Gecko's Complaint
A Balinese Folktale
-
- $18.99
-
- $18.99
Publisher Description
This colorfully illustrated multicultural children's book presents a classic Balinese fairy tale—providing an entertaining look into a rich oral tradition.
Featured as a "Top Pick" on TravelForKids.com, Gecko's Complaint tells the story of a Gecko who once lived on the island we now call Bali, in a jungle dense with flowers and vines.
After hundreds of fireflies disturb Gecko's sleep, he complains to kindly Raden, the jungle's lion leader. In his efforts to get to the bottom of Gecko's troubles, Raden discovers all too much complaining and far too many irritable animals. Can Raden help the animals with their troubles? Can peace and happiness return to the jungles of Bali?
A simple yet absolutely delightful Balinese folktale for kids, this bilingual edition, which features both English and Indonesian text, is a perfect introduction to the true spirit of Bali. The Indonesian island of Bali has a strong art and storytelling tradition—folktales that have been passed down from generation to generation. As a nation with over 18,000 islands, Indonesia has hundreds of traditional languages and cultures, each with myths and legends to tell. With its backdrop of volcanoes, earthquakes, dense jungles, diverse wildlife and people, it is not surprising that Indonesia is rich with fabulous, imaginative tales.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In an unremarkable retelling of a Balinese folktale, a cast of irritable animals offers lessons in forbearance. Gecko complains to Chief Raden, the lion in charge of the jungle, that the fireflies keep him awake. Raden's investigation reveals the fireflies' nocturnal flashing is a response to Woodpecker's noise, itself a warning about Black Beetle's unsanitary habit of rolling the dung of Water Buffalo. For his part, Water Buffalo offers this odd defense: "Rain makes huge potholes in the jungle path. I leave my dung on the pathway to fill up these holes, making it easier for all to travel." As Raden interrogates Rain, he has an epiphany about Rain's importance to the jungle, then commands the animals, "Quit your complaining! Go home and live in peace with one another!" Painted in what the jacket describes as a traditional Balinese style, the acrylic, pen and ink illustrations seem flat and static. Although intriguingly composed, the jungle scenes suffer from inconsistent draftsmanship. Rabbits sport strangely elongated snouts; Raden's haunches appear unnaturally long and rounded; his mane changes color from spread to spread. Such distractions dilute the already lukewarm message. Ages 6-9.
