The Magic Bean Tree: A Legend from Argentina

by Nancy Van Laan, Beatriz Vidal (Illustrator)

Overview

In the middle of the wide Argentine pampas there once grew a magic tree. Above this tree slept a bird so evil it could stop the rain from falling. And not far from this tree lived a brave boy who one day set out to save his village and all the creatures from dying of thirst. Illustrated with charming folk-art-like paintings and retold with simplicity and drama, this legend of a child's courage and faith explains why Argentineans believe that good luck can be found in the shade of a carob tree.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780547561837
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	03/30/1998
Sold by:	HARPERCOLLINS
Format:	eBook
Pages:	32
Lexile:	AD550L (what's this?)
File size:	45 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	4 - 7 Years

About the Author

Beatriz Vidal has illustrated several children's books. She is a native of Argentina who now divides her time between New York, Paris, and Cordoba, Argentina.

Editorial Reviews

K-Gr 5This pourquoi tale from the Quechua people of Argentina tells of the first tree in the world, a carob. When drought comes to the pampas, a young boy named Topec goes in search of rain. The carob tree tells him that he must send away the Great Bird of the Underworld that roosts in its highest branches. Topec brings his people to make noise; the animals join in the racket, and the bird flies away allowing the gods to hear the people's prayers and send rain. As a reward, the carob sheds beans, which provide food for everyone; soon carob trees spread throughout Argentina. The theme of a small or weak animal or child who saves the people is eternally satisfying, and children can easily identify with the hero, although Topec's task is less arduous than some. Vidal's stylized paintings are dramatic and colorful, especially in the portrayal of the supernatural bird. One problematic element of this well-told tale is that although the carob (Ceratonia siliqua) is indeed so useful as to seem magical, it is not indigenous to the New World, and thus could not have been known to the Quechuas before the arrival of the Spanish. Also, the tree pictured often looks like a tamarind, also an Old World native.Pam Gosner, formerly at Maplewood Memorial Library, NJ

School Library Journal

In Argentina it is the custom to plant carob trees near houses for luck, and the story o fthe brave boy named Topec, who figured out how to scare away the Great Bird of the Underworld who was roosting in the branches, explains why. The Argentine artist's illustrations have a whimsical charm.

NY Times Book Review

"Vidal's shimmering, folk art-style paintings are well matched to the elegant simplicity and drama of Van Laan's retelling." Booklist, ALA

"Vidal's stylized paintings are dramatic and colorful, especially in the portrayal of the supernatural bird." School Library Journal

From the Publisher