The wildly popular, children's Coomacka Island series returns with the third installment, entitled Lenox Lizard and the Kukumacka Duppy. Building on the success of the previous books, the creative team of Don Hooper and Darnel Degand continue to craft culturally diverse tales that are truly pleasure to read.

The story opens with Lenox, the confident captain of the Fighting Peenywallies making his way to the stadium for some much needed extra practice. Enroute, he runs into his friends, Jamila and Amani on their way to Macka Street to buy some mangos. Even though Lenox loves mangos, he continues on to the stadium, determined to lead his team to their first victory in over a hundred years. Arriving at the stadium Lenox is shocked to see the Stoney Hill Scorpions on the field. Sulubu the Scorpions leader tries to intimidate and then to frighten the smaller lizard, by telling him the legend of the Kukumacka Duppy.
Lenox has to make a choice, give into his fear and let his team down or confront his fears and do his best to lead the team to victory.

Combine Afro-Caribbean folklore, Haitian Creole and Swahili, blend it to lyrical perfection, then add the unique island flavor that is Coomacka and the result is an educationially sound, morally uplifting, down right fun children's book that is a delightful read. Filled with emotion and eye-catching color, the detailed illustrations are visually stimulating and wholly engrossing. With each new installment the stories grow in depth, length and dimension leaving children and parents alike anxiously anticipating the next island adventure.

Don Hooper and Darnel Degand have delivered a fun book, exposing children to various cultures and laced with positive moral messeges. With the fun facts, definitions and questions included at the end, these little books pack powerful lessons. I highly recommend the Coomacka Series to anyone that has young children.

Happy Reading!
RJ

Book 1 - The Story of Spider & Ant
Book 2 - Anansi Jr & The Mango Truck ( )