Whiskers, Tails and Wings: Animal Folktales from Mexico

Goldman’s selection of Mexican folktales from five indigenous groups includes trickster tales, origin stories, and brief narratives about the triumphs of unconventional heroes. In a story from the Triqui people, the God of Creation creates the irritating flea in order to prevent Man and Woman from lying about lazily; a story from the Huichol tribe tells how the opossum lost its tail hair. After each story, Goldman explores its culture of origin in detail, while glossaries identify local words and expressions. VandenBroeck opens each tale with a handsome acrylic-and-watercolor paintings, though the stories themselves unfold in large blocks of uninterrupted text, set against textured paper; spot illustrations give visual detail about the different native groups, particularly their attire. An intriguing introduction to Mexico’s rich mythologies. Ages 8–11. (Aug.)