Coomacka Island: The Story of Spider & Ant

by Don P. Hooper

Tales told from the heart of the Caribbean.

24 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2006

About the author

Don P. Hooper is a writer and filmmaker of Jamaican heritage (and a programmer in a former life). His short story “Got Me a Jet Pack” is part of the New York Times bestselling anthology Black Boy Joy. His directing work has been featured in the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival, the New York Television Film Festival (award winner), the New York City Horror Film Festival, the New Jersey Horror Con and Film Festival (award winner), and more. He does voice-over in video games and documentaries. True True is his debut novel.

Reviews

[Kit Colter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Story of Spider & Ant is pretty unusual for a children's book because the protagonist, Spider, is a flawed character. He is sly, takes advantage of his friends, and falls victim to his own greed. The story shows Spider dealing with the consequences of his own selfish decisions.

These books present a really valuable opportunity to introduce children to Caribbean folklore. I am also really pleased to see a trickster figure like Spider appearing as the main character (rather than the enemy) in a children's book. In a way, Spider is his own worst enemy and creates his own misfortune, which offers both a more realistic view of life and a more valuable life lesson that many children's stories which feature clear cut "good guy vs. bad guy" conflicts.

[Orly Clerge · Rating 5 out of 5]

My nieces absolutely love Coomacka Island stories. It's a classic! The visuals and the story are appealing. I highly recommend this folktale story!