Saturday, January 06, 2007
Book Review - Palampam Day - Picture Book
Palampam Day written by David and Phillis Gershator is deliciously illustrated by Enrique O. Sanchez and allows the reader a hint of Caribbean flavor in this thoughtful yet fun filled picture book. Turo is a young boy who obviously has his daily pattern of life that exercises little or no thought to his pursuits. Coconuts, bananas, mangos and fish have always been his for the taking, without thanks or regard to their feelings. The Gershators’ story opens on a morning that is called Palampam Day, a day Turo did not know existed until this time in his life. When he climbs the coconut tree the coconuts cry, “don’t pick me mon.” The parrots tell Turo not to listen to the coconuts, but Turo finds that impossible. He encounters the same difficulties with other island fruits and the fish from the boats. His dilemma increases when cats, dogs, parrots and frogs also speak. The frog wants Turo to ask permission before taking his water.
When the sun is high, Turo is starved for he cannot bring himself to eat food that can vocalize. He seeks out Papa Tata Wanga to secure an answer to his woes. Papa explains the magic of Palampam Day, the day that normally silent things find their voice in the Caribbean sun. Papa gives Turo the magic words to say at bedtime and when Turo awakes, the spell has ended and he can eat to his heart content.The Caribbean way of life is depicted in the young person respectfully seeking out the elder for answers. Further entertainment might be considered by the authors to perhaps have Turo seek his answer through the fruits and creatures in order to learn the precious balance in the gifts of nourishment in the food chain.
When the sun is high, Turo is starved for he cannot bring himself to eat food that can vocalize. He seeks out Papa Tata Wanga to secure an answer to his woes. Papa explains the magic of Palampam Day, the day that normally silent things find their voice in the Caribbean sun. Papa gives Turo the magic words to say at bedtime and when Turo awakes, the spell has ended and he can eat to his heart content.The Caribbean way of life is depicted in the young person respectfully seeking out the elder for answers. Further entertainment might be considered by the authors to perhaps have Turo seek his answer through the fruits and creatures in order to learn the precious balance in the gifts of nourishment in the food chain.
# posted by Bite Me Kissimmee @ 1:04 PM 
