Irene Jennie and the Christmas Masquerade:
The Johnkankus

By Irene Smalls
Illustrated by Melodye Rosales

Little, Brown, $15.95
Ages 4-8

ISBN 0316798789

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Review by Alice Cary

The Carolinas are also the setting for another intriguing book illustrated by Melodye Rosales, Irene Jennie and the Christmas Masquerade: The Johnkankus written by Irene Smalls. Johnkankus is a celebration of music and masquerade thought to have originated in West Africa and brought to North America by slaves.

Irene Jennie, a slave girl on a Southern plantation, is saddened by the absence of her parents, who have been "rented out" for the day to neighboring slave owners. Her spirits are lifted by the lively festivities, well portrayed in both text and illustrations. Smalls and Rosales deftly capture the glee of the day while reminding readers of the pain of the slaves' plight.

Alice Cary will celebrate the holidays with her family in Groton, Mass.

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