The Mischief Makers

"Children delight in mischief-making, and Lowell Swortzell presents it most appealingly. Magnificent braggadocio, wild foolery, suspense, laughter, pandemonium! This delightful play introduces young audiences to Anansi the Spider from Africa, Reynard the Fox from Europe, and the Native American trickster, Raven. As the play opens, the three are found perched together sharing a totem pole, unknowingly brought together by Nyame, the god of the skies. As they argue over who among them is the best trickster, they play out stories that best demonstrate their finest acts of trickery. In the end, Nyame returns, admitting that he brought the characters together in the hope that they would repent and reform their behavior; instead he has come to realize the value of their deeds and the laughter they bring to the world." (Children's Book and Play Review) Includes a multicultural study guide by Nancy Swortzell.