Review by Booklist Review
*Starred Review* Sibert-winning Tonatiuh (Funny Bones, 2015) brings to his books a richness in text and illustration, and this retelling of a Mexican legend is no exception. Two great volcanoes, Iztaccíhuatl and Popocatépetl, stand outside of today's Mexico City and have been the inspiration for many folktales and origin stories. Using stylized images (based on several ancient Mixtec codices), Tonatiuh reminds us of the highly developed cultures that came up with these stories. This particular myth centers on a great love, a great warrior, and a great deceit. A beautiful princess falls in love with a soldier, Popoca, to her father's dismay. The emperor tells Popoca that if he defeats the village's greatest enemy, he can marry the princess. Popoca is on the brink of success, when treachery and miscommunication leads to tragedy. A glossary of the many Nahuatl words used in the text (some of which have become part of spoken Spanish today) is included, and the illustrations are compelling and dramatic in the contrast of lights and darks. Tonatiuh's characteristic round heads and figures in profile add a classic element (be sure to look under the book jacket for two powerful images). The appealing story, compelling illustrations, and celebration of the Aztec culture make this a sure thing for those looking for a story, while an extensive author's note goes a step beyond, adding to the impact of the tale with a great deal of historical and cultural information.--Ching, Edie Copyright 2016 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Tonatiuh (Funny Bones) retells a Mesoamerican legend about a pair of volcanoes that can be seen from Mexico City. Iztaccíhuatl looks like a sleeping woman, while Popocatépetl is said to be the form of a warrior who guards her. In Tonatiuh's story, Popoca is a suitor who sees past the princess Izta's mesmerizing beauty: "If you marry me, I promise that I will love you for who you are," he vows. "I will stay by your side no matter what." Izta's father promises her to Popoca if the warrior can defeat Jaguar Claw, the kingdom's sworn enemy. But a messenger from Jaguar Claw lies to Izta, telling her that Popoca has been defeated and offering her a potion to console her. She never wakes up. Popoca keeps his promise never to leave her, and the two are shown frozen under a mantle of snow. Tonatiuh's squat, stylized characters are modeled on those in ancient Mixtec codices, and their jewelry, weapons, and architecture all bear inspection and discussion. Sensitive readers may be dismayed by the grim ending, but it's a skillfully crafted recounting of a somber tale of love and devotion. Ages 6-9. (Oct.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2-Courted by many gift-bearing suitors, the beautiful poet princess Izta chooses the poor but honest warrior Popoca. His only gift to her is the promise to love her forever. Izta's father agrees to the match under one condition, that Popoca challenge a rival ruler. Battles, bravery, and betrayal follow in this intimate Aztec origin tale of two volcanoes in present-day Mexico. The bold colors and dynamic fight scenes, inspired by motifs from the Mixtec codices, complement this accessible epic story of loyalty. © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
After a string of award-winning picture-book biographies (Separate Is Never Equal, rev. 7/14; Funny Bones, rev. 11/15), Tonatiuh turns to folklore for this adapted pourquoi story that explains the origins of two volcanoes in Mexico: Iztacchuatl and Popocatpetl. Izta is a kind and beautiful princess; suitors traveled from distant lands to woo her. But despite promises of a life of luxury from several royal admirers, its the honest young warrior Popoca who captures her heart. Iztas father, the emperor, sends Popoca off to fight and defeat rival ruler Jaguar Claw, at which point Popoca will earn Iztas hand in marriage. But a tragic turn of events leads Izta to drink a powerful sleeping potion. Upon returning from battle and finding his love in a deep sleep from which she will not wake, Popoca takes her to the top of a mountain, hoping to revive her, but to no avail. Soon, where once there was a princess with her true love by her side, two volcanoes emerged. The style of Tonatiuhs mixed-media art, an homage to the Mixtec codices, is instantly recognizable. The textured backgrounds are boldly colored, and the compositions convey a feeling of great motion throughout, but especially in battle scenes. Tonatiuhs storytelling grows more assured with each title; this may be his best yet. Included in the excellent back matter are an authors note, a glossary of the Nahuatl terms found sprinkled throughout the text, and a bibliography. sam bloom(c) Copyright 2016. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
