Customer Reviews

The Legend of the Hummingbird: A Tale from Puerto Rico (Mondo Folktales)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I use this book to teach elementary school children about Puerto Rico. The story as well as the illustrations teach the reader about the history and climate/vegitation of Puerto Rico. The last five pages include information about Puerto Rico's history and traditions. More examples of legends are also included, providing a starting point for the children to create their own transformation tales.

A few years ago I purchased several Puerto Rican childrens classic for my new niece...this was my favorite despite the fact that the story itself rather confused me. Admittedly, I tend to be somewhat befuddled by many of the old sayings and metaphors from the island and this is in the same flavor. Illustrations are very nice, the story is delightful and it is my personal favorite even if I don't "get it". Great book for kids, those interested in Puerto Rican folktales or latino literature.

This book was read and given to my daughter for my grandson. I really liked this book. The story is so beautiful and real and the ending totally takes your imagination to its limits but then you really wonder if every bird you see is really a boy. Such a wonderful legend hope my daughter and grandson enjoy it as much as I did and do.

I mistakenly thought I would get a longer story because of the 30plus pages of text suppossedly contained within this volume. When the book arrived, the size of the font was analagous to a "See Spot Run" textbook or text for the blind; in addition, the book is almostly completely full of photos in lieu of text. It seemed written for kindergarteners, and not for anyone beyond kindergarten or nursery.

For a serious introduction to Taino thought, purchase the following three books: Cave of the Jagua: The Mythological World of the Tainos by Antonio M. Stevens-Arroyo, Taino: Pre-Columbian Art and Culture from the Carribean, and The Tainos by Irving Rouse. Together, the aforementioned three books will give readers interested in learning about Tainos a more authentic view of Taino life.

The second book mentioned above has the most beautiful and plentiful color photography of Taino art available, plus wonderful informative articles written by the top Taino scholars in the world. Cave of the Jagua is the best introduction to Taino thought available. Irving Rouse is the classic authority on the subject, and his book contains wonderful advice. (There are also wonderful books by the Taino scholar, Jose Juan Arrom.) If you are hurting for money, buy the first two books I mentioned. There are also many other wonderful books.

I do think the little kindergarten book is cute, but you can simply add more money and buy better introductory books on Taino culture(s) and beliefs. Of course, if the text is meant for a 1st grader, then a little cartoon book like this wouldn't hurt. It's just very kindergartenish in textual content. It was $4.95 I would have preferred to spend elsewhere.