LORD OF THE DANCE: An African Retelling

The genesis of this book is confusing--the jacket copy explains that ""the well-known English hymn by Sidney Carter has now become the Mask, worshipped by the Senufo [of the Cote d'Ivoire]. This retelling is the Mask's song."" But the rhythmic text--extending beyond the mask's history and ritual use to its role as a voice from the past to comfort descendants of Africans, now trapped in modern cities--is a moving celebration of African culture. Tadjo's striking illustrations are inspired by Senufo art, their traditional brown replaced by vivid color.