2003
First Published
3.47
Average Rating
86
Number of Pages
This unique collection of fifteen folktales draws on the rich storytelling tradition of Mexico’s people and culture. Classic themes and fairytale elements are blended with magic and transformation and infused with Roman Catholic imagery to create a distinctly Mexican flavor and flare. The Virgin Mary plays the role of fairy godmother, devils gamble for souls, and witches make themselves known by dancing at fiestas with horse hooves instead of feet. And as in other folk traditions, cats, dogs, fools, soldiers, and princesses go on quests and have magical adventures. Lively retellings and vibrant, whimsical paintings, based on Mexican folk art, make these spirited tales just right for storytimes and a perfect introduction to this little-known body of folk literature. Introduction, notes on the stories, bibliography.
Avg Rating
3.47
Number of Ratings
45
5 STARS
20%
4 STARS
27%
3 STARS
36%
2 STARS
16%
1 STARS
2%
goodreads
Author
Neil Philip
Author · 34 books
Neil Philip is a writer, folklorist and poet. He is married to the artist Emma Bradford, and lives in the Cotswolds, England. Neil loves words, poetry, and the art of storytelling in all its forms. Among his many books are A Fine Anger, Victorian Village Life, The Cinderella Story, The Penguin Book of English Folktales, Mythology (with Philip Wilkinson), The Great Mystery, War and the Pity of War, The New Oxford Book of Childrens Verse, The Tale of Sir Gawain, Horse Hooves & Chicken Feet, and The Adventures of Odysseus. Neil has contributed to numerous journals, including The Times, and Signal: Approaches to Childrens Books, and has also written for stage, screen, and radio. His work has won numerous awards and honours, including the Aesop Award of the American Folklore Society and the Literary Criticism Book Award of the Childrens Literature Association. Outside of the storied world, Neil is passionate about cats, art, music, France, food & wine, and friendship.
