will be treasured by readers of all ages.

Reviews (5)

All time favorite
The Jungle Book is now one of my all time favorite books. When you read the book it makes you feel like you're there too. I like the way Rudyard Kipling has the animals talk. The main character in the story is a boy named Mowgli. Mowgli was abandoned by his mother and father and raised by wolves. I think
Mowgli is the perfect character for the story because he is brave, smart, and kind.The part I disliked the most in the story is when they keep going to the council rock. I thought it was boring. I liked the excitement in the book and the cliff hangers. Once I picked up the book I couldn't set it down again. I definitely recommend this book to anybody who is in for a challenge!

Not as marred in adaptation as others
While I admire Disney's animation (and am looking forward to their Hamlet-ish The Lion King), I usually gripe about the changes they make in their movies from their source material. All one has to do is read the original Pinocchio, Peter Pan, or, supposedly, Bambi, to berate them for destroying classics. I probably should be bothered as well by their Jungle Book, except that I think that it was one of the cases where the marriage of animation, story and music achieves more than the original. Without the source material, it would be nothing, of course, but the wonderful songs (who can forget "Bare Necessities," "Trust in Me," or "I Wanna Be Like You"?) and the structure that turned Kipling's short tales into a two-hour movie create a gestalt that I'm not sure Kipling's tales do by themselves. This is probably sacrilege to the ears of the true Kipling fan, but I'm nothing if not opinionated.

The stories that make up the Jungle Book aren't solely about Mowgli, though, and it's the others, especially "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi," that make this a definate must have.

I finally have my own copy
I grew up reading and re-reading theses stories. I never found a compilation of the Mowgli stories I liked though, at least not an affordable one.

This one gave me not only Mowgli but Rikki-tikki-tavi. All with excellent illustrations that add but do not intrude on the stories.

This is a classic that should be on every bookshelf.

well-worth the buy
For a more accurate appraisal of the book than that given by the reviewer above, read the Horn Book review- it says it all! The illustrations are gorgeous and the quality of the book itself does justice to Kipling's story.

Try it!
It depicted the culture and feelings of different animals standing on their sides. Also, it provides the view from them to forest and to human. It contains exciting stories of Mowgli growing up. A very good book for education. ... Read more

Amazon.com

In all Mildred D. Taylor's unforgettable novels she recounts "not onlythe joy of growing up in a large and supportive family, but my own feelings ofbeing faced with segregation and bigotry." Her Newbery Medal-winning Roll ofThunder, Hear My Cry tells the story of one African American family,fighting to stay together and strong in the face of brutal racist attacks,illness, poverty, and betrayal in the Deep South of the 1930s. Nine-year-oldCassie Logan, growing up protected by her loving family, has never had reason tosuspect that any white person could consider her inferior or wish her harm. Butduring the course of one devastating year when her community begins to be rippedapart by angry night riders threatening African Americans, she and her threebrothers come to understand why the land they own means so much to their Papa."Look out there, Cassie girl. All that belongs to you. You ain't never had tolive on nobody's place but your own and long as I live and the family survives,you'll never have to. That's important. You may not understand that now but oneday you will. Then you'll see."

Twenty-five years after it was first published, this special anniversary editionof the classic strikes as deep and powerful a note as ever. Taylor's vividportrayal of ugly racism and the poignancy of Cassie's bewilderment and gradualtoughening against social injustice and the men and women who perpetuate it,will remain with readers forever. Two award-winning sequels, Let the Circle Be Unbroken andThe Road to Memphis, anda long-awaited prequel, TheLand, continue the profoundly moving tale of the Logan family. (Ages 9and older) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (338)

Roll Of Thunder is Amazing
Roll of Thunder,Hear My Cry
Written by Mildred .D. Taylor
Publisher: Puffin

The book I am choosing to write about is Called Roll of Thunder,Hear My Cry. The genre is realistic fiction. It is about a black family living in Mississippi during the 1930s. The family struggles through racism,deaths and trying to maintain their land that they live on during the height of the Great Depression. Many scary things happen to the family. Such as burnings, night riders,and other close encounters. All through the hard times the family managed to keep their courage, love, and pride. It is a wonderful novel and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a story of courage and hope.

The main characters are Cassie, who is the one telling the story a brave daughter of the Logan family. Stacey, Cassie's older brother considers himself the man of the family when the father is gone. David, who is the father, is often gone from home by working on the railroad. Mary and Big Ma are the mothers of the family. Mary is the mother and Big Ma is the grandmother. There are many other supporting characters

I personally love this book . I highly recommend it to anyone. Especially African American children. To learn how hard it was for their race during that time. It is good for people of all ages. It is a story of faith, courage , hope, love and family. The family in this book are very brave. It is one of the best books I have read in quite a while.

Roll Of Thunder Hear My Cry
It was the late 30's and the logan familiy had been trying to pay their bills and support each other. David, their father, worked on the rail road and Mary, their mother, worked as a teacher in the local school for blacks. Their kids names were Cassie(the nararator), Stacy(the oldest brother), little man, and Christopher John. They had many struggles, keeping up the farm, paying the bills, and having money for food were very hard things to do while the whites were harrassing, teasing, and trying to kill them. On top of all that, David and Mary were both out of a job. David got hurt by the Wallaces and Mary got fired for not teaching the white version of history. The Wallaces, Simon, and Mr. Granger were watching them like hawks, so that at any moment they could take their land and their lives. T.J., Stacy's friend, was not so lucky after Stacy stopped being "friends" with him. This was a very good book. I like how most of the book was in dialogue. I think that made it easier to read and tell what was going on and it gave me more emotions which makes it more interesting. It was just right for my reading ability, The book showed me how unfair it was bakc them for blacks to be hated so much and people could tease or kill with little emotion.

It was okay...
I had to read this book for school, and it just made me bored out of my mind. It didn't really hold my attention, and the only reason I finished it was because I had to. It was a very well-written book, but just not the kind of book I enjoy to read in my spare time.

Excellent book!
I really love this book. It kept my attention through the whole thing. I loved the characters and I felt for them as they suffered. The characters were well formed and it helps show what it might be like to be a black family living in that era and what they had to put up with.

A View into a new perspective
This book was about a family living in the 1930s in the Deep South. They struggle with racism and segregation. This family tries to stay together and keep their land. You are given a good perspective on what life was like as an African American in that time period and how they were unfairly treated. This story was low on action but told a great story, however, your interest is never lost. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Classic
Many children's books come and go but this one is a keeper. It is a mainstay in my classroom. Tanya learns from her grandmother that a quilt can tell a life story. The making of the quilt brings her whole family closer. I have my students make construction paper quilts after reading this story--this is something parents can do with their children at home. Good companion book: Luka's Quilt. Luka's Quilt is also about a grandmother and grandchild and the making of a quilt.

Covers it all book! - Multicultural/Family/Art/Death
I have read this book many times and as an educator I can not say enough good things about the book. "The Patchwork Quilt" has great illustrations, touches on multiculturalism b/c of the people included in the story, does not exclude other cultures b/c the book is also about family, confronts dealing with death in a healthy manner, and is easily a lead-in to an art lesson. This book can lead to discussions on family, death, and classroom community (each student makes a patch representing themself and bind them together to make a classroom quilt)! :) Have fun and educate with this book!

A very enjoyable multicultural children's book.
Valerie Flournoy, Author. Jerry Pinkney, Illustrator. THE PATCHWORK QUILT 29 pp. Dial Books for Young Readers 1985

Tanya's grandmother had begun to make a patchwork quilt using scraps from old shirts, Halloween costumes, and any other materials that had meaning to them. Tanya was so interested in how her grandmother so carefully cut pieces of material and sewed them together so she spent much of her time watching and helping her grandmother produce this "masterpiece." On Christmas morning, Grandma becomes sick and is no longer able to work on finishing the quilt. With the help of her mother, Tanya takes it upon herself to help finish the quilt for her grandmother. Finally, when Grandma is able to begin working on the quilt again, she finishes it by stitching on the last square, which reads, "For Tanya From your Mama and Grandma."

This story is not necessarily about any one culture in particular. This story line could take place in any culture. However, all of the characters in the book are African-American. There are no specific references in the book to African-Americans, however this is a situation in where the illustrations play a major role in the story. The story probably would be read the same; regardless of the race of the characters; however, the multicultural characters help the readers get a grasp on the many different cultures that surround them.

Heart warming, loving, a family tale
The story starts out with Tanya recovering from a bad cold, setting restlessly on the chair by the kitchen window, and anxious to go outside. Since her mom won't let her go out yet, she decides to go talk to her grandma. Grandma was setting in her favorite chair with a pile of worn scraps of material that appeared to be dirty old rags to Tanya. Tanya soon finds out that these dirty old scraps could become a thing of great beauty and an expression of great love. She and her grandma set out on a growing adventure building this wonderful patchwork quilt, but only after Grandma explains the difference in a store bought quilt and a patchwork quilt. The project grows and before long is a family project that continuos through the Christmas holiday with Mama sewing and Grandma cutting. Only once did Mama put it aside and that was to make a special gold Christmas dress. Tanya knew where those special scraps would go as well. Then Grandma got sick. The quilt was about half finished. Tanya feared it would never be finished. Grandma's masterpiece lay neatly folded and waiting. This saddened the family and before you know it, they were all working on it. Jim even picked up the blue material from his own clothing and started cutting scraps. The family worked and remembered. It took a whole year for the quilt to be completed. At last the last square was attached. Grandma, Tanya and the whole family was very proud and excited as they thought back. It was decided that this quilt would make a very special gift for someone very special. The right hand corner of the last row holds the secret of who. You'll have to read the book for all the fun and the secret of who gets the quilt. I loved it! It is a very special book and one of my favorites. I think it is an asset to my library and will be to anyone else's. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Three-time Caldecott Honor artist and four-time winner of the CorettaScott King Award, Jerry Pinkney doesn't disappoint with this lovely, old-fashioned, richly textured watercolor adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's The Ugly Duckling. The mother duck knew from the very beginning that one of her babies would be different from the rest... the sixth egg was large and oddly shaped.When it finally hatches that summer, she thinks the "monstrous big duckling" must be a turkey chick! Other ducks are appalled by the ugly duckling, and he is chased, pecked, and kicked aside. When he can't stand it anymore, he runs away from the pond, eventuallytaking refuge in the warm cottage of an old woman with a cat and a hen. Missing the delicious feeling of the water too much to stay, however, he heads out again into the wide, increasingly cold autumn world.

One day, he heard a sound of whirring wings, and up in the air he saw a flock of birds flying high. They were as bright as the snow that had fallen during the night, and their long necks were stretched southward. Oh, if only he could go with them! But what sort of companion could he be to those beautiful beings?"

Reviews (9)

Great story, gorgeous illustrations
This version of The Ugly Duckling is a great retelling of the classic story, with an enriched exploration of the Ugly Duckling's feelings and experiences. The illustrations are stunning. My three children, ages 3-5, are enthralled. And because of the nuance and complexity of the story, this will continue to be a family favorite for years to come.

A duck that just wants to be accepted
This story was about a duckling that was different from all the others when it was young. Everyone rejected him and didn't want him around just because he was ugly. They didn't even look at his other qualities that were inside him. The duckling tried to fit in in many places, but no one would let him stick around. Much like in life when people don't like other people because of how they look. You have to just try and look past looks and look down to the inside. You will find good qualities there no matter what. I think that you should accept everyone no matter how they look. Put yourself in the rejected person's shoes and just think of how you would feel if that were you. I think the author feels for real people that are not accepted. I think he probably feels pretty strongly about the subject.

The Ugly Duckling ~ Hans Christian Anderson
This book teaches a lot abou morals. Just becuase someone is alittle different from everyone else, doesn't mean they should be treated badly. Everyone is different in their own seperate way. Some people just show and others hide their feelings. People have differences, and no one is the same. Some of us just have to learn to accept it. And some have to realize we all are the same in some ways to.

The ugly duckling is a duck who is the same as everyone else, yet is also different. He just wants to be accepted. He doesn't know how to make people like him. People were not accepting him becuase he was not good enough. Everyone seems to be 'not good enough' at one time or another. Yet other people do not realize this.

I like this book because it explains how life goes. Some people aren't accepted because of their looks, other epople jsut need to learn to accept people for who they are. Not what they are not. You need to learn to look past the "bad" qualities and see the good qualities.

Ms. Elliott's Class Book Review
Our class liked it when the ugly duckling turned into a swan. Everyone learned that it doesn't matter if you don't look like everyone else. You should like who you are. We learned about the differences between swans and ducks. Our class learned that when you are young you have to learn about a lot of different things. We think that kids could learn about different things from reading this story such as animals, other stories to read, and feelings.

Ugly is bad and pretty is good
As an adult, I now understand the meaning of this book; but as a child I actually understood the story to mean that being ugly was bad and made you unloveable and that being pretty was important and made you loveable. ... Read more

Book Description

The four award-winning Uncle Remus books--now in one volume with a new introduction by Julius Lester

Brer Rabbit is causing trouble again for his fellow creatures Brer Fox, Brer Wolf, and the rest--this time in an omnibus edition that brings together all the stories from Tales of Uncle Remus, More Tales of Uncle Remus, Further Tales of Uncle Remus, and Last Tales of Uncle Remus.

The Uncle Remus tales, originally written down by Joel Chandler Harris, were first published over a hundred years ago, and serve as the largest collection of African-American folklore. In this four-book series, Julius Lester masterfully retains the flavor of the tales, while dropping the heavy dialect of the Harris originals and adding contemporary language and references-- ensuring that the stories will be understood and enjoyed by new generations of readers. And, of course, the stories are beautifully illuminated by the slyly humorous full-color and black-and-white art of Jerry Pinkney. The result is a treasure of a volume that will delight all ages and belongs on every shelf. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Pretty good, but. . .
I too have mixed emotions about this version of the Tales of Uncle Remus. Thankfully I have borrowed, and not bought it--I will purchase the complete tales in their original form and joyfully deal with any difficulties. As an aspiring author myself, the idea of anyone going back and "touching up" my book is decidedly unpleasant. Though I have enjoyed reading these stories to my son, I have not enjoyed having to watch out for Adidas and MTV references. I feel strongly that these attempts to "modernize" these stories is at best distasteful, and completely unnecessary. I also found this inserted statement in one of the stories hypocritical and offensive (forget which one just now, but it's there): white people were being foolish by attempting to tan because if the Lord had wanted them to be beautiful like black folks He would have made them black. Perhaps Mr. Lester would say he was just kidding, but even if that is the case I feel there is not a level playing field here.

Though the original has material offensive to some, I view it as a historical document that should not be glossed over or otherwise edited, no matter how good the intentions may be. Let the stories speak for themselves, and if need be, include a modernized english version on the facing pages, but please do not "amend" the text itself.

A POLITICALLY CORRECT TRANSLATION OF A MASTERPIECE
I have decidedly mixed feelings about this version of what is an African-American folklore masterpiece. I give the two stars to the original stories and the author's valliant struggle to craft something palatible to the modern PC requirements that, thanks to the de-emphasis on phonics over the past four decades, make Gullah difficult to follow.

Around 1880, when the original version was written, Gullah was the true language of most Africans in America. It has the unique twists and distinct meanings that characterize it as a legitimate dialectic mixture of both English and the major African languages spoken by slaves. This distinctive and authentic flavor is completely lost in the updated version. Most adults who were educated after 1950 have great difficulty following the original dialect because its understanding and pronunciation depend to a great extent on knowing basic phonics. Reading based solely on word recognition will leave most adult readers baffeled, but any five year old versed in phonics will have no trouble.

Lester, et al, did a reasonably good job, considering what they were faced with. They saved the gist of the delightful stories but, due to PC pressures, were forced to sacrifice the original dialect which, to me, was about half of the charm. Imagine having to change "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" to "Snow White and the Seven Height-Challenged Men." Then we might also have to take a second look at "White," perhaps dropping it altogether.

The fact that the Uncle Remus tales can survive as great children's stories even after PC buchery ("updating") is a tribute to their original merit as wonderfully imaginative African-American folklore literature. In this respect Lester, et al, did a good job, and the kids probably won't care. They will enjoy the stories, anyway.

This is not your father's Uncle Remus
In his retelling of the "Uncle Remus" stories (first collected by Joel Chandler Harris), Mr. Lester takes some liberties. Mr. Lester's Uncle Remus is undefined, a narrator who lends a clear and distinctive voice to the stories, yet is never identified or described, unlike the elderly ex-slave of the Harris tellings. This was done so the reader could develop his or her own ideas of just who the new Uncle Remus is. Second, Mr. Lester unabashedly uses modern language and references (like shopping malls and the like). There are those who would say that by doing so Mr. Lester is ruining the Uncle Remus stories. However, Mr. Lester makes it very clear that his intent was not to ruin the stories, but to save them.

This assertion is underscored by the fact that although the language of the book is modern, the stories themselves are largely untouched. Mr. Lester does not present us with the Disney version of Brer Rabbit; a likeable character who serves the role of passive protagonist. Mr. Lester's Brer Rabbit, like Harris' Brer Rabbit, is an unrepentent troublemaker whose cleverness does more than lift him out of jams. He steals, lies, stirs up conflict and on a few occasions, commits murder. In that sense, despite the updated language, Mr. Lester's versions are far closer to the source material than most authors who retell the Uncle Remus stories.

I take nothing away from the works of Harris. For those who wish to read the original works in the original dialect and accept them as products of the age in which they were written, then the books are an excellent read. Unfortunately, most modern readers will not want to struggle with the dialect or accept Uncle Remus' congenial attitude towards his own enslavement. In that case, only scholars would read them and the stories would fall into obscurity. I for one praise Mr. Lester's efforts to keep the Uncle Remus stories alive and relevent. Yes, some changes were made, but don't forget, the stories were also changed when they were imported from Africa

Not the real thing
This is just a watered down version, by replacing the colorful language they have also taken away part of the beauty of the story. I wish I had not wasted my money on this version.

This is Brother Rabbit?
The artwork of the book is excellent and the format is great but if you want the original feel of the Joel Chandler Harris stories go out and get the originals. The language used by Harris is challenging for both reader and listener, however, and this book by Lester may present a good alternative when reading the stories to young children or if you are not particulary apt with reading different dialects. ... Read more

Book Description

"Mama may have,
Papa may have,
But God bless the child
That's got his own!
That's got his own."

The song "God Bless the Child" was first performed by legendary jazz vocalist Billie Holiday in 1939 and remains one of her enduring masterpieces. In this picture book interpretation, renowned illustrator Jerry Pinkney has created images of a family moving from the rural South to the urban North during the Great Migration that reached its peak in the 1930s. The song's message of self-reliance still speaks to us today but resonates even stronger in its historical context. This extraordinary book stands as a tribute to all those who dared so much to get their own. A free CD of Billie Holiday's timeless recording of "God Bless the Child" is included to enjoy along with the book.

Reviews (3)

BEAUTIFUL PICTURES COMPLIMENT A BEAUTIFUL SONG
Jerry Pinkney collects vintage photographs, and it was those photos, along with the history of sharecroppers and their migration to the north, that inspired Pinkney to breathe new life into Billie Holiday's song "God Bless the Children" - not that the song needed new life, but it is a the perfect choice for the message Pinkney is trying to convey to young African-American readers--which is their history.

The large book displays some memorable illustrations, each stretching across two pages. The illustrations are scenes in the life of a sharecropper family in the thirties: scenes of Bible reading, horse playing, working in the field, loading the car to move up north and scenes of the working and living in an industrial city. With the illustrations are the words to the song "God Bless the Child." The song becomes a beautiful story brought to life with these detailed, expressive images. They are absolutely beautiful; I just couldn't get enough of them. A free CD of Holiday's God Bless the Child can be found at the back of the book.

pictures to sing to
Rebeccasreads highly recommends GOD BLESS THE CHILD as a perfect gift for every family who has ever known struggle, & the excitement & loss that moving from a well-loved place to a new world brings.

Exquisitely illustrated by the award-winning artist, Jerry Pinkney, GOD BLESS THE CHILD, is a glimpse into another time, hauntingly accompanied by the legendary singer Billie Holiday.

Educators Recommend
God Bless the Child is a masterpiece: visually stunning and emotionally appealing.

Taking the words to Billie Holiday's and Arthur Herzog Jr.'s bluesy "God Bless the Child" as his text and inspiration, Pinkney depicts a family's move in the 1930s from the rural South to the industrialized North in what was known as the Great Migration.

His exquisite "slice of life" watercolor paintings are wonderfully atmospheric, capturing perfectly the period and people.

The final page is one of hope and the promise of a better future. The single painting shows a young boy sitting in a classroom holding a book, talking with his teacher. As Pinkney notes in an afterword, "At the time "God Bless the Child" was written, education was largely a privilege of the wealthy . . . Free public education was prized as the great equalizer-the stairway out of poverty for those with the courage and opportunity to climb it."

This book is a labor of love. One can see this clearly in the facial expressions, the gestures, even the postures of the characters. No detail is neglected. Each page feels like an inexorable progression forward-even the endpapers. (The front endpapers show what appears to be a cabin's rough, wooden walls, while the endpapers in the back of the book show painted wallpaper.)

This book receives our highest recommendation: Suitable for district-wide library acquisitions.

Reviewed by the Education Oasis Staff ... Read more

Book Description

With the depression bearing down on her family and food in short supply, Cassie Logan isn't sure where her next meal will come from.But there is one thing that she knows will always be there-the whispering trees outside her window. Cassie's trees are a steady source of comfort to her, but they also happen to be worth a lot of money. When Mr. Andersen tries to force Big Ma to sell their valuable trees, Cassie can't just sit by and let it happen.She knows that her family needs the money, but something tells her that they need the trees just as much. The beloved heroine of Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry enchants us again in this story of strength and pride.

Illustrated by Jerry Pinkey ... Read more

Reviews (7)

cute little book
i think this is a verey excellent book for a young person to get an idea about racism and prejudice all at the same time an enjoyable novel.

Everyone should buy this book!
This was a wonderful book about the way a family pulls together to save the trees! I cried when I read it! You are crazy if you dont buy this book! It is so wonderful! Please buy it plase please!

An excellent book to ignite an interest in Black history.
This is an excellent book to introduce Black history and literary techniques. The author paints vivid pictures of the scenery that are easily pictured in one's mind. She makes excellent use of similes and comparisons. When read aloud to children, they can easily draw pictures to illustrate the setting and the characters. It is an excellent springboard to discussion of Black history and American history during the Depression.

I enjoyed the author's tricks
I give Song of the Trees 3 1/2 stars because Song of the Trees needs more pages and a better ending. That would help the book. The good things are the author's tricks. They are imagery,accents and the way they make you feel like the character.

I recomend this book for anybody that loves imagery.
This story I have read was Song of the Trees by Mildred D. Taylor. This story was manily about a girl named Cassie, who hears the trees singing outside her bedroom window. When Mr. Anderson comes she doesn't hear them singing anymore. I give this story three stars because as I was reading the book an image kept coming to my head. For example when Cassie said "Hello Mr.Trees" I could picture that image in my head. The reason I didn't give it four stars is because the resolution did not end like I wanted it to. I recomend this book for anybody that likes imagery as there reading. ... Read more

Book Description

In this elegantly designed volume, more than sixty of Aesop's timeless fables have been carefully selected, humorously retold, and brought gloriously to life by four-time Caldecott Honor-winner Jerry Pinkney. Included are the Shepherd Boy and The Wolf, the Lion and the Mouse, the Tortoise and the Hare, plus many other characters-and morals-that have inspired countless readers for centuries.

With more than fifty magnificent full-color illustrations, this handsome edition is a must for every bookshelf. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Aesop's Fables
Aesop's Fables is a great book that is a collection of short stories. This book gave us famous phrases that are used today, such as "sour grapes." These are easy to understand stories for all ages(unless you are under the age of 7). It's amazing that such small stories have great meaning. Every fable gives some kind of small lesson at the end. The characters fit each story very well. This book is a must read for people who wonder where some of our everyday phrases come from and who want to learn a lesson from just a few sentences.

Comprehensive, but a Bit Too Short & Sweet
If you are looking for a short, comprehensive, encyclopedic catalogue of Aesop's Fables then this book is a steal. There are 83 fables in all, including the more famous ones such as the Boy Who Cried Wolf, The Lion and the Mouse and the Goose That Laid the Golden Egg. Each fable comes with a half page or so re-telling of its story plus a one sentence synopsis of the stories' "moral" at the end.

My problem with this is that the stories are so short, there is no magic in them. They are stripped of all but the bones. I can't imagine a child being interested in the stories told this way. I would have preferred them cutting the number of stories and instead fleshing them out by a few pages. I recommend paying a few bucks more for *The Aesop for Children* (ISBN:0590479776) by M. Winter which does just that.

There are (at least!) two editions reviewed here!
Read carefully, and realize that the Publisher's Weekly review and several of the comments do not refer to this edition!

The body of Jacob Lawrence's artwork is a national treasure. These drawings may be black and white...they are also exceptional artwork by one of America's finest artists. In choosing this edition, you share not only Aesop's Fables with a child, but also truly great art.

HEAVY-DUTY GREAT LITERATURE THAT EVEN A 5YEAR OLD LIKES
Most kid books are just fluff. Boring stuff.

Aesop's Fables, on the other hand teach REAL VALUES: hard work, honesty, unity, etc. And we hear people refer to various fables on a regular basis throughout our lives.

A child is really disadvantaged if he doesn't get exposed to these valuable stories and internalize them at an early age.

I recently had to repeat the story of "the boy who cried wolf" to my 10-year old son, in order to help him to improve his behavior. this is one of the most important books you could buy for your child.

--George Stancliffe

Aeosps Fables are more than good, theyre grrrrrrrrreat!
On my birthday in second grade, my parents gave me a package containing these stories, written by the ancient Aesop. I read through it, at first not enjoying it much, thinking ,"What fun could it be to read something wrtitten by some old guy?" after reading through one fable, I was changed. My heart lightened, and I finished the book inside my favorite blanket within a day,and my parents were surprised that I had already finished. And even if it was heavy reading for a second grader, I loved it and have read it several times over again. I suggest that everyone should read this book because of the helpful morals that allow you to understand everyday life. ... Read more

Book Description

For 40 days and 40 nights rain poured from the heavens, enveloping the world. Only Noah had been warned by God of the great flood-and only Noah could save life on earth. This powerful story of salvation has fascinated people of all ages for centuries. Now, four-time Caldecott Honor-ricipient Jerry Pinkney captures all the courage, drama, and beauty of this ancient parable in rich, glorious paintings. Full of sensitive detail and emotion, his art brings new life and meaning to an important message of peace. This elegant edition of Noah's Ark promises to give readers strength and hope for many years to come. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Nice way to tell the old Bible story
I thought this was really well written for kids to understand. The illustrations are also very nice and decorative. This story would let little kids know what happened with the big flood in a short, easily understandable way. This is also a new version too. There are other versions out there in children's books that tell the story about Noah's Ark. But in my opinion, this beats all the other ones by far. The text is pretty descriptive. This helps so that little children can understand and picture the story easier in their minds. The story also illustrates how strong Noah's faith had to be to go and build an ark and all. The story sets a prime example of how everyone's faith should be. Noah didn't quit building the ark, he had faith and continued his mission from God. ... Read more

Book Description

Generations of children have been captivated by the hair-raising adventures and misadventures of Brer Rabbit. Come along as he sneaks into Mr. Man's garden, persuades Brer Wolf to be burned in a hollow log, and kicks Brer Fox's Tar Baby. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A classic reworked for our times
Julies Lester and Jerry Pinkney are forever finding new ways of retelling classic African American tales while removing the stigma once attached to their early presentation. Their other works include a whole new version of the old L'il Black Sambo story. Far more daringly is this collection; a retelling of the classic Uncle Remus stories. There is much to admire in this collection and a little to criticize. Admirable are the ways in which the stories are made interesting for kids today. The character of Uncle Remus has been made omnipresent. No longer are there pictures of little white children crouching at his feet. Instead, his narration encompasses everything that happens, and his humor infuses each and every story. Less admirable are some of the the more modern twinges placed here and there. Sometimes the narrator will mention a shopping mall or a pair of expensive running shoes. These "updates" seem to date an otherwise modern story. The violence found in these tales often seem straight out of a Grimm fairy tale. They are a bit similar in the methods of killing (boiling with water, burning alive, etc.). It is difficult in this day and age to find such tireless reworkings of classic American stories. Stories that should never be forgotten because they represent a part of our American past. If you have any interest at all, or nostalgia for, these tales then read this book immediately and do not dilly dally.

Lifetime Memories
I was raised on these tales of the wiley rabbit. My mother read me to sleep with The Songs of The South. Being from the heart of Dixie I have a very personal feeling for these wonderful colorful and enlightning tales of old. My middle age has allowed me to pass these tales on to my children and I am now reading them to my Grandchildren. In fact they are in demand from my kids wanting to read them to their children them selves when not convenient to do so by me.

Uncle Remus spins a whimsicle yarn and uses old time forgotten vinacular that titilates the imagination to heights that brings a giggle to the staunches personality.

The are truly an endless means of allowing imaginations paint colorful pictures and creating cool summer breezes under an old sycimore tree decked out with lazy spanish moss.

Highly recommended and truly a milestone in our Southern Heritage and culture of The Old South. Song of The South will endure and hold on like a Mississippi snapping turtle.

This book one is one of my all-time childhood favorites!
I personally haven't read the book in years, but my Grandmother (Mama Toler, we called her) bought that book for me when I was very young. Actually, if memory serves, it was a collection of stories with Uncle Remus telling the tales, and included several stories about the adventures of Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox, Brer Wolf, and the Doogang. Oh, I can't forget to mention "Tar Baby" either! Even before I was old enough to read on my own, Mama Toler would hold me in her lap and read all about the Adventures of Brer Rabbit and the Briar Patch. I loved it when she would mimick Uncle Remus' laugh because her belly would jiggle and make me wiggle and giggle (can you tell the little child in me has been awakened?). This book is one is one of my all-time favorites and, although I haven't seen it in years, I'm thinking that this would be the perfect time for me to buy a copy for my four-year old granddaughter (and ME!) since she spends every other weekend with us and loves for "Nanna" to read to her. Thanks for rekindling some happy memories. Happy Reading to you all, too! Diane ... Read more

Book Description

What do you want to be? a young girl is asked. Her answer is full of the soaring imagination and daring of youth: I want to be in motion but I want the ants in my pants to sometimes take a vacation. Sometimes I want to be slow but not so slow that everything passes me by. Poet Thylias Moss's extraordinary images are brought to life with Jerry Pinkney's equally extraordinary illustrations.Exhilirating, verbally and visually; the very essence of youthful energy and summertime freedom.--Kirkus Reviews ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Touching Story for Children of all Ages
Have you ever read a children's book, and wondered, "Wow, I wish that I would have read this when I was a child?" That is exactly how I felt after reading "I Want to Be." The book had a similar impact on my students. My first grade class asks me to read this book all of the time! "I Want to Be" has inspired the students to write about "what they want to be." This book does a wonderful job of allowing children to express their creativity, yet very realistically. This is a fascinating story with beautiful illustrations. The narrator, a young child, states, "I want to be pretty, but not so pretty...." and, "I want to be tall, but not too tall..." Children love reading books that can relate directly to their lives and dreams. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Confronted with the indignities and humiliations of segregated Nashvillein the 1950s, young 'Tricia Ann holds her head high and remembers that she is"somebody, a human being--no better, no worse than anybody else in this world."For the first time, 'Tricia Ann has been allowed to venture outside hercommunity all by herself. Her grandmother has prepared her well, fortifying her"with enough love, respect, and pride to overcome any situation." 'Tricia Ann,though frustrated by the Jim Crow laws that forbid her, as an African American,to enter certain restaurants and hotels, or even to sit on park benches marked"For Whites Only," rises above her pain and makes her way to one of the onlyplaces in the city that welcomes her with open arms: the public library.

Drawing on her own Nashville childhood, Newbery Honor-winning author Patricia C.McKissack (The Dark- Thirty) brings the injustices of segregation to life in this bittersweetpicture book. Illustrator Jerry Pinkney, four-time Coretta Scott King Awardwinner and four-time Caldecott Honor Medalist, captures the spirit of the '50swith his lovely watercolors. McKissack and Pinkney previously collaborated onMirandy and Brother Wind.(Ages 3 to 7) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Special, in the best sense of the word
I've had a touch and go relationship with Jerry Pinkney's books over the years. He's one of those artists that I respect but that I've never really felt an undying affection for. His books tend to speak to the African-American experience but while I've always thought his pictures were effective I never became greatly attached to his stories. Author Patricia C. McKissack, however, won my heart with the splendid and multi-layered "Christmas In the Big House, Christmas in the Quarters". When combined with Mrs. McKissack, Jerry Pinkney suddenly becomes a lot more interesting. With their talents melded, the world has seen some breath-taking picture books. "Goin' Someplace Special" is probably the best of these. A smart book that introduces children to the notion of racism and Jim Crow laws, McKissack and Pinkney have given us a truly worthy book for our consideration.

'Tricia Ann is all ah-flutter. Her mother is finally letting her go all the way to Someplace Special. The trip is hardly carefree, though. After getting on the bus, 'Tricia Ann is forced to sit in the colored section. Then she can't even sit on a park bench, the words, "Whites Only" staring her in the face. Her friend Jimmy Lee commiserates, pointing out that even though blacks can work at the nearby restaurant, they can't sit down there to have a BLT and a cup of coffee. But the worst comes when 'Tricia Lee accidentally gets swept into a grand hotel. In the midst of an autograph signing the girl is loudly condemned and shooed out because she is black. In tears she finds a friend in an elderly churchgoer and becomes determined to finish her trip. The reader finally learns at the end that Someplace Special is none other than the public library. A place where all people are welcome.

In her Author's Note at the back, McKissack tells how the Nashville Public Library in the 1950s voted to integrate their facilities. As a girl growing up in Tennessee, McKissack based 'Tricia Ann's experiences on her own. Through this tale, the reader comes to understand just how difficult it would have been for a young black girl to travel alone in a racially segregated city. Suddenly 'Tricia Ann seems a whole lot braver, and her trip across town a whole lot bigger. The text is, almost throughout, a constant calm narrative of big and small bigotries. I found myself wishing that the section in which 'Tricia Ann finds peace in the church courtyard was a bit less hokey. It's the single flaw in an otherwise perfect jewel of a book.

As I mentioned before, previous Pinkney books have done little for me. And yet I loved what he chose to do with this book. Throughout the tale, 'Tricia Ann wears a memorable blue dress with yellow daisies. In almost every scene, other people are drab and colorless when compared to the bright sprightly girl and her eye catching outfit. Moreover, his protagonist's body language and posture often tell half the story in and of themselves. When 'Tricia Ann is being thrown out of the hotel she clasps on wrist in another. Her expression is part shock, part amazement. The fact that anyone could be so crude and cruel as to throw a girl out merely for her skin color.... Kids reading this section will sympathize.

This is by no means the first McKissack/Pinkney pairing ("Mirandy and Brother Wind" has that particular honor), but I hope it isn't the last. The book is an entirely respectful and creative way of introducing the notion of racism to small children. Kids might not immediately understand the importance of Brown vs. the Board of Education but a book like this will make that time period a little more real to them. It's an original story with great text and illustrations. I think you'll be pleased with its presentation.

Memories of "the OLD SOUTH" flow through these pages!
I grew up in a town some thirty miles east of Nashville and can very much relate to Tricia Ann and her desire to find that special place. As an African-American I recall the "Jim Crow" laws that forbade me from going to the downtown soda fountain, shopping in certain stores, and riding in the front of the bus.

But, like the story's protagonist, the library was a haven,a place where, within the pages of a book, I could be what I wanted to be, I could do what I wanted to do, and I co