The Three Billygoats Gruff and Mean Calypso Joe.by Catherine Valente Youngquist, Illustrated by Kristen Sorra Atheneum ath·e·nae·um also ath·e·ne·um n. 1. An institution, such as a literary club or scientific academy, for the promotion of learning. 2. A place, such as a library, where printed materials are available for reading. , June 2002, $16.00, ISBN ISBN abbr. International Standard Book Number ISBN International Standard Book Number ISBN n abbr (= International Standard Book Number) → ISBN m 0-689-82824-1 A successful retelling re·tell·ing n. A new account or an adaptation of a story: a retelling of a Roman myth. of a fable requires confidence and imagination. Author Cathrene Valente Youngquist pairs both with a rhythmic Caribbean dialect in her re-creation of the Brothers Grimm For information about the other uses of the name, see Brothers Grimm (disambiguation). The Grimm Brothers Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, were German academics who were best known for publishing collections of folk tales and fairy tales,[1] tale The Three Billygoats Gruff gruff adj. gruff·er, gruff·est 1. Brusque or stern in manner or appearance: a gruff reply. 2. Hoarse; harsh: a gruff voice. Illustrated with vibrant colors that quickly call to mind the Caribbean's deep blue sea and luscious green terrain, the picture book is as fun to look at as it is to read. In Youngquist's refashioned story, the family Gruff--Little Billygoat, Williegoat, and Captain Bill E. Goat--live on Split in Two Island. No longer content with the grub on their side of the island, the family longs to venture to the other side, which is filled with tasty coconuts and palm trees. But before they feast, the goats must cross a bridge guarded by Mean Calypso Calypso, in Greek mythology Calypso (kəlĭp`sō), nymph, daughter of Atlas, in Homer's Odyssey. She lived on the island of Ogygia and there entertained Odysseus for seven years. Joe, "de meanest troll dis part of de island" and pay a toll. One by one, each goat uses its wit to convince the troll not to devour it and pass to the other side of the island. When the largest goat, Captain Bill E. Goat, meets up with the rude troll, he gives him a lesson about manners that he won't forget. Children ages 3 to 7 will surely get caught up in Valente's verse and Sorra's illustrations of the wide-eyed troll with his cascade of seaweed hair. Parents will enjoy reading aloud the retelling of this familiar old fable. It is one that kids will eagerly want to revisit. --Sonya Kimble-Ellis is an editor and the author of African American Arts & Activities. |
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