The Hero Twins: A Navajo-English Story of the Monster Slayers

Kristofic, author of the memoir Navajos Wear Nikes, and newcomer James recount a portion of the Navajo creation story, following the birth of the Hero Twins, their growth and training, and their efforts to locate their father (the Sun) for help in defeating the naayéé (monsters) that threaten their people. James’s vivid pencils combine elements of geometric Navajo symbolism and iconography with a superheroic comic-book sensibility brought to both the brothers and the terrifying creatures they battle (an artist’s note sheds light on James’s vibrant use of color). While this is both a challenging and a streamlined recounting, the briefly described episodes of the brothers’ exciting encounters with rocks, reeds, and dunes that threaten to crush, slice, and boil them, among many other perils, may prompt readers to seek out more information about the brothers’ exploits. Ages 9–13. (Feb.)