Montezuma’s Tantrum

The Aztec emperor Montezuma, this work’s protagonist, opens the story in a bad mood, refusing to undertake his duties and roaring, “I don’t want to see anyone because I don’t feel well!” Everyone at the palace reacts with worry, taking him all manner of elaborate gifts and making sacrifices to no avail. As the figure continues to rage, someone has an idea: a band of monkeys gathers cacao beans, and Montezuma is presented with—and soothed by—a steaming cup of xocolátl. Imagining the court of Montezuma in folktale cadences while introducing key facets of Aztec life, Gómez Benet creates an emperor who will surely resonate with young readers learning to work through big emotions. Digital illustrations with hand-drawn textures by Solís Montes de Oca vibrantly illustrate the events in a color palette of bright teals and reds. Characters are portrayed with various skin tones. A Náhuatl glossary concludes. Ages 4–9. (Oct.)