The Princess and the Warrior: A Tale of Two Volcanoes

by Duncan Tonatiuh Narrated by Timothy Andrés Pabon

Overview

Award-winning author Duncan Tonatiuh reimagines one of Mexico's cherished legends. Princess Izta had many wealthy suitors but dismissed them all. When a mere warrior, Popoca, promised to be true to her and stay always by her side, Izta fell in love. The emperor promised Popoca if he could defeat their enemy Jaguar Claw, then Popoca and Izta could wed. When Popoca was near to defeating Jaguar Claw, his opponent sent a messenger to Izta saying Popoca was dead. Izta fell into a deep sleep and, upon his return, even Popoca could not wake her. As promised Popoca stayed by her side. So two volcanoes were formed: Iztaccihuatl, who continues to sleep, and Popocatepetl, who spews ash and smoke, trying to wake his love.

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly

★ 08/15/2016
Tonatiuh (Funny Bones) retells a Mesoamerican legend about a pair of volcanoes that can be seen from Mexico City. Iztaccíhuatl looks like a sleeping woman, while Popocatépetl is said to be the form of a warrior who guards her. In Tonatiuh’s story, Popoca is a suitor who sees past the princess Izta’s mesmerizing beauty: “If you marry me, I promise that I will love you for who you are,” he vows. “I will stay by your side no matter what.” Izta’s father promises her to Popoca if the warrior can defeat Jaguar Claw, the kingdom’s sworn enemy. But a messenger from Jaguar Claw lies to Izta, telling her that Popoca has been defeated and offering her a potion to console her. She never wakes up. Popoca keeps his promise never to leave her, and the two are shown frozen under a mantle of snow. Tonatiuh’s squat, stylized characters are modeled on those in ancient Mixtec codices, and their jewelry, weapons, and architecture all bear inspection and discussion. Sensitive readers may be dismayed by the grim ending, but it’s a skillfully crafted recounting of a somber tale of love and devotion. Ages 6–9. (Oct.)

Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"There is a solemn tone to the simple storytelling, which simultaneously evokes the antiquity of the tale and makes it accessible to younger independent readers."

Booklist

**STARRED REVIEW**
"The appealing story, the powerful illustrations, and the celebration of the Aztec culture make this a sure thing for those looking for a story, while an extensive author’s note goes a step beyond, adding to the impact of the tale with a great deal of historical and cultural information."

The Horn Book

**STARRED REVIEW**
"Tonatiuh’s storytelling grows more assured with each title; this may be his best yet."

From the Publisher

**STARRED REVIEW**
"Using his trademark digital collage style, the author crafts brutally stunning scenes full of sharp angles using a palette of earthy, evocative colors. The text pops with incisive purpose, making every action feel monumental... Equal parts melancholic and transcendent—a genuine triumph."—Kirkus

**STARRED REVIEW**
"The appealing story, the powerful illustrations, and the celebration of the Aztec culture make this a sure thing for those looking for a story, while an extensive author’s note goes a step beyond, adding to the impact of the tale with a great deal of historical and cultural information."—Booklist

**STARRED REVIEW**
"Tonatiuh’s storytelling grows more assured with each title; this may be his best yet."—The Horn Book

**STARRED REVIEW**
"A skillfully crafted recounting of a somber tale of love and devotion."—Publishers Weekly

**STARRED REVIEW**
"Award-winning author/illustrator Tonatiuh successfully retells this ancient tale using his distinctive and artistic illustrations with spare but effective text... Use this Aztec legend to inspire readers while teaching a bit about dramatic irony; a first purchase for all folklore collections."—School Library Journal

"There is a solemn tone to the simple storytelling, which simultaneously evokes the antiquity of the tale and makes it accessible to younger independent readers." —Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Booklist

**STARRED REVIEW**
"The appealing story, the powerful illustrations, and the celebration of the Aztec culture make this a sure thing for those looking for a story, while an extensive author’s note goes a step beyond, adding to the impact of the tale with a great deal of historical and cultural information."

School Library Journal

12/01/2016
PreS-Gr 2—Courted by many gift-bearing suitors, the beautiful poet princess Izta chooses the poor but honest warrior Popoca. His only gift to her is the promise to love her forever. Izta's father agrees to the match under one condition, that Popoca challenge a rival ruler. Battles, bravery, and betrayal follow in this intimate Aztec origin tale of two volcanoes in present-day Mexico. The bold colors and dynamic fight scenes, inspired by motifs from the Mixtec codices, complement this accessible epic story of loyalty.

Kirkus Reviews

★ 2016-07-02
A Mexican legend explains the origins of two volcanoes.Many suitors come from far and wide to gain the hand of the kind and beautiful Princess Izta, daughter of the emperor. Though these men present her precious gifts in exchange for marriage, Izta refuses them all. Instead, she falls for Popoca, a courageous warrior. He can offer her nothing except love and devotion, and that’s enough for Izta. Fate, however, conspires against the young lovers. By the emperor's command, Popoca is soon off to war against the dreaded Jaguar Claw. If victorious, Popoca can marry Izta. Little do both know that Jaguar Claw schemes to upset their union. The legend here turns tragic, and it’s a testament to Tonatiuh’s ability as a storyteller and artist that it never once overwhelms. Using his trademark digital collage style, the author crafts brutally stunning scenes full of sharp angles using a palette of earthy, evocative colors. The text pops with incisive purpose, making every action feel monumental. Yet it’s Tonatiuh’s attention to detail that makes this retelling so splendid. Characters radiate pure emotion with each gesture and body movement; unusual perspectives serve to emphasize these emotions further. As Izta and Popoca’s love is tested, despair gives way to unshakeable faith. Equal parts melancholic and transcendent—a genuine triumph. (author’s note, glossary, bibliography) (Picture book/folklore. 6-9)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940175792516
Publisher:	Dreamscape Media
Publication date:	10/18/2016
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	Up to 4 Years

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