Fruits: A Caribbean Counting Poem [Library Binding]

Valerie Bloom (Author), David Axtell (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up

This poem counts up to ten different kinds of Caribbean fruit, including guavas, jackfruit, and Otaheiti apples.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2. A mischievous counting poem that mimics the cadence and rhythm of the Jamaican language, Patwa, and introduces children to some familiar and exotic tropical fruits. An older sister stealthily sneaks fruits from obvious and hidden places throughout the house and around the yard. Little sister tags along hoping to enjoy a few tasty pieces. The phonetically spelled text is printed on the left-hand side of the book above an illustration of the featured fruit (half of a pawpaw, one guinep, two guava). The number of pieces of fruit is stated, but the numerical symbol is not presented. On the opposite page, Axtell's colorful, full-page paintings capture the warm, sun-splashed colors of the tropics. The expressionistic, oil-on-canvas-board art emphasizes the poem's tone. Big sister's expression of stomach pain at the end of the book will not surprise most readers. Understanding the dialect may be difficult for youngsters, but adults who can read it aloud can share a humorous, childlike poem with their audience.?Marie Wright, University Library, Indianapolis, IN
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Ages 3^-7. Children who have been tempted to take the last sweet treat on a plate will certainly identify with the little girl who narrates this story when she escapes with the last pawpaw and later hides two guavas so "When night come and it get dark / Me an' dem will have a talk." The fresh fruits that surround and tempt the child may be unfamiliar to American readers. Many are typical of the Caribbean, and they are referred to here by their Jamaican names--naseberry, sweetsop, pawpaw. Most will intrigue readers, even the guinep, about which the narrator explains: "It don't mek no sense to pick it / One guinep can't feed a cricket." Axtell's rich, vibrant illustrations capture Jamaican life as decidedly as the orally based text that utilizes island patois to capture local speech patterns. Children will relish the little girl's sense of humor and her ability to outwit adults, and even the grand, grand stomach she has at the end. An unusual counting book with an engaging protagonist and an appealing look at rural Jamaican life. Karen Morgan

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Library Binding: 32 pages
• Publisher: Henry Holth & Co (J) (March 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805051716
• ISBN-13: 978-0805051711
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,568,088 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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