The Twins and the Bird of Darkness

July 22, 2002
San Souci (Cendrillon) returns to a Caribbean setting for this composite tale relayed in lush jungle colors and featuring a macabre multiheaded monster. When the baleful Bird of Darkness, its seven eagle-like heads on serpentine necks, claims an island princess for its own, twin brothers set out to save her. But the twins are opposite in nature: Soliday (who, like the biblical Joseph, wears a coat of many colors) is altruistic and hardworking, while lazy, conniving Salacota happily betrays his own brother. Widener's (If the Shoe Fits; Forecasts, May 6) stylized perspectives heighten the sinister aspects of the plot, but his vivid acrylics create a subtle, disquieting tension that intensifies the story's suspense. In a characteristically striking juxtaposition, a tangerine sky is visible outside a sorcerer's shadowy hut, contrasting with the dark skull and crossbones hanging just inside. Color figures prominently in the layout as well, with warm hues backing lengthy blocks of text. The plot moves swiftly through treachery and triumph, but is not without its grisly moments, as when the bird issues a gruesome greeting to Soliday: "I'll strike the bargain I struck with the others:/ You give me your eyes and liver,/ I'll give you swift death in return." This well-wrought tale will best suit those who like their happily-ever-afters preceded by a good case of the shivers. Ages 5-10.

September 1, 2002
Gr 2-6-San Souci has forged several tales into a cohesive narrative about a young man who rescues a princess (and his island nation) from the Bird of Darkness. While the story of a heroic delivery of a damsel in distress is certainly a familiar one, the author introduces a new element-the representation of good and evil as identical twin brothers. Soliday is kindhearted and brave. His brother, Salacota, is mean-spirited, jealous, and fearful. Distraught because the Bird has caused darkness, crop failure, and much suffering, Princess Marie offers to go and live on the mountaintop with it. Soliday, with the help of his grandmother and a sorcerer, slays the beast, but Salacota pretends to be his brother and steals away with Marie, gaining the praise of the king and the promise of his daughter's hand. But the princess, who is not only honest, but also insightful, suspects the deception and delays the marriage. In the end, Soliday proves his deed, wins Marie's love, and accepts Salacota's apologies and pledge of lifelong loyalty. San Souci's story is a worldly one, laden with symbolism and magical allusions. Older readers may comprehend the complex ideas but the "rescue" scenario will appeal to younger children, if read aloud. Widener's paintings are rendered in clear jewel tones, suggestive of the lush Caribbean landscape. The folk-art style works wonderfully with the text. A fine addition to folktale collections.-Barbara Buckley, Rockville Centre Public Library, NY

Copyright 2002 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 1, 2002
K-Gr. 4. After his daughter, Marie, is carried off by the monstrous, seven-headed Bird of Darkness, a Caribbean king offers half his kingdom, half his fortune, and his daughter's hand to the hero who can return the princess. Twin brothers set off: mean-spirited Salacota and good-hearted, brave Soliday. Soliday slays the bird and is given a ring by the princess as a token of her love, but he falls in a ravine from which his greedy brother refuses to rescue him. Instead, Salacota assumes his brother's identity. Troubled by the changes in her bridegroom, Marie postpones the wedding. Meanwhile, Soliday uses the bird's seven beaks to dig himself from the ravine and, with the ring as proof of his identity, he claims his bride. San Souci's robust, exciting retelling is composed from 13 variants according to the author's note. The text is enhanced by Widener's rich acrylic illustrations, which carve from color the undulating Caribbean landscapes, stylized sculpted characters, and the horrific Bird of Darkness. An action-packed addition to folktale collections.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2002, American Library Association.)