You might want to know how an ocelot and a rabbit ended up in the kitchen the best of friends. They can tell the story, but which one are you going to believe?
Trinidadian author Neesa Bally draws inspiration from her childhood experiences with this humorous and whimsical story, introducing the reader to an ocelot and a not-so-truthful bunny as they forge a pact about who can cook the tastiest cassava pone. This delicious baked dessert infused with yuca is enjoyed by both animals, and the stakes couldn't be higher to win the day. Will they end up as friends, or will the bunny become dinner?
The characters in this story could not be further opposites. The ocelot is a diligent baker, creating the most delicious baked goods, while the bunny just wants to enjoy the fruits of the ocelot's labor! Illustrator Daniel J. O'Brien, also from Trinidad, complements Neesa Bally's text with humorous depictions of the two "frienemies" and their bickering over who is the better baker as well as storyteller.
The Pone Pact can certainly serve as a great story time read at school or at bedtime at home for its humor, but readers should not overlook the lessons that can be observed from this story:
- Even though it is a humorous tale that will make students laugh out loud, it can serve as a teachable moment for educators and parents about the importance of telling the truth and being honest. The bunny embellishes nearly the entire story and must be corrected by the ocelot many times until they finally come to an agreement on how they really met and became friends.
- Friendships can develop from the oddest of places, and the friendship of the ocelot and bunny is no exception. Children tend to create groups of friends very early on in their school and classroom experiences, most often around common likes and dislikes, but The Pone Pact shows that friendships can develop between two incredibly unlikely and mismatched personalities.
- The event that brings the ocelot and bunny together is who can bake the best cassava pone. This delicious baked dessert is commonly seen in Trinidad and Tobago. Educators and parents have a great opportunity to introduce students to this delicacy and encourage them to talk about their own favorite desserts from their own backgrounds.
Neesa Bally writes stories ranging from heartfelt and lyrical to humorous and whimsical. She draws inspiration from her childhood experiences as well as from the wonder of her own imagination. She lives on the beautiful island of Trinidad with her husband, two daughters and four dogs.
Daniel J. O'Brien is a Trinidadian-born author and illustrator currently residing in New York with his fantastic partner, Ashleigh, and his loyal but nervous dog, Obbie. He holds a BFA in Illustration from The School of Visual Arts. With that and his love of everything folklore, nature, and science, he is continually fueling his passion for illustration. He uses his honed ability to bring forth exuberant and whimsical illustrations full of life, and vibrant color. Daniel has written, illustrated, designed, and self-published two children's books. The Carnival Prince and I Am The Midnight Robber are both projects that are near and dear as they represent my Caribbean heritage. He has also teamed up with the small publisher, Caribbean Reads, and illustrated the picture books, The Talking Mango Tree and The Masquerade Dance.
