| Author: | Don Hooper, | | | Illustrated by Darnel | | Degand |
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| Publisher: | Trafford Publishing |
| Reviewer: | Siobhan Morrison |
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The Coomacka Island series is a three-book, 24-page collection that includes - Lenox Lizard and the Kukumacka Duppy, Anansi Jr. and the Mango Truck and The Story of Spider. Each book opens with a forward that explains the origins of Coomacka Island. It is a 'mysterious and uncharted island in the Caribbean Sea', which has been discovered by adventurers in search of the famous macka tree. The stories were 'documented' during their journey. Let me first commend Hooper on his attempt at originality. There is nothing a child likes more than adventures, and nothing spikes their creativity more than make-believe. However, there is nothing really mysterious or uncharted about these stories. Catering to pre-school and young children, the stories are refreshingly fun and colourful, like a cool tropical breeze.
Tales from the heart
Dubbed as 'Tales told from the Heart of the Caribbean', the stories tap into the folk history of the West Indies and tailoring them for a new generation of Caribbean readers.
On the island, we meet several characters including Lenox Lizard and Anansi Jr or AJ, the great-grandson of the legendary trickster Anansi. The Anansi stories are an integral part of the Jamaican cultural fabric that can be traced back to our West African roots, which have been passed on orally from one generation to the next Hooper's AJ embodies some of his ancestor's characteristics, his deceptive nature has been tempered making him a more suitable example for children.
In Anansi and the Mango Truck, AJ is on one hand hard working, while greedy and selfish on the other. He spends his saturday working industriously in his garden, an enjoyable task second only to eating. Pretty soon AJ feels hunger calling him. He remembers that the mango truck was at the market selling Julie mango, and off he goes to Macka Street Market. Soon AJ learns about the downfall of avarice, kindness and the value of friendship.
In Lenox Lizard and the Kukumacka Duppy, we come across two more West Indian pastimes - football and 'duppy' stories. As captain of the Fighting Peenywallies, Lenox is anxious to defeat the 'the Stoney Hill Scorpions' after a 100 year losing streak. As if anxiety over winning were not enough, his rival Sulubu Scorpian tries to intimidate him with the story of the infamous Kukumacka Duppy. Lenox is forced to confront his fear before it defeats him.
target audience
The books are geared toward children two years and older. The fact that there are 'big words' maybe a deterrent to someone purchasing the book for such a young child. However, in keeping with the oral culture of Caribbean folk tales, parents are encouraged to read to their child. The author encourages story time between parents and children, as this enhances a child's reading and speaking skills at an early age. It is an idea in which I wholeheartedly support - in addition to promoting good reading habits, it's a good way to spend 'we' time.
The fluid storyline, fun new words and the glossy, colourful illustrations on each page are sure to hold any child's attention. For the slightly older children, who are able to read to themselves, the large font and structural layout of the stories make for easy reading. The stories are laid out with no more than four lines on each page and are accompanied by colourful graphics.
Another aspect of the books, which I liked, was the timeliness of the characters. Rather than the agelessness and ambiguity of Brother Anansi, Brother Dog and the other characters in the old folk stories, Hooper's characters are young, hip and personable. They go to school and have first and last names, making them more identifiable to their readers.
Parents who purchase the collection are sure to love the lessons and messages that are passed on through stories. The books also have fun facts and exercise that parents can engage in with their child. While the exercises are probably too much for the little ones, they are sure to be conversation starters for the big kids. Enjoy storytime with Coomacka Island.
