Shadow Dance - Hardcover

Mollel, Tololwa Marti

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0395829097 ISBN 13: 9780395829097

Publisher: Clarion Books, 1998

Synopsis

Salome takes a moment out of her singing and dancing to free a trapped crocodile, but instead of being grateful, he traps Salome, and when Salome makes her escape with the help of a friendly pigeon, the crocodile ends up back where he was.

About this title

About the Author:

Donna Perrone lives in New York City.

From School Library Journal:

Kindergarten-Grade 2-A story based on traditional folktale conventions set in modern Tanzania. Salome is a happy, dancing child who frees a crocodile trapped in a gully and guides him back to his river home. The ungrateful beast then grabs her and makes ready to eat her. She reminds him of all she's done for him, but he tells her he needs a better reason to spare her life. After many attempts to convince him of her worth, the brute tells her it was all a game and quips, "Never trust a hungry crocodile." It's at this point that the little girl takes matters into her own hands and, with the help of a sympathetic pigeon, beats the scoundrel at his own game. This satisfying tale of resourcefulness and comeuppance is enlivened by Perrone's vibrant artwork. The action is set against the lush backdrop of the savanna after a rainy season and playful perspectives are used to heighten the drama and humor. The croc comes off as an appropriately menacing, but arrogant bully and Salome is an appealing heroine with quick wits and a sunny spirit. An author's note addresses the origins of the tale, defines the Kiswahili words that appear in the text, and provides a tune for Salome's song.
Luann Toth, School Library Journal
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Clarion Books
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0395829097
• ISBN 13: 9780395829097
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Perrone Donna