Gerald McDermott (1941–2012)

I really enjoyed this traditional West African folktale. I really enjoyed the illustrations and how they displayed West African culture. My favorite picture in the book is when Zomo is talking to Sky God. The illustration shows vivid patterns and colors. The two characters wear headpieces and clothes that reflect West African clothing. Even the scenery has beautiful authentic patterns. I also enjoyed the plot of the story. The plot was very simple but had interesting ways of resolving the show more conflict. For example, Zomo was able to retrieve one of his “impossible tasks”, getting Big Fish’s scales, by using his drum to trick Big Fish into dancing his scales off. “Big fish danced so fast that his scales fell off. Big Fish was naked... Quickly, Zomo scooped up the fish scales in his hat and hopped into the forest.” The main idea of this story is that tricking people for your benefit creates enemies. show less

In this book, Gerald McDermott tells just one of the many tales of Raven, a trickster character featured in many Native American myths from the Pacific Northwest. In many traditions, Raven is both a "mischief-maker and culture hero." McDermott's book tells of Raven's ingenuity in stealing the sun to give light to all the world. With excellent illustrations and wonderfully melodic language, this book is a fantastic addition to any collection.

I loved the art in this book, the illustrator used different types of shapes to create animals and scenary. For example, the spiders are all made of simple shapes such as, circle, squares, and triangles. I also loved the meaning of this book. In the story, there were six sons and they all had a different strength. Since the sons all had a different strength, the only way they were able to save their father is if they all worked together. I liked the message the story gave because I can show show more my future students how they need to work together if they want to help their community. I liked how the writing was scattered amongst the page. I also liked how there was barely any white on any of the pages until the last page. I also liked how the ending was very unexpected. At the end of the story we realized that this was the story behind how the moon ended up in the sky. I also liked how this book gave me insights into other cultures myths and folktales. Overall this book has eye-catching illustrations, a twist at the end, and a powerful message. show less

On his way home from a party, Daniel O'Rourke becomes the target of the pooka spirit's mischief and is led from one perilous plight to another. McDermott has pared down the 19th-Century T. Crofton Croker version of this Irish folk tale and made it accessible to the young. Remaining faithful to its structure, he plays up the action and plays down the verbosities, retaining just enough of the language to hint at the Irish brand of humour central to the Croker version. He sidesteps altogether show more the premise that Daniel's woes come from drink, instead noting that Daniel feasted on "green cheese and goose livers until he thought he would burst." McDermott's illustrations are playful and full of momentum, yet every composition, defined in sepia ink, is meticulous, as if the frenzied moments have been captured for close inspection. The watercolors combine deep night blues, rich and evocative, with the dazzling verdure and pale mist of his Irish countryside, his pastel pencil adding texture and depth. Daniel himself is a figure of fun, although there is the slightest echo of St. Patrick's Day greeting-card art about him. The only characterisation that seems a bit humourless is the man in the moon; in such a tale one suspects that everyone would look a bit like an Irishmen, not so otherwordly and faceless as this fellow. This, however, is quibbling; the book abounds with merriment and artistry and is perfect for group telling on St. Patrick's Day and all year round. show less