"Mind Me Good Now!"

Steve Pitt is a Toronto-based freelance writer and an award-winning journalist. He has written many young adult and children's books, including Day of the Flying Fox: The True Story of World War II Pilot Charley Fox.

Mama Nettie wants to sell her eggs at the market but her head feels like
a crushed breadfruit. She is forced to send her two children, Dalby and
Tina, in her place. Before they leave Mama Nettie warns, “Mind me good
now, don’t go near the bridge.” Well, of course, not only do they go
near the forbidden bridge, but Dalby insists that they also cross it. On
the other side they meet Mama Zee, a kindly old lady who offers them
shelter for the night. But the children soon find out that Mama Zee is
really a Cocoya, a strange evil creature that eats little boys but will
do anything for little girls. As Mama Zee prepares to eat Dalby, Tina
has to think of a way to save her mischievous brother.

This wonderful story by Lynette Comissiong is a Caribbean take on the
Hansel and Gretel folk tale, but with some fascinating gender politics
added in. Comissiong’s outstanding storytelling ability led this
reader to feel almost sorry for the poor old Cocoya as it struggles hard
to be a good auntie to Tina. All it wants is a few moments’ peace to
eat that naughty little rascal Dalby, who has only himself to blame for
being on the menu in the first place. Marie Lafrance’s lush tropical
illustrations seem to grow in front of your eyes. Highly recommended.