Synopses & Reviews
A friendship is tested by love and magic in this beautiful retelling of a traditional tale from the French West Indies.On the lush tropical island of Martinique live Clement and Hippolyte, two inseparable friends. When Clement falls in love with the beautiful Pauline, Hippolyte agrees to join his best friend on his journey to propose marriage. But when Pauline accepts Clement’s proposal, it enrages her uncle Monsieur Zabocat—reputed to be a quimboiseur, a wizard. To prevent the wedding, the old wizard lures Hippolyte into a deadly trap, forcing him to choose between his friend’s safety and his own.
Synopsis
A friendship is tested by love and magic in this beautiful, Caldecott Honor-winning retelling of a traditional tale from the French West Indies. Clement and Hippolyte are best friends who live together on the lush tropical island of Martinique. They set off together toward the woman Clement loves so he can propose, but her uncle--a quimboiseur, a wizard--doesn't approve of the match. When his niece flees with the two inseparable friends, the vengeful man sends evil magic after them. Hippolyte may be able to protect the young couple--but will he lose his own life in the process?
About the Author
Brian Pinkney is one of the most celebrated talents in children's publishing. In his career he has won two Caldecott Honors, a Coretta Scott King medal, a Boston Globe-Horn Book Award, and three Coretta Scott King Honors. For Simon & Schuster he illustrated The Faithful Friend, which won the Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Honor, Sukey and the Mermaid, which won the Coretta Scott King Honor, and The Adventures of Sparrowboy, which won the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award. He lives with his wife and two children in Brooklyn, New York -- which is where this story takes place.