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Rata-pata-scata-fata
illustrated
by Holly Meade
Star
Bright Books,
2005
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*Junior Library Guild
Selection
*30 Notable
Trade Books
in the Language Arts, 1995
*Booklist’s Best Black
History for Young People, 1995
*Americas Award (CLASP),
1994
*Jacket art featured on
a Peaceable Kingdom greeting card
*Kaleidoscope, National
Council of English Teachers, 1997
*Adventuring with Books,
National Council of English Teachers, 1997
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| From
the
book jacket: |
Little Junjun is a dreamer. He likes to sit outside his
island home and watch the lizards slither across the yard, feel the
warm sun on his face, and savor the tasty tamarind jam his mother
makes. But there is always a lot of work to do. Oh, if only there were
a way the chores would get done all by themselves! What if Junjun says
a magic word, like rata-pata-fata-scata? Will that make his wish come
true?
Silly phrases, pleasing repetition, and a
satisfying ending make Phillis Gershator’s story an ideal read-aloud.
And Holly Meade’s bright, distinctive torn-paper collages bring to life
the beauty and spirit of the Caribbean setting. Inspired by an actual
old West Indian nonsense phrase, Rata-pata-scata-fata is a spicy,
irresistible picture book.
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| A little
about the book: |
Megan Tingley, Rata-pata-scata-fata’s editor, was
truly my collaborator in writing this story about a boy who believes in
magic. It was my first story set in the Caribbean, my home now, the
place where I’ve lived longer than anyplace else. Rata-pata-scata-fata was published
by Little, Brown in 1994 and then went out of print for a few years.
But children still liked repeating Junjun’s magic words and hoping,
like him, that something magical would happen when they did, so Star
Bright, to my great joy, re-published the book in 2005. Dave Hall sings
the rata-pata song on our CD for kids called "This Is the
Day! Storysongs & Singalongs"--so get ready to repeat those
magic words tunefully, over and over!
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| From the reviews: |
“...Meade’s torn paper collages are a joyous accompaniment to this tall
tale from the Caribbean....Her luscious palette, dynamic compositions
and expertly shifting perspectives beguile the viewer.” Publishers Weekly
“A gentle and affectionate tale.... Delightful...an unobstrusive
introduction to the lush flora and fauna of the Virgin Island.” Booklist, boxed review.
“...a lively and well-paced story that is sure to delight young
listeners with its sense of fun.” Horn
Book
“...light and lively sense of language. Just as lighthearted...are
Meade’s illustrations...a happy celebration of Caribbean childhood.” Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
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