Category: Mythology

These Stories are Ours: Myths of Mexico

5/22/2018

Feathered Serpent, Dark Heart of Sky: Myths of Mexico
by David Bowles

Can you see the looms of our grandmothers, shuttling out colors, the weft and woof of so many tribes?
They unfurl through the ages, frayed or unraveled by time and conquest like well-worn, rainbowed rebozos.
Take up the threads, each of you, and weave me the multi-hued fabric of our history...

Feathered Serpent, Dark Heart of Sky: Myths of Mexico stitches together a remarkable tapestry of Mesoamerican mythology. David Bowles begins by amplifying and enriching the saga of well-known brothers: Feathered Serpent, also known as Quetzalcoatl, and Heart of Sky, also known as Hurricane or Tezcatlipoca, with fascinating details gleaned from his extensive research. His poetic language is rich and evocative.

Feathered Serpent burst from the cosmic sea and took flight through the endless sky, his long bodyrippling with bright red, green and blue plumes.

Heart of Sky swirled to life in the heavens before dropping to waters and spinning like a violent cyclone, dark smoke curling from the black mirror on his forehead.

The narrative continues in roughly chronological fashion, recounting the five ages of the world. The fifth age includes stories of the gods Quetzalcoatl and Tezcatlipoca in human form, as well as retellings taken from Mayan and Aztec lore.

The book concludes with the arrival of the Spanish in 1519. Importantly, this account is presented from the point of view of the conquered indigenous people of Mexico and provides much needed perspective and understanding to this period of history.

One of the most compelling aspects of this work is the inclusion of bold and fearless women. Brave Erendira loved the earth and her mother country. She desperately tried to rally her people to fight the invading armies. Riding a captured white horse, she was a symbol of hope.

Princess Donaji was destined to serve her people and eventually give her life for them. She was beheaded and from her severed head blossomed a lily of exquisite beauty. Her likeness is memorialized on the city of Oaxaca's coat of arms.

In the early 1940s the former St. Augustine temple was turned into a public library. Juan O'Gorman painted a graphic history of Michoacán right where the altar used to be. Princess Eréndira is riding the white horse on the left side of the painting. Wikkipedia

These final stories are ours, mestizo missives and manuscripts and music.
We wrote them down, recited them, shared them, mind to mind.
They live on in our histories, in our poetry, on our lips, in our hearts.

The cativating tales are organized into small chunks that may be read consecutively. It is also possible to dip into selected individual sections throughout the volume. The introduction provides valuable background information. A Guide to Pronunciation and Glossary are helpful reference points while reading. Notes on Sources and a Bibliography round out back matter

An excellent resource for those interested in exploring epic tales, world mythologies, history and culture of Mexico. Highly recommended for students, teachers, historians and storytellers,

Review based on copy provided by the publisher.

Pub date: May 22, 2018 Publisher: Cinco Puntos Press ISBN: 978-1941026717

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What a Heroine Looks Like

3/27/2018

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Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi

”Who are you?”
“Your worst nightmare. We're the Pandavas.”

Full disclosure. I resisted reading this book. Don’t get me wrong. I enjoyed Riordan’s the Olympians series. But if this was another "child of a mythological god" wanna be, I wasn’t interested. Eventually I picked up the volume, started to read, and instantly realized that I was wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. The first few pages convinced me. This is no weak Percy Jackson remake.
Roshani Chokshi has taken the concept, turned it inside out, ripped out the old construction, removed the fabric, woven a new tapestry and created something fresh and sparkling. She has breathed new life into a mythological adventure for middle grade readers. After the first chapter, I could not stop reading. I skipped meals and didn’t want to put the book down to search for food. Reading was more important than a growling stomach. This book is that good! Here some of the reasons why Aru Shah and the End of Time captivated me:

The setting. India's mythology is a rich source of fascinating lore that is less familiar to me. Twelve-year-old Aru and her mother live in the Museum of Ancient Indian Art and Culture. Her life is steeped in Indian stories and artifacts, from the giant stone elephant she passes each day to 400-year-old sea dragon statue where she hides her candy stash, Aru lives in a world that promises magic. Readers are introduced to a cast of exotic gods and goddesses. Fortunately, Chokshi includes a helpful glossary. It is possible to enjoy the tale without referring to this back matter. Usually I would wait until I came to a stopping place to use the glossary. I didn't like to disrupt the flow of the story.

Humor. Chokshi peppers her narrative with liberal doses of pop culture. Aru, dressed in her Spider-Man pajamas, travels to the Court of the Sky, visits the Pool of the Past, and seeks the Kingdom of Death. Her trip to Costco resembles my ventures into the massive warehouse and at the same time is unlike any shopping trip that I have experienced. It's a place of industrial concrete, frigid temperatures, and massive lines of people. Aru and Mini head down the aisle of frozen foods seeing "black bean soup, lunch rolls, pizza, bagels, pizza bagels, tripe, codfish, catfish, I-can't-believe-it's-not-fish fish.....frozen waffles, frozen pancakes, frozen stars, frozen wings, ...frozen prophecies, frozen orrereis, frozen gold, frozen..." you get the idea. Did I mention the chapter headings? They are so clever and snarky. It’s fun to read chapter headings such as: "#1 on Mini's Top Ten Ways I Don't Want to Die List: Death by Halitosis" "Bring on the Next Demon! Wait, Maybe Not..."

Parents are not perfect. Aru lives with a mother who is away from home. A. Lot. Her father, who has been absent from her life ,makes a startling entrance. He is the Sleeper. The bad guy. How could this man be her father? How could her mother have fallen in love with him? Why has her mother kept her parentage a secret?

This is a heroic tale. Aru learns that she is the spirit daughter of Indra, king of the heavens, god of thunder and lightning. Together with her newly discovered spirit-related sister Mini, she must defeat the Sleeper. If she fails to succeed, the Sleeper will reach the Lord of Destruction and time will end. The two sisters take upon themselves the monumental tasks of locating celestial weapons and thwarting the Sleeper's plans. Yes, there is plenty of action, adventure, and magic. But it’s basically a story of a girl who understands that she makes mistakes and that she is not perfect. Nonetheless, deep inside her are the qualities of a hero. Make that heroine.

To all those Rick Riodan fans who know every single character in the Percy Jackson series and can answer a bazillion Olympians trivia questions, meet a new heroine. Her name is Aru Shah and she has more exciting adventures in the heavens and earth than you could possibly dream. (Paraphrasing Shakespeare) Bonus: Aru has another book coming soon. Look for Aru Shah and the Song of Death.

”You will never be hero. You were never meant to be a hero.”
“I already am. And it's not hero...It's heroine.”

Review based on uncorrected text copy.

Pub date: March 27, 2018 Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents ISBN: 978-1368012355

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Creatures Great & Small

3/23/2018

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The Creature of the Pines by Adam Gidwitz ill Hatem Aly

Created by Jesse Casey, Adam Gidwitz, and Chris Smith

Can we start with the ring?
This ring is the finger adornment that dreams are made of.
Defende Fabulos Defend the Imaginary
Potege Mythica Protect the Mythical
Just think of it. It is noble. It speaks of grandeur. This is one amazingly cool ring.
I understand that it may only be worn by members of the Unicorn Rescue Society.
Professor Fauna, sign me up now. Please.

It's Elliot Eisner's first day at a new school and already he's feeling more than a little uneasy. The day is starting with a field trip. Boarding a bus with students he doesn't know, supervised by a teacher he has never met, and heading into the Pine Barrens of New Jersey does not appear to be a promising start. Elliot and his new-found friend Uchenna Devereaux soon learn that this field trip will not be like any other school excursion they have experienced.
A very strange-looking man, with hair that "stood up from his scalp like he was in the habit of kissing electric eels" introduces himself to the busload of students as Professor Fauna and promises them a dangerous expedition. "Indeed. Danger is the greatest teacher."

Then it happens. Elliot and Uchenna encounter a small furry blue creature, shaped like deer, with claws on its two front feet and red bat-like wings. It is a Jersey Devil, resident of the Pine Barrens. Not only do they see this mythical creature, they carefully hide it in Uchenna's backpack.

It will take quick thinking, skillful maneuvering, and an enormous quantity of courage to protect the Jersey Devil from danger. One constant threat to any mythical creature is the nefarious Schmoke Brothers, of Schmoke Industries. Their motto is "Making the World the Way We Want It to Be." They will stop at nothing to track down and capture mythical beasts.

Gidwitz's storytelling skills shine throughout the tale. He immediately takes readers into his confidence, sharing Elliot's thoughts as he boards the bus "They think I'm a weirdo." He mocks the eccentricities of adults. Miss Vole spoke to the students “like they were in kindergarten… if her voice got any higher, only dogs would be able to hear her. “ He keeps the action moving along, with plenty of hints suggesting possible peril. Short snappy sections are delicious little morsels, enticing readers on to the next page, paragraph, chapter.

Hatem Aly's black and white line drawings match character descriptions. Yes, Miss Vole does indeed resemble a vole. The imposing figure of Professor Fauna completely towers over the children with eyes that look "like death." Elliot and Uchenna have over-sized heads, giving them a slightly cartoonish quality. It's like watching TV, only better.

My advice for libraries: begin clearing a shelf for this series. I worked with a group of youngsters last summer who could not get enough stories about Big Foot and the Loch Ness Monster. Mythical creatures fascinated them. The Creature of the Pines is the first in a series that has the potential to be a sure-fire hit.

One final note about the end papers. The decision to show the "Official World Map" with edited improvements by Elliot and Uchenna is clever. Let's hope that this map will evolve as the series progresses.

Stay Connected to the Society

The Unicorn Rescue Society Book Tour with Adam Gidwitz

April 7 Book Launch 4-6 pm @ Brooklyn Pubic Library, Central Library, Dweck Center
April 19 California 4 PM @ Copperfield's Books, Petaluma
April 21 Cavalcade of Authors Washington State University, Tricities
May 21 Chicago 4:30 PM @ The Book Stall, Winnetka
June 28 Follett's Reading Con, Northern Illinois University Conference Center,Naperville
July 13 BYU Books for Young Readers @Provo City Library at Academy Square, Provo

Meet Mr.Gidwitz

Join the Unicorn Rescue Society

Get Ready for a New Adventure

Review, images, and text based on uncorrected copy.

Pub date: April 10, 2018 Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers ISBN: 978-0735231702

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Monstrous Tale

2/26/2018

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The Boggart Fights Back by Susan Cooper

"Most of the time we choose what we believe in, but sometimes it just comes to you and it says, 'Here I am.'"

Susan Cooper has worked her magic again. Yes, the Boggart is back and this time he's bringing reinforcements, including Cousin Nessie of the Loch Ness. Boggarts are "Very ancient creatures, of the Wild Magic...They are shape-shifters, they can become anything they chose." The two, along with siblings Allie and Jay, find themselves at odds with William Trout, a real estate developer who plans to turn Castle Keep, the family's ancestral home, into a resort complex. He has already purchased much of the property. Bulldozers have commenced tearing down existing forests surrounding the castle.
To thwart his plan, the kids and monsters begin scheming. When ordinary pranks such as dumping a bulldozer into the Loch fail to stop Trout, it is time to call upon Scotland's mythological creatures to save Castle Keep. Note: The premise of a real estate magnate, declaring that the project will "be a huge success, huge...bringing hundreds of jobs...I'm a very smart businessman..." may sound familiar to today's readers.

With help from Scottish creatures and support from the local citizenry, the children manage to thwart Trout's enterprise. His dignity is temporarily destroyed and he slinks off, taking the secret of his humiliation with him. Cooper's tale, while poking gentle fun at the developer, never stoops into the realm of nasty or vicious. Brimming with snippets of Gaelic phrases, ballads, and mythological monsters, The Boggart Fights Back is a magical tale that will charm young readers.

Mythological Creatures

Cooper weaves some of the most terrifying monsters from Scottish mythology into her story. Meet them here. Warning: best to cover the eyes of those who are prone to nightmares. This is the stuff that after-dark fears are made of.

Caointeach

A highland banshee. In this tale she is a small old woman in a green gown, found at the base of a waterfall.

Each Uisge

A shape-shifting water horse who kills and then devours humans.

Blue Men of the Minch

Denizens of the Western Isles, possessing blue hair and long blue beards. They prey on passing ships and are responsible for fierce storms.

Hold on. I have saved the most horrifying, most terrifying monster for last: The Nuckelavee. With the body of horse and a head with one glowing red eye, a man's torso arises from the back with a head that lolls "to and fro." Most frightening is that this monster has no skin. Flesh covers the monstrous body and black blood runs through its veins. If you're reading this at bedtime, be sure to leave the light on.

Review and quotations from an uncorrected text.

Pub date: February 27, 2018 Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books ISBN: 978-1534406292

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Jumbified!

9/18/2017

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Rise of the Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste

Everyone has the power to be the thing they most want.

Rise of the Jumbies continues the spellbinding adventures of Corinne La Mer. Baptiste draws on rich Caribbean mythology to create this island inhabitant, daughter of a human father and a jumbie mother. Jumbie? What is a Jumbie? Jumbies, along with witches and douens are figures in Caribbean folklore. Lurking within the forest, often these spirits can be terrifying. The Jumbies is a book that will send shivers down the backs of youngsters.
I don't want to give away what happens to Corinne in the first volume, but strongly encourage you to give it a read. This gives context to the extraordinary circumstances that await Corinne and her friends in the companion story.

Attentive readers will quickly deduce a few clues about what is in store for our intrepid heroine. First there is Corinne's last name: La Mer. Big hint there. "I feel the pull of the sea, not just because I love it, but because this is where your grand-père taught me everything I know."
Then there is the stunning cover which features an imposing mermaid with a massive tail that encircles Corinne within its scaly corkscrew. It's Mama D'Leau, a powerful jumbie who "rules the water." Corinne, daughter of a jumbie, is uniquely qualified to meet with Mama D'Leau and bargain for assistance in locating island children who have mysteriously disappeared.
Rescuing her playmates will not be an easy task.
Our brave young adventurer is heading into deep waters. Deep. Deep. Waters.
She's in an ocean full of mysterious mythological creatures including a giant squid-like monster, a water goddess, mermaids, and of course, a jumbie.
Her exploits have their share of frightful moments. One incident that made my blood run cold was the scene featuring snakes. Yes. There are snakes. Writhing snakes. Snakes. Snakes everywhere.

During her underwater travels Corinne encounters a vessel on the ocean floor. She makes a horrifying discovery when she uncovers what she assumes to be a rock. Instead Corinne has discovered chains that once enslaved the mermaids, her underwater companions. Their bodies still bear the marks left by these cruel iron bands. Recent reading of Shackles from the Deep brought these scenes to my mind with a fierce intensity. The reality of enslaved people trapped within a sinking ship is indelibly seared into my consciousness.

"They took us." "The captured us from our homes." "The chained us."

Baptiste's book is also a testament to the power of friendship and affirms the enduring bonds which connect family members. "All families are connected, Corinne. It's true. We don't get to choose who we share blood with. But we do get to choose how we are with each other."

Read this book for the flavorful Caribbean setting. Read it for the fantastic mythology. Read it to meet one very brave girl. Read it if you like the thrill of a good scare. Read it to discover more about a shameful past hidden in the depths of the sea. That's a tall order for one middle grade book, but Baptiste delivers on all counts.

Companion Books

The book that started it all. Read The Jumbies to learn more about Corinne, her life, her heritage, and her tremendous courage.

Shackles from the Deep: Tracing the Path of a Sunken Ship, a Bitter Past, and a Rich Legacy is Cottman's journey to learn the truth about shackles buried on the Carribean Ocean floor.

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"I tell you there is a monster"

4/15/2017

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The Loch Ness Monster by Erin Peabody ill by Victor Rivas

"I tell you there is a monster...like all that is darkening and heavy and obstructive in life." H. G. Wells

Big Foot. Zombies. Werewolves. Loch Ness Monster.
Fascinating subjects for young readers. Kids can't seem to get enough of this stuff. Libraries constantly search for titles about these popular topics to include in the children's collection.
That's the brilliance behind this new nonfiction series from Little Bee Books. With 128 pages, kid-friendly trim size, plenty of images, and large accessible font; this series offers an appealing introduction to nonfiction. These subjects are particularly enticing for those who think that they don't like nonfiction.

"When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth."
Sherlock Holmes, fictional character created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

In July 1933 George Spicer and his wife were traveling on a road adjacent to the Loch (Lake) Ness in Scotland. Mrs. Spicer suddenly exclaimed, "What on earth is that?!" She and her husband watched in astonishment as an "extraordinary form of an animal" lumbered in front of their vehicle. He recounted his sighting to the local newspaper, which set off a fervor that built to a fever pitch as locals and curiosity seekers descended on the Loch. Many were convinced that they had seen the beast. In the intervening years, various expeditions have been organized: everything from an investigation by United Kingdom's Daily Mail, underwater photography, to intensive sonar technology.
The author parses the legends of monsters, reports of sightings, and latest scientific research on the subject.

Peabody's narrative relies on a combination of history, mythology, and science. She does not shy away from using precise terminology such as cryptids, vindication, retaliation, corollary, and pheromones. Some youngsters may be able to deduce the general meaning of these terms from context. Other readers may need additional support with unfamiliar vocabulary.
Quotations at the beginning of each chapter (a few sample quotes included here) are well chosen. Victor Rivas' black and white line drawings effortlessly span the range of styles needed, moving from realistic to fantastical.

"The great tragedy of Science - the slaying of a beautiful hypothesis by an ugly fact." Thomas Henry Huxley

FINAL NOTE:

I'm still keeping one eye open for the "buarach-bhaio" AKA the wizard shackle. This is a nine-eyed eel reported to be found lurking in shallow water, twisting around the victim's ankles, dragging its prey underwater. Following capture of an unsuspecting human, the monster sucks out the victim's blood. Then the ingested blood spurts from the eel's nine eye sockets. Use that little factoid in a booktalk and The Loch Ness Monster will have a request list as long as Nessie's tail!

Companion Books

Looking for more spine-tingling folktales and legends? Try these books for young readers.

Big Foot (Behind the Legend)

Fearsome Creatures of the Lumberwoods

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

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Of Apple Tarts & Hope

3/24/2016

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Warning
It is impossible to read this book and not find yourself craving an apple tart.

I succumbed. Soon after I commenced reading, I found numerous references to apple tarts. Subsequently I scurried to the local market for a pound of sweet butter and a generous handful of crisp apples. I followed the recipe from Ina Garten aka The Barefoot Contessa for French Apple Tart. Slowly my kitchen filled with the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked pastry. Here is the finished product. The verdict: It tasted divine.

NOW
After savoring this delicate dessert I was ready to return to the magic of The Apple Tart of Hope by Sarah Moore Fitzgerald.

"A particular smell surrounded me, the one you get when butter and sugar and spices have been mingled into a single thing and cooked in the oven. And as the pastry melted in our mouths, other things seemed to melt too, like misgivings and doubts and the things that had made us grumpy and withdrawn."

"We're all capable of really beautiful things but really nasty things as well - that's what makes us interesting."
Markus Zusak as quoted by Alison Morris

I found this quote from an interview with author Markus Zusak, which brilliantly sums up the Fitzgerald's poignant story of guilt, loss, bullying, friendship, and the powerful impact of simple acts which can range from vicious cruelty to gentle kindness.
The story is set in contemporary Ireland and told in alternating voices of fourteen year old Oscar and Meg, his neighbor, schoolmate, and friend. This is a fascinating study of human beings, some who resort to acts of genuine beauty as well as individuals who are truly nasty. I agree with Zusak. The contrast between the two makes interesting reading.

Surviving Despair

""And so, everyone came to accept the unacceptable. Oscar wasn't coming back."
"Once a letter's been read, you can't unread it."
"I acted as if I wasn't destroyed or defeated. I pretended that I didn't care."
"Pictures of your mum are not the same as your mum."
"Peace built on lies is no peace at all."

Discovering Hope

I could hear something nobody else could hear, and I saw something nobody else could see."
"Panic might feel like a bad thing, but in actual fact, it contains thousands of little splinters of hope."
"Hope is never destructive. Hope is the thing that keeps you going."
"Nothing is as you think it is. Lots of things are not what they appear to be. Sometimes things look a certain way, but perhaps they are not."
"Dad says kindness is magic. It looks gentle and mild on the outside, he says, but it has hidden powers."

"It's the apple tart of hope. After you've taken a bite, the whole world will look almost completely different. Things will start to change and by the time you've had a whole slice you'll realize that everything is going to be okay."

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Percy Jackson's Greek Heroes by Rick Riordan illustrated by John Rocco

6/7/2015

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Beginning with the title page, readers are in for an epic adventure. The ship, headed into stormy seas, portends of what awaits our heroes.
Maps are helpful in understanding both the "what" and the "where of each tale.

This stunning new collection of stories of Greek Heroes is the perfect starting point for planning a Greek mythology unit. Rick Riordan returns with just the right touch of clever, engaging writing to keep readers fascinated with these timeless sagas. John Rocco's art gives a mythic larger-than-life perspective to these heroic tales. It's a can't miss combination.

Back matter includes an index, list of illustrations, books and websites for background information. Below are two small samples from "Hercules Does Twelve Stupid Things" and "Phaethon Fails Driver's Ed" chapters. EPIC reading!

From the chapter "Hercules Does Twelve Stupid Things" Hercules and his nephew Iolaus go in search of the Hydra.
"Nine serpentine heads undulated hypnotically on long necks, occasionally striking at the water to snap up fish, frogs, and small crocodiles."
"Stay here," Hercules told his nephew, as Iolaus tried to keep the horses from bolting. "By the way, can I borrow your sword? Mine broke."
Hercules grabbed the boy's blade and leaped out of the chariot.
"Hey spaghetti head!" he yelled at Hydra. "Over here!"
The Hydra's nine heads hissed in unison. The monster didn't appreciate being compared to pasta.

Anyone who has been near a student driver will appreciate the chapter titled "Phaeton Fails Driver's Ed".
"I'll be fine, Dad! Jeez! I'll bring your chariot back, not a scratch."
"No loud music. And keep your hands on the reins. And if you have to parallel park_"
"See you Dad! Thanks!" Phaethon flicked the reins. "Giddyap!"
The horses lurched forward, pulling Phaethon and the chariot into the sky as Helios yelled after him, "The insurance card is in the glove compartment!"
The ride was even more awesome than Phaethon had imaged.
He whooped and hollered and did his happy dance as the chariot shot upward at a billion miles an hour.
"YEAH, BABY!" he shouted. "Who's the sun? I'm the sun!"

Resting proudly on a personal bookshelf:
Three dynamic duos

Jane Yolen and Heidi Stemple
Rick Riordan and John Rocco
Joe Kelly and J. M. Ken Niimura

These three books are always noticed by those who visit my personal library.

This book has inspired me to put together a "dream team" selection of Greek mythology books. This display of resources is going to be colossal.