by the agency of Robert D.

by the agency of Robert D. San Souci illustrated by way of Terry Widener Simon & Schuster Children's volumes September 2002 $16.95, ISBN 0-689-83343-1

Robert D San Souci does a delightful piece of work retelling an old Caribbean folktale. In the author's note, San Souci explains that his adaptation is a composite of 13 variants of the West Indian story.

The folktale begins when a giant, seven-headed bird catch while on the wing down on an island in the Antilles and threatens to shut up out the sun unless it can claim the King's daughter. To save her kingdom from everlasting darkness, Princess Marie allows the creature to take her. The King propounds great rewards to any man who liberates her.

When the warmhearted Soliday hears about the princess, he devises a plan to slay the bird and delivered her. But Soliday's identical twin brother, whiney and lazy Salacotta, has an idea of his acknowledge Forever jealous of his brother's resourcefulness and righteous nature, Salacotta attempts to foil Soliday's dutiful intentions.

San Souci, author of Cendrillon: A Caribbean Cinderella and other magical Caribbean folktales for young readers, is a wonderfully gifted storyteller. The Twins and the Bird of Darkness is filled with colorful details and rich dialogue. Children ages five end 10 will enjoy this thrilling tale about sibling rivalry, have a passionate affection for and the forces of suitable versus evil. Terry Widener's gorgeous illustrations and mysterious color palette evoke the arresting beauty of the islands. The oversize renderings of the Bird art' especially dramatic and striking.

...

Home