The Tale of Rabbit and Coyote [Paperback]

Tony Johnston (Author), Tomie dePaola (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Poor Coyote! How'd he get bonked by a rock-hard fruit underneath the jicara tree? Who tricked him into whacking a wasps' nest with a stick? And why is he always howling at the moon? Because of Rabbit, that's why! A Mexican trickster tale in which wily Rabbit outwits Coyote several times before escaping him permanently by climbing to the moon--which explains why Coyote is wont to howl at it. A book that's sure to appeal. -- Kirkus Reviews, pointer review This zesty collaboration is sure to be popular with some of dePaola's finest and most innovative art. -- Booklist, starred review An engaging retelling.Familiar and funny, yet different and distinctive. -- School Library Journal Tony Johnston lives in San Marino, California. Tomie dePaola lives in New Hampshire.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The folklore of Mexico inspires this impressive collaboration by the talented creators of The Badger and the Magic Fan and Pages of Music . After clever Rabbit sneaks into a field one evening and feasts on the biggest chiles, the farmer sets up a beeswax "farmer" to trap the thief. When this imposter refuses to talk the next night, Rabbit (not so cleverly) punches it repeatedly, until his paws and feet are stuck in the wax. Thrilled with his catch, the real farmer throws the rabbit in a sack and plans to cook him. But the wily lapin convinces Coyote to take his place: "This man wants me to marry his daughter . . . but I'm too young. Why don't you take my place?" It is the first of many ruses the gullible Coyote falls for--with uproarious results--throughout the tale, which ultimately explains why coyotes howl at the moon. Spanish expressions worked into the pictures are translated in a glossary. A good part of the humor of this pungent Zapotec legend is delivered through dePaola's droll folk art, resplendent with the bronzed and dazzling hues of the Southwest. Both the palette and the patterns used here represent a departure for the artist, who outdoes himself in this fetching book. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 4-An engaging retelling of an Oaxacan trickster/pourquoi tale that combines story elements from Brer Rabbit, the legend of Coyote swallowing the moon, and the rabbit in the moon. Rabbit's tricks escalate to a final comical episode in which he scampers up to the moon, hides the ladder, and leaves Coyote howling in frustration below. Creating a distinctly Mexican look, the book features bordered folk-art paintings positioned on a variety of vibrantly hued pages. dePaola uses colors freely, along with primitive design elements that include snippets of hand-lettered Spanish dialogue. (Readers who can't decipher their meaning can check the end of the story for translations and pronunciations). A picture-book folktale that is at once familiar and funny, yet different and distinctive.
Lee Bock, Brown County Public Libraries, Green Bay, WI
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (May 18, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0698116305
• ISBN-13: 978-0698116306
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8.5 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #290,626 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars The Tale of Rabbit and Coyote, March 17, 2003

By 

"tall_guy_03" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Tale of Rabbit and Coyote (Hardcover)

Rabbit is very mischievous and clever. But after he steals chili peppers from a farmer one night, he finds himself trapped in a sack, waiting to be thrown into a pot of boiling water for the farmer's meal. Just then, Coyote comes along and asks what Rabbit is doing there. Rabbit tells him that he is waiting to marry the farmer's beautiful daughter and offers for Coyote to take his place. Coyote agrees, and Rabbit escapes. When Coyote figures out that he has been fooled, he runs off to find Rabbit. Again Rabbit tricks Coyote and escapes. Will Coyote ever catch Rabbit?
I would definitely recommend this to any kid who wants to read a good short story. I thought it was a great book, and you will, too.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Story That Introduces Children to Spanish, February 8, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The Tale of Rabbit and Coyote (Hardcover)

This is a great book, which introduces children to Spanish without shoving it down their throats. Tony Johnston and Tomi de Paola make a marvelous team. Check out Johnston's "The Iguana Brothers" and "Lorenzo the Naughty Parrot" for more Spanish language treats!