Geraty tells her own version of the "Night Before Christmas" in the Gullah language. "Sandy Claw Buh Rabbit" visits a Gullah family with his gunnysack full of presents. However, he can't stay long because Buh Fox is hot on his heels. "'E gwi' t'row'um een de briah-patch, en t'ief de present too, Ef him kin obuhreach'um 'fo' 'e gitt'ru!" Just after the rabbit leaves, down the chimney comes the grinch-like fox. As the family tries to detain him, the father runs to the next house to warn Sandy Claw. Buh Fox takes the children's treats but gets his comeuppance in the end. The rhyming story is well told, but it is difficult to read and interpret. A glossary is appended, but even so, reading the text will be a real struggle for most youngsters (and adults). Rice's illustrations lend a sinister air to the story. The characters include rather oddly shaped, slightly hunchbacked family members; a greedy but not particularly menacing fox; and a strange looking rabbit in a red "Sandy" suit.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Hardcover
Pre-Owned.
