K-Gr 3-Ameerah Monkey spies a river and is curious about what is on the other side, but she is terrified of water. Devising a plan, she paints her tail black, wraps it around her waist, and pretends that it is a belt. She tells Crocodile that her tail is drying out on the other side of the river and promises to give it to him if he takes her across. Fusek-Peters stretches this trickster tale beyond necessary length. He also creates a hiccup in logic when the monkey mentions midstream that she keeps her savings in the Opposite Bank, and the crocodile's motivation is switched from food to money, a tactic that doesn't quite fit with the mostly naturalistic setting. Done in a vivid palette and making use of varying perspectives, the cartoon artwork surpasses the text. From Ameerah's behind-the-ear hibiscus blossom to her expression of waterlogged panic, Montgomery-Higham's illustrations perfectly capture the mischievous character of the heroine. All in all, an uneven effort that is not in the same ballpark as Paul Galdone's The Monkey and the Crocodile (Clarion, 1987).-Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
When Ameerah Monkey wants to cross the river, she hatches a plot to trick crocodile into helping her. But how will she escape being his next meal? And will Crocodile ever get his pot of Monkey Tail Soup?
This traditional African-Caribbean tale is retold with a twist by storyteller, poet and anthologist Andrew Fusek Peters.
When Ameerah Monkey wants to cross the river, she hatches a plot to trick crocodile into helping her. But how will she escape being his next meal? And will Crocodile ever get his pot of Monkey Tail Soup?
This traditional African-Caribbean tale is retold with a twist by storyteller, poet and anthologist Andrew Fusek Peters.
Monkey's Clever Tale
Monkey's Clever Tale
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Editorial Reviews
Product Details
BN ID: | 2940172412509 |
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Publisher: | Child's Play-International |
Publication date: | 06/01/2010 |
Series: | Traditional Tales with a Twist Series |
Edition description: | Unabridged |
Age Range: | Up to 4 Years |