The Doctor Bird is a rainbow-winged, streamer-tailed hummingbird that lives only in JamaicaAand is that West Indian island's beloved national bird. Here, in a trio of wordy folktales, a top-hatted Doctor Bird uses magical powers plus his own wisdom to teach other creatures important lessons. Working in her characteristic combination of black gesso and rich gouaches, Wolff (previously paired with Hausman for How Chipmunk Got Tiny Feet) features lush foliage and exotic lizards and monkeys in dark outline and deep, crepuscular colors. One page might vividly illustrate a scene from the story (e.g., Doctor Bird teaches Mongoose not to steal by subjecting her house to an onslaught of disturbances, ending in a snowstorm) while an inset on the facing page amplifies details (Mongoose pours her delicious hibiscus tea to sweeten up Doctor Bird). Each tale ends with the tag: "And if this story isn't true, let the keeper of heaven's door say so now." Yet the messages are muddy. Mongoose, for example, reverts to "the way she always was, is, and forever will be"; the only difference is that she now returns what she "borrows" whenever it snows. While the folksy rhythms of the sentences and occasional vernacular words add charm and authenticity ("he was going to hoo-doo all the people at the Guango party"), the text ambles and characterization is weak. Overall, the writing is not the equal of the intriguing, lively art. Ages 5-up.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From School Library Journal
Grade 1-3-Three stories about a popular Jamaican folktale character. Doctor Bird, a beautiful hummingbird, displays optimism, wit, the ability to work magic, and a penchant for using rhymes and riddles to teach lessons as he tries to reform a thieving mongoose, encourages and comforts a homeless mouse, and shows an owl that it's important to be yourself. The tales have easy-to-follow action and morals that children will appreciate. A traditional ending is used for all three: "And if this story isn't true, let the keeper of heaven's door say so now." The inclusion of unfamiliar creatures such as Mr. Pocket Parrot, Miss Banana Quit, and Uncle Galliwasp, and references to vegetation, games, and other local practices provide regional flavor. The handsome full- and double-page paintings are done with black gesso and gouache. Because many of the animals wear hats and other bits of clothing, the illustrations are more cartoonlike than some of Wolff's other work, but they are charming and beautifully composed, with sprightly animals and lush images of the landscape and the seashore. The storytellers from whom the tales are drawn are named, but no details are given on individual stories. A great book for sharing, particularly for those who have roots in the Caribbean.
Marilyn Iarusso, New York Public Library
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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