Shine On, Butter-finger

Calypso and cricket come together during the island's Carnival week, and Riccardo Small is torn between his two loves. A talented vocalist, he has been chosen to sing in the Calypso Monarch Final, competing with the island's best singers. But he's also good at -- and loves -- the sport of cricket. And his teammates at Calypso Cricket Club are playing the most important game in their history on the same day as the singing competition. Amidst the Carnival pan bands, masqueraders, and stick-fighters, Riccardo discovers why the singing competition is called "Calypso War." It's tough going on the cricket field too -- with injuries, fires, and disappearing players producing more than enough puzzles for his coach to solve. Set against the vibrant cultural traditions of the West Indies, this story is given authenticity by noted poet John Agard's calypsos. Bob Cattell's constantly inventive narrative and Pam Smy's vibrant illustrations help make Riccardo's dilemma exciting for young readers of both sexes.