Rating: *** 3 stars

Jessica Souhami,
The Sticky Doll Trap
Frances Lincoln, 2010.

Ages 5 and under

The well-known story of Brer Rabbit and the Tar Baby probably originates in West Africa, where Hare is the lazy, cunning trickster. As with her previous books, such as the Asante Leopard’s Drum, Jessica Souhami returns the story to its roots, telling in rhythmic, conversational prose how Hare contrives to steal water from a spring, which the other animals have laboured to open during a drought, by diverting their attention with imaginary food. The text is very readable, the print centred boldly inside the colourful spreads. Bright collages of flat or lightly mottled textiles are enhanced by simple but subtle strokes, conveying instantly recognisable expressions of greed, smugness, and anger; a tribute, perhaps, to Souhami’s creative skills as a puppeteer. This is an enjoyable new realisation of a reliably entertaining and instructional classic.

George Hunt

Guide to the rating system:
***** 5 stars, unmissable
**** 4 stars, very good
*** 3 stars, good
** 2 stars, fair
* 1 star, poor