Mirandy and Brother Wind

So Mirandy wants to win the "cakewalk", a dancing contest. She knows that if she captures Mister Wind she can get him to grant a wish, and that's just what she sets out to do - wish him into dancing with her. There's a very satisfying conclusion here, nothing much to say.

An effort by these two terrific professionals is bound to have many good qualities. This won a Caldecott honor designation, and rightly so. Pinkney's watercolors are intricate, absorbing, a real pleasure. The multicolored dresses of girls at a dance are especially pretty. I notice he uses two motifs in his books, chickens and quilts. Both are included here. This book begins with an author's note on the history of the cakewalk in African American culture. The story is based on a photograph of McKissack's grandparents, who won a cakewalk in 1906 before they married. The photo was taken after they won. Mirandy is longing to win the upcoming cakewalk, but she needs a partner. Her friend, Ezel, might fit the bill but doesn't seem too keen on participating. He teases her that he is going with another girl. Mirandy thinks she will win the contest if she can capture Brother Wind, an imaginary character drawn like a bluish white ghost. His grace and speed are what she thinks it will take to finish first. Of course, Mirandy and Ezel end up together, and win the cakewalk with their sassy moves.

This children's book, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney, is about a young and joyous African-American girl who hopes to win a prize at a cake walk by capturing the wind as her partner. The story takes place around 1900 and is a beautiful view of a happy people. The book was a 1989 Caldecott Honor book (i.e., a runner-up to the Medal winner) for best illustrations in a book for children.