School Library Journal Review
Gr 2-4On the beautiful island of Martinique in the 19th century, good friends Hippolyte, the son of a French-born widow, and Clement, a rich landowner's son, set out to meet a young woman Clement has fallen hopelessly in love through her picture. At their destination, they encounter the prospective bride's frightening uncle, Monsieur Zabocat, purportedly a quimboiseur, or wizard, of the worst degree. After overcoming Zabocat's several curses, which lead both young men into many true tests of friendship, the couple is married and all ends happily. Pinkney's scratchboard and oil artwork switches from bright daytime hues for most of the book to purples and grays for scenes with the zombies and snakes, which are very effective. An afterword gives valuable information about the origins of the tale, and a glossary with pronunciation makes reading aloud and/or telling the tale a real pleasure. This excellent title contains all the elements of a well-researched folktale, and convincingly conveys the richness of the West Indian culture.Marlene Lee, Broward County Library, Ft. Lauderdale, FL (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
Set in Martinique, this impressive supernatural tale, which won a 1996 Caldecott Honor, "neatly distills the flavor of the French West Indies," said PW's starred review. Ages 5-8. (Jan.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Horn Book Review
A folktale from Martinique tells the story of two young men, one black, one white, who are friends from childhood. When Clement falls in love, Hippolyte realizes that a deadly supernatural plot to part the loving couple can be foiled only by his own sacrifice. San Souci's exciting tale of zombies and wizardry is reinforced by the talented Pinkney's dark, brooding illustrations. Glos. From HORN BOOK 1995, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
Ages 5-9. From the collaborators who gave us Sukey and the Mermaid (1992), a rich tale that adds Caribbean spice to the folklore stew. Based on a story from the island of Martinique (via Europe), this begins with two friends, Clement and Hippolyte, who have been raised as brothers. Clement has fallen in love with the beautiful Pauline, so the duo head off to woo her. Pauline readily accepts Clement's proposal, despite the fury of her uncle, Monsieur Zabocat, who is rumored to be a wizard. The three young people return to Clement's plantation, but in the dark of night, Hippolyte spies three zombies, who have been ordered by Monsieur Zabocat to make sure the wedding never takes place. Anyone who reveals the zombies' murderous plans will be turned to stone. After a slow start, the story ignites with dark and glorious elements. Love, hate and death take shape in Pinkney's impressive scratchboard-and-oil artwork, which is given full range in the dramatic two-page spreads. In his informative afterword, San Souci notes that one appeal of the book lies in its emphasis on the friendship of black and white characters (Clement is West Indian, Hippolyte, French), and while this is true, it is really the brooding elements of the netherworld and the promise of redemption that give the story its potency. --Ilene Cooper