Juan the Bear and the Water of Life: La Acequia de Juan del Oso (Paso Por Aqui Series on the Nuevomexicano Literary Heritage) (English and Spanish Edition)
Grade 3–5—According to New Mexican folklore, the region'sacequias, or irrigation canals, were created by Juan del Oso, the product of an unusual union between a woman and a curious, gentle bear. Their son's supernatural strength let him move mountains and redirect rivers so the Southwestern deserts could blossom. The English and Spanish versions of this engaging tall tale sit side by side. Córdova's bold colors and brushstrokes evoke the rustic folk-art styles of the Southwest. Insets on some pages of text highlight an image from the narrative and the illustrations opposite, giving readers visual cues about important ideas in the story. This book may resonate most strongly among Latino families with roots in Mexico and the American Southwest. However, children of all ethnic backgrounds will enjoy this story about animals with human characteristics. A prologue explains the region's unique history and legends. The glossary is especially noteworthy because it identifies certain expressions in the text as Southwestern regionalisms. A good choice for public libraries that serve bicultural families, and for school libraries where folklore is part of the curriculum.—Mary Landrum, Lexington Public Library, KYCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.