Rata-pata-scata-fata: A Caribbean Story - Softcover

Gershator, Phillis

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1932065954 ISBN 13: 9781932065954

Publisher: Star Bright Books, 2005

Synopsis

Junjun utters the "magic" words "rata-pata-scata-fata" to help him get his chores done. His wish comes true, but it is just a coincidence, right?

About this title

About the Author:

Phillis Gershators stories, poems and reviews have appeared in several journals, including The Caribbean Writer, Home Planet News and Cricket. She is the author of 12 books for children.

From Publishers Weekly:

With their soft edges and tropical colors, Meade's ( This Is the Hat ) torn-paper collages are a joyous accompaniment to this tall tale from the Caribbean. As Gershator explains in a prefatory note, rata-pata-scata-fata "is an old-time Virgin Islands way of talking nonsense." For confirmed daydreamer Junjun, however, the phrase is an incantation to be invoked whenever his chores seem too oppressive. The magic syllables seem to make all Junjun's wishes come true: he finds a fine fish without going to market, he catches the family's goat without lifting a finger and a big wind shakes a basketful of ripe tamarinds out of their tree. In the end, even Junjun's skeptical mother tries out the phrase and calls up a rainstorm to fill the empty rain barrel. Readers can decide for themselves whether Junjun simply benefits from a string of fortunate coincidences or whether his words have the power he imagines, but most will agree that there is magic in Meade's art. Her luscious palette, dynamic compositions and expertly shifting perspectives beguile the viewer. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Star Bright Books
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 1932065954
• ISBN 13: 9781932065954
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Meade Holly