JASMINE'S PARLOUR DAY
by Lynn Joseph & illustrated by Ann Grifalconi
In prose enriched by the lilting patois of her native Trinidad, the author of Wave in Her Pocket (1991, ALA Notable) portrays a day when wares are sold from seaside "parlours" (stands). Like the other children, Jasmine looks forward to seeing her friends after she helps Mama lay out their fish; she takes some of Mama's sugar cakes to share and enjoys exploring the market with its spicy foods and such treasures as conches before cars start coming and it's time to get back and help Mama with the customers. There's hardly more drama here than a generous gesture toward a grump who, for once, almost smiles; but the joyfully bustling milieu comes alive in Joseph's descriptions and Grifalconi's subtle characterizations and vibrant settings. (Picture book. 4-8)