The Zabime Sisters

Gr 8 Up—Madden, an admirer of French comic artist Aristophane, has translated this 1996 work. The tender and evocative narrative chronicles the first day of summer vacation on the sultry Caribbean island of Guadeloupe. Opening panels move readers inside a home's shuttered window and introduce three sleeping sisters: M'Rose, Elle, and Célina. The girls awaken and their day unfolds with summer delights and discoveries: they catch crab at the river, steal mangoes, experiment with a stolen pipe, witness a fight between rivaling boys, suffer the intoxicating effects of rum, taunt and teas friends, and engage in constant sibling rivalry. The text is coupled with expressive images that offer glimpses into the personality of each character and allow the story to slowly unfold. The interplay among the siblings and each girl's singular response to events allow readers to establish a personal connection with each sister. The artist's dry brush technique and controlled use of line, mastery of light and shadow, interesting and unusual framing, and expressive facial close-ups are compelling. Readers will visualize both the unique and universal aspects of this day of freedom for these girls. Back matter includes an afterword and a discussion guide.—Barbara M. Moon, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY