From School Library Journal
Grade 1-4-- From West Africa via the Caribbean to the Sea Islands off South Carolina's coast come the story fragments melded in this unusual, haunting tale. San Souci's eloquent prose, matched by Pinkney's handsome illustrations executed in scratchboard and oil pastel, tells the tale of a black girl's special relationship with a benevolent mermaid. As the arresting cover illustration suggests, Mama Jo is no ordinary water spirit. This fabulous creature, with opulent jewelry and golden combs in her sea-green hair, offers Sukey more than a gold coin at day's end. The time spent in the sea with the mermaid provides respite from the hardships of life with her mother and shiftless stepfather. Although the Cinderella theme is most apparent, there are references to many others. What provides this book with depth and richness, however, is the smooth transition from the mermaid's magical kingdom to the harsh reality of the girl's life on land. Sukey is a likable heroine, determined, clever, and compassionate. This is a realistic coming-of-age story, combined with fantasy. With current interest in and the demand for multicultural materials, this tale is a welcome addition to any folklore collection. --Martha Rosen, Edgewood School, Scarsdale, NY
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Kirkus Reviews
Weary of the unreasonable demands of Mister Jones, her new stepfather, Sukey escapes to the water's edge, where she meets ``a beautiful, brown-skinned, black-eyed mermaid''--Mama Jo--who befriends and comforts her and each day gives her a gold coin. Mister Jones drinks up most of the money; eventually, he tries to capture the mermaid, who escapes and takes Sukey to her undersea kingdom. Homesick, Sukey bargains for a chance to go home and is also given a dowry and the promise of a fine husband, to be named Dembo. Wicked Mister Jones steals the dowry and kills Dembo; but Mama Jo appears one last time to bring him back to life. A careful note explains that this eventful, richly complex story was based on a folktale from the Sea Islands of South Carolina, as well as on Caribbean and West African sources. Pinkney's delicately tinted scratchboard illustrations are his best yet; the many fine lines swirl through the dramatic black ground, catching the sea's luminous glow and softening the sturdy figures with diaphanous garments. An unusually handsome presentation of an appealing tale. (Folklore/Picture book. 5-10) --
Copyright ©1992, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
