Anancy and Mr. Dry-Bone [Hardcover]

Fiona French (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1991 | Age Level: 3 and up

Anancy and Mr. Dry-Bone attempt to win the hand of the beautiful Miss Louise by making her laugh.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

With eye-catching art and a saucy tone, French ( Rise and Shine ; Snow White in New York ) tells an original story based on characters borrowed from Jamaican and African folktales. Both Mr. Dry-Bone and Anancy attempt to win the hand of Miss Louise who is "very clever, and very, very pretty." Determined to marry the first man who makes her laugh, Miss Louise is not impressed with Mr. Dry-Bone, a skeletal scarecrow in black-and-white checkered pants who woos her with his conjuring tricks. Anancy, a handsome black man, borrows clothing from various animals to create a ridiculous outfit and ends up making everyone laugh, even Mr. Dry-Bone. The story is slight, but French's language is street-smart and jazzy. The illustrations--vibrant background colors overlaid with complex black-and-white silhouettes--are singular and striking. Ages 4-7.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 1-- This original story, based on traditional motifs and characters and set in the Caribbean, shows Anancy as a comic hero rather than in his usual role as trickster. A very hip Anancy, in human form, borrows amusing clothes from various animals. By making Miss Louise laugh for the first time, he wins her hand. His rival, a skeleton conjurer named Mr. Dry-Bone, good-naturedly wishes them well. The illustrations are far more striking than the slight story. French's flattened, near-silhouette figures in black, white, and brilliant color move over warm watercolor washes. The settings are heavily influenced by the ornate wood-carvings and wrought-iron work of Caribbean architecture. Beginning readers will welcome the large print. Direct, vigorous language makes the story a possible choice for group sharing, although the lack of conflict and the anticlimactic ending may disappoint Anancy fans. --Susan Giffard, Englewood Public Library, NJ
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 1 pages
• Publisher: Little Brown & Co (Juv) (September 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316292982
• ISBN-13: 978-0316292986
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,943,607 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a great tale, October 31, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Anancy and Mr. Dry-Bone (Paperback)

This book is a delight to all readers not only does it tell a wonderful tale about two men who are in love with the same woman. But it is much more it also gives the reader a little insight on the fasinating world of African folklore.

5.0 out of 5 stars Fave Children story!, October 4, 2011

By 

Taleah - See all my reviews

This review is from: Anancy and Mr. Dry-Bone (Paperback)

I am using my mothers account to type this, I am 14. My mother use to read this book to me ALL the time. When I was like 2,3,4,5 etc. It is just a fun read that I still adore to this day. Your children would LOVE it like I did. Sherlock Chick and the Peekaboo mystery was also a favorite! GO GET IT FOR YOUR BABIES!!!!!