Review — Sister Tricksters

Cynthia V. Campbell — 03/02/2008

 “Volcano Monkey bridges gap between picture books, chapter books,”

Sister Tricksters: Rollicking Tales of Clever Females Retold by Robert San Souci and illustrated by Daniel San Souci

Most of us remember the antics of Br’er Rabbit and Br’er Fox, but these were not the only stories told by slaves in the southern United States. Another set of tales were passed along—only the clever tricksters were female.

Award winning authors and experts on folklore, the San Souci brothers tackle the sister tricksters with both humor and respect.

Using rhythmic dialect, writer Robert interprets the exploits of Molly Cottontail, Miz Grasshopper and Miz Duck against worthy foes. Brother Daniel brings the characters to life with colorful illustrations set against a rural South background.

The stories have a slapstick element, but they carry undercurrents of wisdom and reassurance that even the weakest creature can, with the application of brain power, find her or his way out of a seemingly hopeless situation.

Rather than considering the stories “politically incorrect,” readers can appreciate the wonder of folk tales that should not be lost.

Sister Tricksters gives them a fresh life and reintroduces them to a new generation of listeners and readers

Title Details: Sister Tricksters
Author: Robert D. San Souci
Illustrator: Daniel San
Interest Level: GR 3-6

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Recently recognized as one of "America's 101 Top Independent Publishers," August House is a highly-acclaimed and award-winning multimedia publisher of children's stories and folktale anthologies. August House's is based in Atlanta, GA.

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