Inspired by the sounds of a Jamaican nursery rhyme, this sunny book dances to a reggae beat, its playful text pulsing with rhythm while illustrations sing with color. Three short stories depict young Jamaica as she variously goes into town, heads off on a beachcombing mission and catches a ride home with her father. Downtown, "Jamaica make 'em laugh and lose their frowns"; at the beach, she comforts a boy scared by a jellyfish ("Jamaica make him laugh. She blow it a kiss"); and on the way home, "Daddy laugh and laugh in his big Chrome Dome." This merriment infuses the entire narrative, so that Jamaica's fun becomes the reader's as well. Gottlieb's (I Got a Family; Train Leaves the Station) zesty artwork captures the dazzling Caribbean sky and sea, lush coconut trees, bright print dresses and gaily painted houses. Her childlike illustrations sashay and swirl to the mesmerizing pull of the language. Even the typeset text wanders here and there, as if unable to stay in one place. Where Jamaica goes, readers will want to follow. Ages 3-7.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2-Gottlieb's heroine, Jamaica, is an irrepressible charmer. In three brief episodes, the little girl goes downtown, beachcombs with young Manny, and rides home in the back of her daddy's "chrome dome" truck. In each case, Jamaica brings a smile to those around her, and her sense of fun is infectious. Brilliant oil pastels and Gottlieb's playful, naive style bring Jamaica's Caribbean island home to life. The lilting, singsong text begs to be shared out loud.
Marilyn Taniguchi, Santa Monica Public Library, CA
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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