This book is a perfect book to introduce a classroom to trickster tales. With a beautifully written storyline that keeps the reader on their toes, this book is one that can be cherished and enjoyed for years to come. The illustrations of the book are beautifully done and capture the colorful and playful nature of the story. Overall, this book addresses trickster tales in a great way. ( )

Malese was a well known trickster, all his friends and neighbors were skeptical of his ways. One day he realized that he needed a new pair of shoes for his old ones were falling apart and his toes were not even covered. Being the trickster that he is, Malese went to a shoemaker and talked his way into one left shoe for inspection before buying then went to another for a right shoe. He continued his tricks through the market, the surrounding area, and even when he had been caught in his ways. This story is truly about a trickster who will stop at nothing to get what he wants.
I thought that this was such a cute little book! I enjoyed getting to read a folklore story from another country that was so full of small details that put you in the story. The pictures in this book were key to the connection of the culture. ( )

This book takes an old folktale to a whole new level with a clever character who tricks his way from poverty to pleasure. The story is delivered traditionally while the illustrations present Haitian culture in a unique cheerful style that is well-suited for a multicultural children’s story. ( )

Relaxing in his hammock one day, Malese notices that his shoes are so worn, his toes are peeking out! How can he convince the village shoemakers to make him a new pair, when he has no money? With Malese, there's always a way, and soon two separate shoemakers find themselves the victim of this clever trickster. Likewise, when Malese decides to make rum cake, the rum sellers soon find themselves cheated out of some of their product. Eventually, the villagers get so fed up, they lock Malese in the local jail. Will he learn his lesson? Or will he play one more trick...?

Of course, the answer to this last question is never in doubt, Please, Malese! being a trickster tale! With a humorous narrative - based on the tale of "a shrewd peasant" collected in 1929 - and bold, colorful illustrations that accentuate the fun, this winsome retelling of a Haitian folktale is sure to please young readers, particularly those with a taste for traditional stories. ( )

Mischievous Malese is a trickster who gets things from his friends by fooling them. When his friends catch on to his tricks, they punish him. Malese turns the tables on them and outsmarts them yet again. ( )