Today we have a fabulous Perfect Picture Book Friday review.
But first…some winners! Last week I promised to give away a copy of Jessica Lawson’s middle grade mystery Nooks and Crannies.
AND THE WINNER IS…
Sherry Howard
Congratulations, Sherry…I will contact you for your mailing address.
We also had a giveaway last month for a copy of Emma Bland Smith’s Journey: The Most Famous Wolf in the West.
AND THE WINNER IS…
Mona Pease
Congratulations, Mona…I’ll get it in the mail ASAP. No guarantees, but considering I’m in NH and you are in Maine, you might even get it in time for Christmas!
There will also be info coming soon on the voting for Susanna Hill’s Holiday Contest…I will share that as soon as I get it. Did you get to read any of the entries? They are FABULOUS!
The Perfect Picture Book Friday spotlight is on one of my favorite books of 2016. And tomorrow, the award-winning author/illustrator, Duncan Tonatiuh, will be our Will Write for Cookies guest.
The Princess and the Warrior: A Tale of Two Volcanos
Written and illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh
Publisher: Abrams (2016)
Ages: 6-9 (this is the recommendation on Amazon…but I think the book is appropriate for younger AND older kids)
Themes:
Courage, loyalty, accepting others for who they are
Synopsis:
From Amazon:
Award-winning author Duncan Tonatiuh reimagines one of Mexico’s cherished legends. Princess Izta had many wealthy suitors but dismissed them all. When a mere warrior, Popoca, promised to be true to her and stay always by her side, Izta fell in love. The emperor promised Popoca if he could defeat their enemy Jaguar Claw, then Popoca and Izta could wed. When Popoca was near to defeating Jaguar Claw, his opponent sent a messenger to Izta saying Popoca was dead. Izta fell into a deep sleep and, upon his return, even Popoca could not wake her. As promised Popoca stayed by her side. So two volcanoes were formed: Iztaccíhuatl, who continues to sleep, and Popocatépetl, who spews ash and smoke, trying to wake his love.
Opening Lines:
“Once upon a time, there lived a kind and beautiful princess named Izta.”
Why I like this book:
- First of all, I not only like this book, I LOVE it. The illustrations, done in Duncan’s familiar style, are AMAZING! The text is deceptively simple…on each page, with short succinct sentences, Duncan weaves a compelling story. AND he provides us with an authentic voice, giving us the names of various objects in the Nahuatl language, which is the language the main characters would have spoken.
- I’m a great fan of folktales…this would be a perfect first folktale for young children…courage and loyalty are two traits we want to encourage kids to develop.
- I remember studying about those two volcanos when I was a student…how fabulous to discover there was a legend…and thanks to Duncan’s wonderful glossary in the back, now I know how to pronounce the names.
- This book won the Pura Belpre Award which was established in 1996. It is presented to a Latino/Latina (or as Duncan would say, Latinx) writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth. I love books that help multicultural children see themselves…and just as importantly, help all children learn about different peoples and cultures.
RELATED ACTIVITIES for Parents and Teachers
- Find other folktale picture books and read them with your children.
- Pick an animal, object, or place and make up a folktale about how it came to be.
- Make a volcano…for quick and easy instructions go here: http://www.preschoolinspirations.com/2014/05/28/easy-baking-soda-and-vinegar-volcano-eruption-for-kids/
Photo courtesy: http://www.preschoolinspirations.com
This post is part of a series for parents and teachers called Perfect Picture Book Fridays hosted by Susannah Leonard Hill. Click on her link and find lots of other picture book suggestions with summaries and activities.
And please don’t miss tomorrow’s post when we will welcome our Will Write for Cookies guest:
DUNCAN TONATIUH
Make sure you stop by and leave a comment – you’ll be entered into the giveaway of a copy of The Princess and the Warrior. Do you have a favorite folktale from your childhood? I’d love to hear about it.
Stay safe and warm, dear friends. I’m wishing the happiest and healthiest of holiday seasons to all of you!
VIVIAN KIRKFIELD - Writer for Children 
Thanks for sharing this book, Vivian. It sounds like a delightful folktale. It is wonderful for children to read stories from all around the world, and to see the similarity in legends that are told from place to place. Courage and loyalty are definitely great traits to encourage. I like the way you have linked to the fun volcano activity – very much in keeping with your wonderful book “Show me how”.
Congratulations to the winners of your competitions.
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What a lovely comment, Norah…I’m so glad you enjoyed the book review…yes, it’s a wonderful story. And you are very kind…the Show Me How book was exactly the book I wished I’d had when I was a parent and a teacher. 🙂
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It is a great resource. I hope many teachers and parents are using it. 🙂
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Thanks for your review of the Princess and the Warrior and the fun volcano activity. I know someone who will get a kick out of that! And thanks for featuring the giveaway books as a reminder to go get them!
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Doesn’t the volcano activity look like fun? I’m going to try it with my grandson, Jane.
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I’ve been eager to read this new release. I loved “Separate is Never Equal.” From your excellent review, I’m sure I will enjoy this compelling story!
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Glad you enjoyed the review, Pat…and yes, you will love this book!
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I absolutely LOVE Duncan’s art, and this story looks fabulous! Thanks for the cool review and activity, Vivian. 🙂
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Duncan’s art is something really special, Beth…I agree! Thanks so much for stopping by…hope you get to read this one…it is really special. 😉
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Duncan’s art is so unique and special. Beautiful book!
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Yup…Duncan has definitely made an authentic brand of his own…when you pick up a book he has illustrated, you will always know who drew the pictures.;) I’m thrilled he is getting the recognition he deserves. 😉
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Thank you Vivian for the great post. Duncan’s stories and illustrations are always wonderful. You always know how to pick great books to review and share with us!
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Oh…you are so sweet, dear Jeanine…I pick the ones I fall in love with…and hope you all will also. 😉 I really love Duncan’s work!
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cool story – reminds me of a tale from Utah about true love, an Indian maiden, and a warrior and a grove of aspen trees that form the shape of a heart.
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Oh, that sounds like a lovely story, Sue! I started writing a Pueblo Indian story a couple of years ago, but put it aside…maybe I need to pick it up again. 😉
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The Princess and the Warrior sounds like a beautiful story. It sounds very much like a nz maori legend story here of Hinemoa and Tutanekai. Love your volcanic activity. Congrats to all the winners too. Thanks for sharing Vivian and your lovely review.
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Maybe your next manuscript will be a retelling of that legend, Diane…you always manage to incorporate diverse characters in your wonderful manuscripts. 😉 I look forward to reading it…oh, wait, first you have to write it. 😉
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Great review, as always. And of course, I love all of Duncan’s books too. I have to get this one, but I’ve been using SEPARATE IS NEVER EQUAL as not only a mentor text for writing, but I’ve also used it with my students as we were discussing little known court cases. Thanks to Vivian and Duncan!
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That’s wonderful, Ellen…your students are so lucky to have you.
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The highs and lows of love. Thank you for sharing this lovely tale.
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You are so clever, Stephanie…the highs and lows. 😉 Glad you enjoyed the post.
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