Tigers and goats don't usually become friends, but after Teegra and Cabree find themselves taking shelter in the same cave one dark, stormy night, the two young animals become inseparable for a time. When Teegra is reunited with his family, he gives his friend a parting gift: a banza, or banjo. As Teegra's aunt states, "The banza belongs to the heart, and there is no stronger protection than the heart." Soon enough, Cabree learns the truth of this adage, when she must confront ten hungry tigers by the riverside...

This amusing tale, with its reversal of the usual order of things - the hunters end up terrified, the prey victorious - is an homage to the power of music, and of words. Wolkstein - whose other folkloric retellings include White Wave and Oom Razoom - delivers an engaging narrative; while Marc Brown - best known for his Arthur series - provides expressive illustrations that perfectly capture the emotions of the tale. Highly recommended to all folklore lovers, particularly those with an interest in Haiti! ( )