Gypsy Bird Song

Poetry and illustrations capture the world of the gypsies, from the mirrored silks and the flavors of a spicy stew, to the telling of fortunes and the lyrical gypsy music and dance

PreSchool-Grade 3-- Each page of this bold and eye-catching volume features a stunning cut-paper collage and an accompanying free-verse poem providing glimpses into many of the traditional aspects of gypsy life. The music, work, relationships, and lore of these wandering people are all described in this one family's story. The strong rhythm of the narrative is cunningly reinforced by the illustrations' borders, portraits, and pattern. The generous use of white and the contrast of empty space against warm, clashing colors give this title the quality of the piebald Gypsy Bird itself--a "straight, proud walk" with a "touch of swagger." The gaudy bird appears on every page to guide readers because, according to an old saw, when the bird is around, the gypsies are near. Occasionally the effect is spoiled when the resplendent bird gets lost in the multicolored illustration and becomes difficult to see. A rousing introduction to a proud minority culture. --Anna Biagioni Hart, Martha Washington Library, Alexandria, VA
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

An unsuccessful hybrid of information and story, this long poem about a day in the life of a gypsy child reads like a series of untitled and disparate verses explaining gypsy life. The subject matter changes from page to page without transition, and the style and sound of the text vary from the rhythmic and onomatopoeic section about the gypsy father's tinkering ("bink bink / rattle rattle / plink plink / tattle tattle") to the proselike story about bargaining "like a gypsy." Caveats aside, Roth's ( We'll Ride Elephants Through Brooklyn ) language is fresh and musical, and the Matisse-like illustrations are lighthearted and full of verve. Bright, almost tropical hues dominate pages filled with "a thousand colors, a kaleidoscope" of images--pots and pans, scarves, green herbs, embroidered clothing. The ebullient Gypsy Bird of the title--with his rickrack feathers and legs--dances cheerily on each double-page spread. Ages 6-up.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.