Monkey: A Trickster Tale from India (Trickster)

K-Gr 3--McDermott has chosen well for the sixth and final volume in his trickster series. Monkey's tale, from the Buddhist tradition, is full of irony and attitude. Crocodile wants Monkey's heart, and he is sure he can get it through trickery. When Monkey needs a ride across the river to get mangoes, Crocodile is happy to provide the ride. More than once his weakness for the fruit just about does him in, but he repeatedly proves his cleverness and spunk. He tells Crocodile, "Your teeth may be sharp, but your mind is dull!" Playfully told with succinct text and illustrations, this tale will appeal to a wide audience. It is both simple and sophisticated with subtle and not-so-subtle levels of irony. The cut/torn paper illustrations are inseparable from the text. McDermott has incorporated several cultural elements into the artwork. The familiar paisley design (known throughout India as "raw mango") is found in the cover art and on the dedication page. The papers from India and Southeast Asia, and hand-colored by the artist, add depth, vibrancy, and texture to the text. An author's note traces the origins and history of the tale and artwork. Once again McDermott proves his visual and storytelling mastery.--Carolyn Janssen, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH