In this playful retelling of a traditional Ojibwe folktale, Michael Spooner and Lolita Taylor have captured the spirit of the mischievous, lovable trickster turtle Old Meshikee. Drastic measures are called for when Old Meshikee plays his drums so loudly that the little sand crabs can't hear themselves think. The frantic crabs decide to get rid of the old turtle once and for all--but that proves more difficult than they had planned. Full color.
Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Grade 2-4?Meshikee, the wily old turtle, is a noisome and irritating neighbor for the Shagizens, the little crabs that inhabit the shores of the Great Lakes. Their schemes to rid themselves of this large and troublesome creature, only to have him outwit them, will be familiar to all who are acquainted with Brer Rabbit and other legendary tricksters. A source note appears at the end of the story. The authors include several details that are unique to the Ojibwe culture, e.g., the kind of rope used to entrap old Meshikee. This is a lengthy retelling, but it is, however, enlivened by the sound effects created for Meshikee's big drum and the smaller ones of the Shagizens. The illustrations are a combination of watercolor and block printing on etching paper, creating a bold, primitive effect. Since the text is intertwined with the colored illustrations, which are often quite busy, the print is sometimes difficult to decipher. The cartoonlike art is reminiscent of Roy Lichtenstein's work in its "Pop Art" quality. In spite of its crowded layout, this offering should be useful for social-studies curriculums and comparative folklore units. A secondary purchase.?Martha Rosen, Edgewood School, Scarsdale, NY
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Ages 5^-8. In this Ojibwa story, Old Meshikee the turtle beats his drum loudly, disturbing the drumming of his neighbors, the sand crabs. They capture him and prepare to burn him or boil him, but he convinces them to change their plans. Finally, they throw him into the deep, cold water of the lake, which he claims to dread most of all. Like Br'er Rabbit flung into the briar patch, Old Meshikee soon finds his way home. This picture book presents a traditional tale told in a colorful way, with colloquial speech and great drumming opportunities for the teller. The illustrations, bold block prints tinted with watercolors, seem rather busy up close, but look better at a distance. An entertaining read-aloud that shows the lighter side of Native American folktales. Carolyn Phelan
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