Though I enjoyed the concept behind the story, I have to admit that the pacing of it is a bit uneven, particularly at the start. They, at least, seem able to be beaten, either with physical resistance or a bit of magic. These tales are not for the faint of heart! Creatures who carry their own coffins with them? Or lure children into the woods when they learn their names? Eek! Fortunately, Baptiste’s versions are slightly less terrifying. An author’s note at the end explains some of the stories of the jumbies, as well as the ways in which Baptiste adapted them to create a story of her own. Much of the joy of The Jumbies comes from watching Baptiste introduce a new audience to the tales of her own childhood. An original fantasy sure to delight–and scare–young readers. Now, she must unlock her own magic in order to save him, and the rest of the island, from being turned into jumbies forever. Corinne La Mer does not believe in jumbies–malevolent spirits said to live in the forest–until the day one shows up in her house and puts a spell on her father. Inspired by Caribbean folklore and the tale of “The Magic Orange Tree,” Tracey Baptiste’s The Jumbies offers supernatural thrills and chills to middle grade audience.
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