School Library Journal Review
| PreS-Gr 3-Downing adapts familiar songs to showcase the Creole/Cajun lifestyle, in this case "Aiken Drum," and Kadair fashions simple, attractive collages to illustrate the words. Chef Creole has rice for hair, red bean eyes, a nose of okra, and a praline mouth. Each succeeding spread adds another facet to his appearance until the complete figure is revealed-with a Mardi Gras king cake for his body and a ladle for his guitar. Music is included in the back matter. Although there are many books on the unique Cajun/Creole cultures of Louisiana, an illustrated songbook is always welcome for storytimes, especially one with easy collages to copy for potential flannel-board use.-Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. |
Horn Book Review
| Downing uses the tune of the folk song "Aiken Drum" (not always successfully in terms of rhythm) to describe a man made entirely from traditional New Orleans and Louisiana foods (hair is rice, eyes are red beans, body is a king cake, etc.). Collage illustrations showing Chef Creole growing bit by bit help identify unfamiliar foods. Music is included. Glos. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved. |
