Module 3 Book Reviews:

Horse Hooves and Chicken Feet: Mexican Folktales Selected by Neil Philip

2003 Aesop Prize Winner

Bibliography

Philip, Neil, selector. 2003. HORSE HOOVES AND CHICKEN FEET: MEXICAN FOLKTALES. Ill. by Jacqueline Mair. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN-13: 9780618194636.

Plot Summary
This anthology of Mexican folktales includes stories of the sun and moon, oxen, Maria's, priests and a widow, among others.  

Critical Analysis
This collection of Mexican folklore is highlighted with acrylic illustrations depicting Mexican folk art.  The colors are bright and the designs are enchanting, much more so than the tedious wording and unappealing, flat characters.  A bibliograhy and "Notes on the Stories" is included at the end, providing information on origins, variants, and versions.   

Review Excerpts

KIRKUS REVIEWS: " A Mexican flavor is strong throughout the collection. References to saints and religious topics reflect the heritage and culture, and occasional brilliant, hot watercolors add to sense of the setting. "

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "Mair's primitive acrylic illustrations, based on Mexican folk art, are alive with bright color and a kinetic sensibility. They both complement and extend the spicy stories, making this a well-put-together package."

Connections

There were two winners the first year the Aesop Prize was awarded - 1992.

Bader, Barbara, adaptor. AESOP AND COMPANY WITH SCENES FROM HIS LEGENDARY LIFE. Ill. by Arthur Geisert. ISBN-13: 9780395505977.
Kimmel, Eric, adaptor. DAYS OF AWE: STORIES FOR ROSH HASHANAH AND YOM KIPPUR. ISBN-13: 9780670827725.

Module 3 Book Reviews: Traditional Tales

Raccoon's Last Race as told by Joseph Bruchac and James Bruchac

Bibliography

Bruchac, Joseph, and James Bruchac, retellers. 2004. Raccoon's Last Race. Ill. by Jose Aruego and Ariane Dewey. New York, NY: Dial Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 0-8037-2977-4.

Plot Summary

This tale shows how Azban the Raccoon is transformed from a long-legged, fast creature into the short-legged, slow creature that we know today.

Critical Analysis

This pourquoi tale of the North American Abenaki Indians is told through dynamic language and engaging pen-and-ink, gouache, and pastel illustrations.  Author's notes at the beginning set the stage for Azban's tricks by exploring his place in the rich history of American Indian folklore and by reminding readers of the original tradition:  storytelling - a powerful and dramatic experience.  The tale explains the how Azban the raccoon's tricks lead to his downfall in true storytelling style - with song, onomatopoeia,  small voices, deep voices, and an animated dialogue.  Azban springs to life and the story jumps off the page in this storytelling treasure. 

Review Excerpts

KIRKUS REVIEWS: "Azban the Raccoon is a favorite Abenaki trickster and this father-and-son storytelling pair creates a lively, clever, and authentic version of his story."

KIRKUS REVIEWS: "The illustrators' familiar pen-and-ink, gouache, and pastel work is as appealing as ever-Azban is a particularly engaging character. "

Connections

For another pourquoi tale check out the following:

Bruchac, Joseph and James Bruchac. HOW CHIPMUNK GOT HIS STRIPES. Ill. by Ariane Dewey and Jose Aruego. ISBN-13: 9780142500217.