When Jezebel's Papa goes to war, she finds a special place in the woods to do battle with her own fears. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

The Rosses (Cemetery Quilt), a mother-son team, open their affecting if slightly forced story as Papa leaves for war, advising Jezebel: "Just remember when you get that googery-boogery creepy-crawly catchy feeling, you look it in the eye. That's what I'll be doing." After he departs from the African-American family's log cabin, distraught Jezebel runs into the dark woods: "Oh, it was moky!" The feeling Papa described comes over the frightened girl, but she recalls his words: she tells the twisted trees and "snaky weeds" that she is not afraid and she claims the "ole spooky spot" as her own. Return visits to the "spooky spot" make her feel close to Papa, "because he was in danger, too." Out in the woods Jezebel overcomes various fears (of a large spider, of "swamp ghosts" formed by "fog fingers," and "pixie lights," lightning bugs, which Mammy, her grandmother, has told her can "steal your soul"); the later episodes seem redundant. The imagery, too, is belabored at times and the dialogue runs to phrases like "Lawse a mercy" (uttered by Mammy). The flaws, however, are outweighed by the warmth of the characterizations. Though not as compelling as his art for Knots on a Counting Rope or Paul Revere's Ride, Rand's emotion-charged paintings convey Jezebel's spunk and her powerful bond with her father. Ages 6-9. Copyright 1998 Cahners Business Information, Inc. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information

Gr 1-4-An uplifting story about the bravery of a spirited African-American girl. Before he goes off to war, Jezebel's father tells her never to be afraid, but to do what he'll be doing: "...when you get that googery-boogery creepy-crawly catchy feeling, you look it in the eye." For the next year, Jezebel visits a spooky place in the swampy wood by her house every time she gets lonely and misses her daddy, and although she gets the feeling he described many times, she stands her ground. Jezebel's character is deftly drawn as she remains steadfastly optimistic, comforting and encouraging Little Brother, reassuring her fearful Mammy, and going about her Papa's daily tasks. Rand's superb double-paged watercolor paintings are perfect complements to the text, portraying the swamp with its wild creatures and changing seasons in loving detail from "moky" fall twilight to a cold foggy winter's morning to a hot summer's evening. Jezebel's admirable personality is wonderfully pictured as is Mammy's pessimistic timorousness. The text is artistically set in a white box bordered in dark red. An exceptional offering in every respect.-Judith Constantinides, East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LACopyright 1999 Cahners Business Information, Inc. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information

Ages 5-8. When Papa goes off to war, Jezebel, Mammy, and Little Brother are left behind in their cabin. Afraid and lonely, Jezebel wanders into the woods by herself, finding a secluded clearing, where, despite scary sounds and spooky sights, she forces herself to be brave and claims the site for her very own. Throughout the following year, Jezebel returns to her private place on numerous occasions, finding comfort and solace each time. Finally, when her father returns home, she learns that her spooky spot is special for Papa, as well. The Rosses' picturesque language captures the feel of a southern swamp--full of spiderwebs, foggy ghosts, and pixie lights (fireflies). Rand's color palate, with an emphasis on deep greens and blues, captures the story's eerie feel even as it promises that ultimately all will be well. A good choice for primary story hours or for creative writing classes exploring the use of descriptive language. (Reviewed February 15, 1999)0525454489Kay Weisman From: Syndetics Solutions, Inc. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.