From Publishers Weekly
Ross and Jacob, both of whom are of Cherokee descent, produce an unusually rich debut picture book in retelling 15 tales about Rabbit, a central figure in Cherokee storytelling. The wily creature is a consummate mischief-maker, always ready to prove himself better than his fellow animals--almost always through unfair means. The reader finds him disguised as an otter, cheating in races and constantly filling the air with his boasting. With gleeful relish he transforms Possum's tail into a "red, skinny, hairless" shadow of its former self; and in a stroke of revenge he blunts poor Deer's teeth. A bundle of bravado, he is always moving, talking, plotting, very much at the center of this patchwork of stories. Cunning trickster though he is, he often gets a good comeuppance. With their vivid language, these tales simply sashay right along. Unusual artwork presents textured still lifes, like tapestry wall-hangings; these convey both the history and morality of the stories and, at the same time, portray splendid detail. A handsome, informative collection. All ages.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 6-Fifteen short, action-oriented tales about Rabbit, the Cherokee trickster hero. In the title story, Rabbit cheats Otter out of his beautiful fur coat, but then loses the wonderful tail that was his rightful gift from the Creator. Each subsequent story relates to those that precede it, much as they would in an informal story-telling session, yet each also stands alone as a small, humorous teaching tale. Traditional manners and morals, culture, and spirituality are lightly woven into the selections. Rabbit's exploits come to life in language that is as natural as conversation and as easy to listen to. The author, herself Cherokee, is steeped in her culture, yet has the freshness of voice and connection with her audience that make the material come alive for contemporary young readers. The detailed, primitive-style acrylic paintings by a Kentucky-Cherokee artist portray the animals, traditional clothing, and environment with accuracy as well as spontaneity. Some of the pictures appear to be out of place with the text, but otherwise the book design is quite pleasing with its bordered pages and hand-lettered titles. Several of the stories will be familiar to young readers in other forms. "Tar Wolf" is known to many through "Brer Rabbit and the Tar Baby." "Rabbit Races with Turtle" begins like Aesop's "The Tortoise and the Hare" but takes an unexpected twist at the end. Although the stories are a bit repetitive, all in all this is a sweet offering that will be an enjoyable addition to any collection.
Carolyn Polese, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CACopyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
