Rata-Pata-Scata-Fata: A Caribbean Story (Paperback)

by Phillis Gershator (Author), Holly Meade (Illustrator) "Junjun liked to daydream..." (more)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
With their soft edges and tropical colors, Meade's ( This Is the Hat ) torn-paper collages are a joyous accompaniment to this tall tale from the Caribbean. As Gershator explains in a prefatory note, rata-pata-scata-fata "is an old-time Virgin Islands way of talking nonsense." For confirmed daydreamer Junjun, however, the phrase is an incantation to be invoked whenever his chores seem too oppressive. The magic syllables seem to make all Junjun's wishes come true: he finds a fine fish without going to market, he catches the family's goat without lifting a finger and a big wind shakes a basketful of ripe tamarinds out of their tree. In the end, even Junjun's skeptical mother tries out the phrase and calls up a rainstorm to fill the empty rain barrel. Readers can decide for themselves whether Junjun simply benefits from a string of fortunate coincidences or whether his words have the power he imagines, but most will agree that there is magic in Meade's art. Her luscious palette, dynamic compositions and expertly shifting perspectives beguile the viewer. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 2-A gentle book that moves at a gentle pace. Set in St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, it tells the story of Junjun, a little boy who wants to help his mother, but who doesn't really want to exert any effort in the process. Instead, he invokes the nonsense phrase, "rata-pata-scata-fata" to accomplish several tasks she sets before him: getting a fish for dinner, finding a lost goat, and collecting a bucket of tamarinds. Lastly, she asks him to fill the rain barrel. Junjun lies on the ground, repeats the words several times, and the chores are completed. Of course, no magic is really involved, only coincidence-or is it? Readers cannot be certain. Unfortunately, the text is overly long and drags in places. The strongest drawing card here is the setting, which is captured in the charming watercolor illustrations done in warm pastels.
Carol Jones Collins, Montclair Kimberley Academy, NJ
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Star Bright Books (May 15, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1932065954
• ISBN-13: 978-1932065954
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.8 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,160,508 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars wonderful, March 10, 2007

By	Sandy (WA) - See all my reviews

I checked this book out for my duaghter at the library and we loved it so much I had to add it to our own library collection. The story and illustrations are simple but it is so sweet and a nice introduction to life on the caribbean. The reader can anticipate what Jun Jun will say (which young kids love) and the ending is clever and fun. It's also a great book to read if your at a stage of wanting to give your own little one some chores of his own.