The Twins and the Bird of Darkness: A Hero Tale from the Caribbean [Hardcover]

Robert D. San Souci (Author), Terry Widener (Illustrator)

Book Description

When a benevolent king and his daughter, Princess Marie, find their peaceful kingdom threatened by an enormous, evil, seven-headed bird, the brave princess offers herself as the bird's hostage in order to prevent the entire kingdom from being thrust into eternal darkness.

As soon as Soliday, a kindhearted, hardworking, and generous youth hears about the princess's sacrifice, he vows to kill the Bird of Darkness and save Marie. His identical twin brother -- the jealous, lazy, and dishonest Salacotta -- accompanies Soliday on the dangerous journey, but doesn't lift a finger in order to rescue the princess or slay the monstrous bird. And the second Salacotta sees his chance to claim that he was the one who freed the princess, he does just that.

Will Soliday be able to convince everyone that he is indeed who he says? Will his brother admit his treachery? Will Soliday ever be able to trust his twin again?

This timeless and resonant folktale about the forces of good and evil and the redemptive power of brotherly love is the perfect story for the ages.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

San Souci (Cendrillon) returns to a Caribbean setting for this composite tale relayed in lush jungle colors and featuring a macabre multiheaded monster. When the baleful Bird of Darkness, its seven eagle-like heads on serpentine necks, claims an island princess for its own, twin brothers set out to save her. But the twins are opposite in nature: Soliday (who, like the biblical Joseph, wears a coat of many colors) is altruistic and hardworking, while lazy, conniving Salacota happily betrays his own brother. Widener's stylized perspectives heighten the sinister aspects of the plot, but his vivid acrylics create a subtle, disquieting tension that intensifies the story's suspense. In a characteristically striking juxtaposition, a tangerine sky is visible outside a sorcerer's shadowy hut, contrasting with the dark skull and crossbones hanging just inside. Color figures prominently in the layout as well, with warm hues backing lengthy blocks of text. The plot moves swiftly through treachery and triumph, but is not without its grisly moments, as when the bird issues a gruesome greeting to Soliday: "I'll strike the bargain I struck with the others:/ You give me your eyes and liver,/ I'll give you swift death in return." This well-wrought tale will best suit those who like their happily-ever-afters preceded by a good case of the shivers. Ages 5-10.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-6-San Souci has forged several tales into a cohesive narrative about a young man who rescues a princess (and his island nation) from the Bird of Darkness. While the story of a heroic delivery of a damsel in distress is certainly a familiar one, the author introduces a new element-the representation of good and evil as identical twin brothers. Soliday is kindhearted and brave. His brother, Salacota, is mean-spirited, jealous, and fearful. Distraught because the Bird has caused darkness, crop failure, and much suffering, Princess Marie offers to go and live on the mountaintop with it. Soliday, with the help of his grandmother and a sorcerer, slays the beast, but Salacota pretends to be his brother and steals away with Marie, gaining the praise of the king and the promise of his daughter's hand. But the princess, who is not only honest, but also insightful, suspects the deception and delays the marriage. In the end, Soliday proves his deed, wins Marie's love, and accepts Salacota's apologies and pledge of lifelong loyalty. San Souci's story is a worldly one, laden with symbolism and magical allusions. Older readers may comprehend the complex ideas but the "rescue" scenario will appeal to younger children, if read aloud. Widener's paintings are rendered in clear jewel tones, suggestive of the lush Caribbean landscape. The folk-art style works wonderfully with the text. A fine addition to folktale collections.
Barbara Buckley, Rockville Centre Public Library, NY
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing; 1 edition (September 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689833431
• ISBN-13: 978-0689833434
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 10.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,989,993 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)