Montezuma's Tantrum (Aldana Libros)
by Nuria Gómez Benet (Author) Santiago Solís Montes de Oca (Illustrator)
Emperor Montezuma's court tries everything to cure his bad mood in this delightful and hilarious story that sheds light on life in the Aztec empire--and the origins of hot chocolate.
Montezuma is in a bad mood today. He doesn't want to see anyone or do anything! The people in the palace are very worried. They try everything they can to make Montezuma smile. They bring gifts, make music, and even dance. What to do?
This vibrantly illustrated picture book shares the enduring symbols of Aztec life, from Quetzalcóatl, the magnificent plumed serpent, to its temples, codices, drums, and Montezuma's elaborate palace full of people and creatures. At the center of the story is xocolátl, a delicious treat enjoyed by Indigenous peoples of Mexico long before the Spaniards arrived. Today xocolátl (chocolate) is eaten, drunk, and enjoyed all over the world.
But before all that happened, Montezuma had a tantrum...
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Publishers Weekly
The Aztec emperor Montezuma, this work's protagonist, opens the story in a bad mood, refusing to undertake his duties and roaring, "I don't want to see anyone because I don't feel well!" Everyone at the palace reacts with worry, taking him all manner of elaborate gifts and making sacrifices to no avail. As the figure continues to rage, someone has an idea: a band of monkeys gathers cacao beans, and Montezuma is presented with--and soothed by--a steaming cup of xocolátl. Imagining the court of Montezuma in folktale cadences while introducing key facets of Aztec life, Gómez Benet creates an emperor who will surely resonate with young readers learning to work through big emotions. Digital illustrations with hand-drawn textures by Solís Montes de Oca vibrantly illustrate the events in a color palette of bright teals and reds. Characters are portrayed with various skin tones. A Náhuatl glossary concludes. Ages 4-9. (Oct.)
Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.
Nuria Gómez Benet is a writer and poet. She has been a teacher and scriptwriter for radio and TV children's series, including for Mexican Sesame Street, of which she was the head writer. Santiago Solís Montes de Oca is a designer, illustrator, and art director. He teaches editorial design at the School of Design at the Institute of Fine Art. He works as the art director for a number of small Mexican publishers and coordinates the work of art and design at UNAM. Elisa Amado is a Guatemalan-born Canadian translator.
JUV030100 - Juvenile Fiction | People & Places | Mexico
