A young boy's face transforms into that of a snake after entering a forbidden cave, leading him to wear a mask for twenty years. Inspired by an ancient belief from Oaxaca, Mexico, this illustrated children's tale follows his journey from dancing at village festivities to becoming a human-faced serpent and then lightning.
In "El Sol y la Luna," Matthew Gollub and Leovigildo Martinez weave a vibrant tale rooted in Oaxaca's rich folklore. The story explores the whimsical idea that when the Moon lingers after dawn, it's off to a party. It's a joyful celebration filled with music, tamales, and paper lanterns, capturing the essence of Oaxacan culture.
The enduring legacy of Issa's poetry has shaped the introduction of literature to school children in Japan for centuries. His unique style and themes resonate deeply, making his work a vital part of Japanese education and cultural identity, fostering an appreciation for poetry among young readers.
Children confront their fears of scary dreams in a playful, rhyming narrative that offers reassurance and comfort. The story not only addresses emotional challenges but also introduces young readers to the vibrant world of Japanese taiko drumming. Additionally, it teaches them the Japanese words and characters for numbers one to ten, blending cultural education with engaging storytelling.
This Indie Next #1 Recommended book, and Benjamin Franklin Book Award winner, celebrates language and the inventive spirit of “ZA-baza, BOO-zaba, ZEE-za RO-ni!” The book includes 3 listening a QR code, audio CD, and FREE AUDIO DOWNLOAD featuring Gollub's MUST HEAR narration set to a jazz quartet. To listen as you read along (highly recommended), use the QR code, FREE audio download or traditional CD. All 3 listening options come with the book! The fly, who speaks jazz, asks which way to town. "Rrribit," replies the frog. "Oink," says the hog. Although baffled, the fly hears music in their words, and that evening he uses the animal sounds to set the insect dinner club a hoppin.' The computer enhanced artwork of Karen Hanke perfectly complements the text and audio. Get ready to tap, snap, and swing to the beat as Nancy the Gnat, Willie the Worm, and Sammy the Centipede take the stage. Here's a combination of storytelling, visual art, and music for children to savor time and again. The story has been performed by professionals and by children on three continents! Other honors Writer's Digest National Self-Published Book Award Winner * Smithsonian's Notable Books for Children * San Francisco Chronicle Editors' Picks.