The Princess and the Warrior: A Tale of Two Volcanoes

by Duncan Tonatiuh

Overview

In the picture book Princess and the Warrior: A Tale of Two Volcanoes, award-winning author and illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh brings a cherished Mexican legend to life.

A Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor Book * ALA/ALSC Notable Children’s Book!

“A palette of earthy, evocative colors . . . A genuine triumph.” ―Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)

“Use this Aztec legend to inspire readers while teaching a bit about dramatic irony.” —School Library Journal

Izta was the most beautiful princess in the land, and suitors traveled from far and wide to woo her. Even though she was the daughter of the emperor, Izta had no desire to marry a man of wealth and power. Instead, she fell in love with Popoca, a brave warrior who fought in her father’s army—and a man who did not offer her riches but a promise to stay by her side forever.

The emperor did not want his daughter to marry a mere warrior, but he recognized Popoca’s bravery. He offered Popoca a deal: If the warrior could defeat their enemy, Jaguar Claw, then the emperor would permit Popoca and Izta to wed. But Jaguar Claw had a plan to thwart the warrior. Would all be lost?

Today two majestic volcanoes—Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl—stand overlooking Mexico City. They have been admired and revered for countless generations and have formed the basis of many origin and creation myths.

The integration of Nahuatl words (defined with a pronunciation guide in the glossary) into the narrative provides a rich opportunity to introduce and explore another facet of ancient Aztec culture. Take your child on an adventure back in time to a land of color and beauty.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781419721304
Publisher:	Abrams Books for Young Readers
Publication date:	09/20/2016
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	436,619
Product dimensions:	9.10(w) x 11.20(h) x 0.40(d)
Lexile:	770L (what's this?)
Age Range:	6 - 9 Years

About the Author

Duncan Tonatiuh (toh-nah-tee-YOU) is an award-winning author-illustrator. He is both Mexican and American. He grew up in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and graduated from Parsons School of Design and Eugene Lang College in New York City. His artwork is inspired by pre-Columbian art. His aim is to create images and stories that honor the past but are relevant to today’s people, especially children. His books include A Land of Books, Feathered Serpent and the Five Suns, and Separate Is Never Equal. He currently lives in San Miguel with his family but travels in the United States often.

Editorial Reviews

★ 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.)

Publishers Weekly

"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

**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**
"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

From the Publisher

**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

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.

School Library Journal

★ 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)

Kirkus Reviews