Title:	Grandpa Sydney's		Anancy Stories

Author:	Geoffrey Philp
Publisher:	Mabrak Books
Reviewer:	Siobhan Morrison

With a glossy cover done in hues of blue yellow, green and brown, Geoffrey Philp's Grandpa Sydney's Anancy Stories is a well-written children's book that is sure to attract readers. This 60-page book, set in Miami has strong Jamaican roots. It tells the story of a young Caribbean American boy, Jimmy Harrison, who is forced to overcome a big problem at school

Jimmy is a bright, well-mannered and curious child who loves his family and enjoys school - in particular snack time. However, his love of school is threatened when a new student, Kevin, shows up and begins to bully Jimmy and his classmates. Rather than resorting to a physical confrontation and unwilling to be seen as a 'tattletale', Jimmy turns to the cunning sheer ingenuity found in the Anancy stories, which his Grandpa Sydney reads to him every night.

richness

There is richness to Philp's writing, and a literary mastery that allows him to fluidly interweave three stories within the confines of this rather thin book. In addition to the central story of Jimmy and the bully, Philp inserts the story of Anancy, Snake and Tiger, which takes up all of chapter five. The character of Anancy is a key figure in Jamaican folklore and culture that can be traced back to our West African roots. The stories are usually passed on orally from generation to generation, very much in the same way Grandpa Sydney tells Jimmy the stories just as he had done with Jimmy's father. Known as a trickster, Anancy is not always a good character who does the right thing for children to emulate. However, in this case '... he did and that's what matters'. Children who read this book will be as entertained by Anancy as they are by Jimmy.

In addition to these two stories, is Philp's illustration of life in the diaspora through the eyes of child, and which parents will also find entertaining. Grandpa Sydney, a retired teacher, Jimmy's parents, Winston and Donna - a security guard and a nurse - are all transplants to the US. As the central story develops we see Jimmy's sadness at not being able to spend time with his parents, in particular his father, due to their work schedule. He displays a sense of maturity, which is reflected in the book's tone, as he accepts that they have to work very hard. Grandpa also exhibits signs of homesickness as he walks Jimmy to school every day admitting that he 'missed the hills'.

reality

The reality of the struggle most Jamaicans face trying to eke out a life in America and the important role the extended family plays in raising children come out in the book. Grandpa Sydney's role as caregiver also includes establishing the link between Miami and Jamaica in Jimmy's cultural upbringing. This is evident not only in the telling of Anancy stories, as suggested by the title, but also in the teaching of proverbs and the use of Jamaican idioms. He also identifies flora and fauna that are common to both Miami and Jamaica, 'because Miami is almost like Jamaica', on the way to school.

While highly entertaining, there are a few weak points in the book the book's cover may attract a young audience, anywhere from six upwards, the small number of illustrations that accompany the story might not hold their attention. There are just three simple black and white drawings in the 60-page book. In addition to one of Jimmy and Grandpa Sydney at bedtime, and Jimmy at school, the third is a humorous rendition of Anancy, Snake and Tiger. Anancy is depicted as a 'dread', complete with a knitted cap and sunglasses. Tiger is portrayed quite appropriately as a big tabby cat, as he is not very brave in the Anancy story.

Philp's target audience might very well fall within the 10-and-over age group based on the book's structure. At the rear of the book are several comprehension and critical thinking exercises. This might put off children who are looking for something to read just for the fun of reading. With the inclusion of these questions, the book could serve as a textbook, or an accompaniment to a school text - for parents who like to mix learning and fun. The book is full of lessons and laughs.

In today's culture of 'lick fi lick', the notion of using wit over violence is one lesson parents will want to share with young readers, in particularly male readers. It will make a wonderful addition to your child's library.