The Shaking Bag

The Shaking Bag

An old African-American woman willingly shares all she has and is repaid with a bag that provides for all her needs. Kindergarten-Grade 4-An old African-American woman lives in her run-down house with only her dog, Effie Lucille. Miss Annie Mae never lets the birds in her yard go hungry, even if it means giving up her last crust of bread. One day, five ravens arrive and receive the last few seeds from her feeding bag. Later, a young traveler called Raven Reed shows up seeking shelter. She offers him the last of her food and her only chair, but Raven produces the feed bag and says, "Shake it up! Shake it up! All around!" to produce firewood, food, a bigger table, and two extra chairs. Next morning, he leaves the bag for her so that she'll never be hungry again. Battle-Lavert takes the folklore motif of kindness to a stranger and spins a brilliant, beautifully written original tale. The rhythmic language demands to be read aloud, and children will enjoy chiming in on Raven's magical chant. The author tells the story in a straightforward manner that is elegant in its sheer simplicity. Robinson's exuberant paintings, done with rich, broad brushstrokes, are full of energy. The figures, knobby and exaggerated with oversized hands, and the rustic house and furnishings reinforce the folksy tone. Touches of color effectively demonstrate how the old woman brightens her somewhat bleak surroundings, and the chick in her pocket is a delightful touch. This fresh, vigorous tale is too good to miss. Donna L. Scanlon, Lancaster County Library, PA Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. Annie Mae leads a fine life with her faithful dog in a run-down cabin. There's not much in the way of food, but they get by--and there's always enough for Annie Mae's many bird friends. One evening when the cupboard is almost bare, a man knocks at the door asking for a place to lay his head. Annie Mae offers Raven Reed what little she has. Seeing her generous spirit, Raven shakes the magic sack he totes; out spills food, firewood, extra furniture, and whatever Annie needs. The next day he's gone, but he has left the shaking bag for Annie Mae. Although she never sees him again, she occasionally catches a glimpse of his eyes in the eyes of a visiting bird. The folk art, strikingly textured and colorful, gives this fable a strong sense of place and culture. Goodness of the soul has never looked so fresh. Shelley Townsend-Hudson A new twist on the old theme of kindness rewarded is enlivened by equally magical illustrations. Miss Annie Mae usually manages to scrape together a little food to share with her wild bird friends. But one day, when the poor woman's old cloth bag is empty, a mysterious young man named Raven Reed comes to her door. Every time Miss Annie Mae attempts to share her meager possessions with him, Raven reaches in the bag and magically pulls out the things she needs most: chairs, food, fire wood, and even a new table. They share the repast and talk all night. When she looks into his face, ``She saw eyes that were young of age but ancient of spirit.'' At his departure, he hands her back the sack explaining that, because of her generosity, the sack will never be empty. He leaves in a whirlwind, and when the dust clears, Miss Annie Mae sees a raven with familiar eyes. Robinson's paintings are a mix of bold strokes of oil paint and fine ink cross hatching, and maybe even include some watercolor. Bright and colorful, their folksy style perfectly suits Battle-Lavert's relaxed story-telling style. (Picture book. 4-8) -- Copyright ©2000, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. In this Southern story, Miss Annie Mae is rewarded for her kindness to animals and strangers. An unexpected visitor named Raven appears on her doorstep with a magical bag that produces an abundance of goods. The artist creates colorful, mixed-media illustrations using paint, watercolor, and pen and ink. From her pigtails, to the baby bird in her pocket, down to her boots, Annie Mae is utterly charming. A 2000 Parents' Choice® Recommended winner. Reviewed by Mary Nix, Parents' Choice® 2000 -- From Parents' Choice® Used Book in Good Condition