El Huevo Azul

Gr 4-6- Unlike the short vignettes most folklore collections offer, this book focuses steadily on one prolonged story of a power struggle between an old, corrupt king and the young pretender to the throne of the kingdom of Uxmal. Tutul, the old king, dreams of a large blue egg. A wise woman interprets the dream as being a prediction of the end of his reign. Yaxahkin, a young man beloved by the Mayan gods, must pass the many tests imposed on him by Tutul before taking the throne. As the gods provide assistance to Yaxahkin in his quest, readers are introduced to Chac, god of rain and water; Pauahtun, god of wind and air; Kinich-Ahau, god of fire, sun, and light; Itzam-Cab-Ain, earth goddess; and Kukulk n, the feathered serpent, god of wisdom and goodness. The story moves along quickly with plenty of adventure and interesting characters. Very attractive and colorful illustrations abound and match the fanciful tone of the text. Highly recommended for all bookstores and school libraries, and public libraries with folklore collections. M.O.B.