Kusikiy: A Child from Taquile, Peru

A Peruvian island in Lake Titicaca is the setting for this original myth about a boy who embarks on a crucial mission. When drought threatens the potato and quinoa crops of Taquile, Kusikiy flies on the back of a condor to make an offering to Apu, the Guardian Spirit of the Great Glacier. He asks the spirit to help bring about the return of the Llama Constellation, which heralds rain. After Kusikiy follows Apu%E2%80%99s instructions to float a piece of ice on the lake to summon the stars, %E2%80%9CClouds begin to smile and raindrops jump in the lake,%E2%80%9D and the islanders celebrate the end of the drought. The poetic narrative is often opaque (%E2%80%9CAt this altitude the dust of the full moon whitewashes the feathers of birds and the wind whistles stories of the beginning of life on Earth%E2%80%9D), yet the story conveys Taquile%E2%80%99s sense of community and strong intergenerational ties. Cecilia%E2%80%99s folk art showcases the vibrancy of island traditions; images of intricately patterned handwoven and knit items are particularly striking. An author%E2%80%99s note offers additional information about Taquile%E2%80%99s customs and lifestyle. Ages 6%E2%80%9312.