ALA Booklist (Fri Oct 01 00:00:00 CDT 2010)

Aristophane was a French writer and artist who produced only a handful of comics works before his untimely death in 2007. The first of these to make it to the U.S. is the story of three sisters who live on the Caribbean Island of Guadalupe. We follow them on the way to see a fight between two local boys, one a notorious bully, while they engage in universal childhood pursuits that Tom Sawyer himself would have recognized: exploring the dangerous parts of the forest, stealing mangoes from the wrong orchard, sneaking a taste of rum to their own detriment. The writer proves deft at revealing the politics of childhood e negotiations, cruelties, and kindnesses that exist between friends and especially between sisters d the white expanses and thick, inky lines of his art readily evoke not only the proper emotions but also the sun-drenched environment. Lyrical, even literary in its tone, The Zabime Sisters is for developed readers looking for something off the beaten path. Includes suggested discussion questions.

Kirkus Reviews

The final published work from the late French comics artist is a whimsical, meandering jaunt through the chaos and possibility of adolescence. Aristophane chronicles the exploits of sisters M'Rose, Ella and Celina on the day they embark on their summer vacation on the tropical isle of Guadeloupe. He captures the anxieties and joys of adolescent hormones and emotions through an episodic story line that sees the girls finding their way in and out of trouble—and possibly love. The pen-and-ink panels are often undefined and cluttered, a visual exploration of the journey to adulthood. The sharp angles and nuanced shadowing of the characters are set against the undefined patterns and dense foliage of the jungle, evoking a simultaneous sense of unease and excitement that adult readers will recall from their own teenage years. A moving exploration of youth and its follies that may be more appreciated by adults than those in the throes of it. Includes an afterword by translator Madden and a reading-group guide. ( Graphic novel . 13 & up)

School Library Journal (Mon Nov 01 00:00:00 CDT 2010)

Gr 8 Up-Madden, an admirer of French comic artist Aristophane, has translated this 1996 work. The tender and evocative narrative chronicles the first day of summer vacation on the sultry Caribbean island of Guadeloupe. Opening panels move readers inside a home's shuttered window and introduce three sleeping sisters: M'Rose, Elle, and C&3;lina. The girls awaken and their day unfolds with summer delights and discoveries: they catch crab at the river, steal mangoes, experiment with a stolen pipe, witness a fight between rivaling boys, suffer the intoxicating effects of rum, taunt and teas friends, and engage in constant sibling rivalry. The text is coupled with expressive images that offer glimpses into the personality of each character and allow the story to slowly unfold. The interplay among the siblings and each girl's singular response to events allow readers to establish a personal connection with each sister. The artist's dry brush technique and controlled use of line, mastery of light and shadow, interesting and unusual framing, and expressive facial close-ups are compelling. Readers will visualize both the unique and universal aspects of this day of freedom for these girls. Back matter includes an afterword and a discussion guide. Barbara M. Moon, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY