LAPIN PLAYS POSSUM

Small of stature but brimming with brains, the trickster rabbit Lapin gets in and out of trouble faster than a Louisiana governor. Doucet (Why Lapin’s Ears Are Too Long, 1997, etc.) is known for her meticulous researching of these stories in her adopted homeland in Cajun Country, and her retelling leaves nothing to be desired. She respects the tenor and tone of the real Cajun culture. They are as full of mischievous fun and as spicy as a crawfish boil at a Fais-Do-Do. The three stories included are real Cajun derivatives of the original West African stories. They involve the rivalry between Compère Lapin and the somewhat shortsighted Compère Bouki. The bigger Bouki, it seems, comes out on the short end every time, as lazy Lapin cons him for half his crops and most of his rum cake, his mule and wagon, and the water from his well. Bouki almost turns the tables in the variation of the classic tar baby story, but Lapin returns to his roots—or rather briars—to win in the end. Southern prodigal son Cook’s illustrations cast the right shade, or rather lack of it. His energetic illustrations use a steamy bright golden cast, which suggests the summer in Cajun country better than a bite of capsicum. The text and many paintings are blended throughout the brilliant design, accentuating the non-stop banter between the furry antagonists. This seamless blending of ambiance and language play makes it a must-have for storytellers and storylovers alike, and leaves us wondering what kind of conversations she is having with Lapin as he lollygags on her writing desk. (glossary) (Folklore. 6-12)