The Princess and the Warrior: A Tale of Two Volcanoes

by Duncan Tonatiuh (Author)

The Princess and the Warrior: A Tale of Two Volcanoes
Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

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: Iztaccíhuatl, who continues to sleep, and Popocatépetl, who spews ash and smoke, trying to wake his love.

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Kirkus

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.

None

Starred Review
Tonatiuh's mixed-media art, an homage to the Mixtec codices, is instantly recognizable; with its assured storytelling, this adapted pourquoi story may be his best yet.

ALA/Booklist

Starred Review
The appealing story, compelling illustrations, and 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.

Publishers Weekly

Starred Review

Tonatiuh (Funny Bones) retells a Mesoamerican legend about a pair of volcanoes that can be seen from Mexico City. Iztaccihuatl looks like a sleeping woman, while Popocatepetl 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.)

Copyright 2016 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

School Library Journal

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.

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes



Duncan Tonatiuh
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.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781419721304
Lexile Measure
770
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Harry N. Abrams
Publication date
September 20, 2016
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV034000 - Juvenile Fiction | Royalty (kings queens princes princesses knights etc.)
JUV012070 - Juvenile Fiction | Legends, Myths, Fables | Caribbean & Latin American
JUV012080 - Juvenile Fiction | Legends, Myths, Fables | Native American
Library of Congress categories
Mexico
Legends
JUVENILE FICTION / People & Places / United S
Mountains
Aztecs
Nahuatl literature
Indians of Mexico
Indian mythology
JUVENILE FICTION / People & Places / Mexico
JUVENILE FICTION / Legends, Myths, Fables / G
Pura Belpre Award
Honor Book 2017 - 2017

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