Los veinticinco gatos mixtecos

by Matthew Gollub, Leovigildo Martinez (Illustrator), Martïn Luis Guzmïn Ferrer

Overview

Set in an indigenous Mixtec village in the artist’s own Oaxaca, Mexico, the story involves an evil healer, a good healer and his extraordinary feline pets. Though some people fear the cats will eat everything in sight—and maybe even set fire to fields—the animals soon prove their worth and win their way into the villagers’ hearts. [Partial description in Spanish: Un curandero regresa del mercado provisto de una camada de gatitos. Pronto los animales se ganan el corazón de todos.]

100 Children’s Titles for Reading and Sharing—New York Public Library
Artwork honored by the Society of Illustrators in New York
Paintings and text displayed in Art Institute of Chicago and over 40 museums nationwide
Film Advisory Board Award for Excellence

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781889910000
Publisher:	Tortuga Press
Publication date:	01/01/1997
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	11.00(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.40(d)
Language:	Spanish
Age Range:	7 - 9 Years

About the Author

Matthew Gollub is a nationally known children’s author, speaker and performer. He has created 18 picture books which together have garnered 25 national awards and distinctions. His musical narrations on audio CDs accompany some of his most popular books including The Jazz Fly and Jazz Fly 2: The Jungle Pachanga. A dynamic drummer and bilingual presenter, he has also performed at over 1,000 elementary schools nationwide, inspiring students and families to read for fun. He lives with his family in Santa Rosa, CA.

Editorial Reviews

"An excellent addition to any library!" —ALA Booklist



"Witty and complex illustrations."  —New York Times Book Review



"100 Children’s Titles for Reading and Sharing" —New York Public Library

From the Publisher

Gr 3-4--A medicine man (un curandero) lives in a mountain pueblo and cares for the sick in exchange for whatever the townspeople can afford to give. One day, he receives 25 Mixtec kittens. The townspeople become suspicious of the cats and ask an evil healer to get rid of them. When she fails, she is accused of being a fake--an accusation that prompts her to cast a spell on the sharp-tongued butcher. The woman falls ill, and it is only the gentle curandero and his companions who can save her. When the man becomes ill, it is the quick-thinking of his feline friends that saves the day and secures their place in the hearts of the community. This story reads well, whether alone or to a group. The narrative flows smoothly and contains many of the elements children love: a hero (and heroes), a villain, suspense, a rescue, and--naturally--a happy ending. Detailed cultural representation is evident in the artist's renderings of town life and dress. Martinez combines solid colors with lively line patterns that seem to set the villagers in motion. The sun-drenched colors effectively convey the feeling of a dry and dusty climate. A prime example of fine picture-book storytelling.--Donna J. Murray, Queens Borough Public Library, NY

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