Red Comb - Pbk [Paperback]

Pico (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 29, 1998 | Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

In mid-nineteenth-century Puerto Rico, an old woman and a young village girl conspire to prevent the capture of a runaway African slave.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-4-An original story, smoothly translated from the Spanish and based on fact, set in Puerto Rico in the mid-19th century. Pedro Calderon has become a rich man by capturing runaway slaves from nearby sugarcane plantations and claiming the rewards. Although some people are jealous of his success, a few-like Rosa and her young neighbor Vitita-think his actions are disgraceful. When Vitita finds a young, frightened black woman trying to steal eggs from under her house, she asks Rosa for help. Together they contrive to feed the young woman and keep her hidden. When Calderon suspects the runaway's presence and tries a variety of ways to ambush her, the tale takes on a folkloric quality as Vitita and Rosa outwit him each time. The stylized, full-color illustrations evoke the countryside, and the spare peppering of Spanish words add to the book's authenticity. An excellent addition to multicultural collections.
Rosanne Cerny, Queens Borough Public Library, NY
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Spanish --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Troll Communications (October 29, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0816735409
• ISBN-13: 978-0816735402
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7.7 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,892,499 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #84 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Multicultural Stories > General

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Children Book set in slavery times in PR, April 17, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The Red Comb (Hardcover)

This is a great book about how villagers helped slave runaways to hide and start a new life. It has beautiful illustrations, good humor and it's based on historical facts. My daughter loves it!!

5.0 out of 5 stars The Red Comb, February 2, 2011

By 

Mary E. Young "JanaRose1" (Covington, Georgia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Red Comb - Pbk (Paperback)

Set in Puerto Rico during the mid-19th century, Vitita and Rosa attempt to help a young runaway slave. Together, they feed the woman, keep her safe from slave-hunters, and keep her hidden. The book takes on a folk-tale quality as the two women protect the slave by playing tricks on the slave-hunters. Richly illustrated, the book tells a story of courage and determination.

5.0 out of 5 stars Charming and captivating story, March 29, 2008

By 

Steph D. (Left Coast, U.S.A.) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Red Comb - Pbk (Paperback)

I was first introduced to this book through a children's literature class years ago. It later became one of my daughter's favorite books. The pictures are well done and eye-catching. I'd highly recommend the book either as part of a classroom library or as part of a home children's library.

I especially like that the story is just a matter-of-fact story that happens to be in Puerto Rico. It's a good multicultural story that isn't focused on any any perspective, it's just telling a story. Highly recommended!