Australian & Oceanic Folklore & Mythology, Fiction - General & Miscellaneous, Folklore & Mythology - By Subject
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Overview
Old Man has become tired of the noisy animals that surround him day and night. So he holds a singing contest to force them to improve their voices. As a prize, Old Man will create a musical instrument in honor of the animal with the best singing voice. Snake realizes that his raspy voice will never win, but by swallowing Lark he fools everyone into thinking that he has her sweet voice. In the end though, it is clever Lark who outwits devious Snake. This retelling of an Australian folktale offers amusing explanations for the origin of the didgeridoo, why snakes hiss, and the phrase "a snake in the grass."A retelling of the Australian aboriginal tale about a snake that swallows a lark in an effort to win a singing contest.
Editorials
Publishers Weekly -
Artwork inspired by Aboriginal paintings illustrate this Australian folktale about a battle of wits between Snake and Lark. Ages 4-7. (Apr.)Children's Literature -
With a story based on an Australian folktale and illustrations based on Australian aboriginal painting, this picture book will definitely receive rave reviews from young readers. It tells of the Old Man who holds a singing contest among all the noisy creatures inhabiting a great island. He offers a prize for the best singer: a musical instrument made especially for the winner. Will the crafty Snake outsmart the smart and talented Lark? The full-page illustrations leave an indelible impression: bright colors, strong shapes, a feeling of movement, active animals, just enough detail. What great posters these pictures would make! A New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing Book. A Book of the Year, Child Study Association.Carolyn Phelan
In this Australian folktale, Old Man challenges the animals to enter a singing contest. Snake, knowing that his mediocre voice will never win, swallows Lark and tricks her into singing through his mouth. Snake's ruse is discovered when Lark scratches his throat and escapes, exposing him as a dishonest creature and leaving him with the hissing voice he has today. Formal in composition, Czernecki's distinctive illustrations--in which the stylized forms of animals and plants are outlined and stippled with contrasting colors--reflect the artist's research into Australian aboriginal painting. This eye-catching picture book will find use as a read-aloud in the classroom or library.Book Details
Published
March 18, 1993
Publisher
Hyperion Books for Children
Pages
40
Format
Hardcover
ISBN
9781562823993