|
From School Library Journal
Baby Rattlesnake wants a rattle that's just like his big brother and
sister's in this native American cautionary tale. The young snake makes
such a ruckus that the elders decide to give in to him, even though he
is still too young to use his rattle wisely. As the elders predict, Baby
Rattlesnake creates mischief with his new power. He meets his match,
however, when he tries to scare the chief's daughter, who is as strong
and decisive as she is beautiful and proud. Humbled and without his
rattle, the little snake returns to his forgiving family. Adapted from
the work of Te Ata, a Chickasaw storyteller now in her 90s, the story is
fast moving, dramatic, and economically told. The collage and
cartoon-like paintings are cluttered, but the desert country colors are
deftly combined to make the book bright and attractive. This short tale
will be a welcomed addition to story hour collections. --Carolyn Polese,
Gateway Community School, Arcata, CA
|
