La leyenda de Mexicatl: The Legend of Mexicatl, Spanish-Language Edition (Spanish Edition) [Hardcover]

Jo Harper (Author), Robert Casilla (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 13, 1998 | Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

Growing up under the blistering sun of the desert, the boy Mexicatl can hardly imagine being chosen to lead his people - until he has a vision. One day the Morning Star tells him to search for "a place of harmony" and reveals the sacred image of the eagle and snake. Only after Mexicatl learns the hard lessons of leadership do his people prosper. Richly illustrated, this is an enchanting story of faith and wisdom, drawn from ancient Aztec history.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3APublished simultaneously in English and Spanish editions, this picture book recounts the legend associated with Mexico's early history. The hero of the story is Mexicatl, a young man chosen by the Great Spirit to lead his people from a life of hardship in the desert to a new land of promise and harmony. Harper tells Mexicatl's story from his boyhood to his role as beloved leader, and uses this appealing folktale to teach an important lesson about what makes one wise and brave. Casilla's warm, earth-toned watercolors complement the text perfectly, infusing the story with both realism and magic. An author's note explains the origins of this legend and its place in Mexican history. Children will enjoy learning why the people of this nation chose to call themselves Mexicans. A good choice for all libraries, particularly those with an interest in Latin American folklore.AMonica Scheliga Carnesi, Queens Borough Public Library, NY
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Turtle Books (January 13, 1998)
• Language: Spanish
• ISBN-10: 189051506X
• ISBN-13: 978-1890515065
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 10.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,890,320 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars an audience pleaser, February 15, 2000

By 

Jere Pfister (Houston, Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: La leyenda de Mexicatl: The Legend of Mexicatl, Spanish-Language Edition (Spanish Edition) (Hardcover)

Mexicatl captures his mother's heart and the readers as well. Jo Harper has caught the beauty of a boy's entrance into manhood. The telling of the story is like holding a candle up for children to see the way that common people have become heroes. A story told with symplicity of word and action that makes the reader and listener use their imagination. The illustrations by Robert Casilla are quite beautiful.