The First Tortilla: A Bilingual
Story
Book Review:
The rains have stopped coming to Jade's village and with their gardens
dying, the people fear they must leave their homes to go in search of
food. Through a visit from blue hummingbird, Jade learns that the Mountain
Spirit who lives in the towering peaks of the nearby volcano is angry
with the people who have forgotten to thank him.
When she offers to make the journey, her father tells her it is too
dangerous for a girl. Jade, however, does not give up and with the guidance
of blue hummingbird she climbs the path to the home of the Mountain
Spirit to offer food and ask for the much needed rain. So pleased with
her courage and faith the Mountain Spirit not only promises to send
rain, but presents her the gift of corn as well.
Uncertain of what to do with this sweet, but hard to eat find, Jade
eventually grinds some of the dry kernels in the metate they
have used to crushed chiles, mixes it with water, pats the masa
until it is flat and round and places it on a hot stone near the fire
to make the first tortilla. As she shares her discovery with the women
of the village, tortillas become the favorite food of her people and
during the harvest they remember to thank not only the Mountain Spirit
for giving them corn and rain, but also Jade who gave them tortillas.
The text, set on a white background, is presented with the English
and Spanish side by side, making it easy for readers to compare the
two languages. Once familiar with the story, one might want to substitute
some of the Spanish words as you are reading it aloud.
With bold strokes and vibrant colors, Amy Córdova's acrylic
paintings complement the traditional tone of this story. From the close-up
of two hands placing a tortilla on a comal found on the title
page, to the final illustration symbolizing the ants carrying corn to
the four corners of the Earth, the illustrations provide the reader
with visual clues that enhance understanding of both the story and Jade's
culture. The illustrations, which sometimes span three-quarters of a
two-page spread, stand apart from the text, which made me want to study
them more closely.
In his note following the story, author Rudolfo Anaya tells us the
discovery of corn was a miracle, not only to the Mesoamerican civilizations
that prospered because of it, but for peoples throughout the Americas.
His note provides a perfect introduction to a discussion of the history
of corn and its many uses. It could also be used as a springboard for
talking about the foods and culture of Mexico and Mesoamerica, the importance
of bread in cultures around the world, and the concept of trying new
foods since Jade and her family tried different ways of using the corn
before she discovers the tortilla.
Because of her determination to help her people, her courage in making
a dangerous journey and initiative in finding uses for this gift, Jade
could also be used as a positive role model when discussing these character
traits. Although this tale based on an ancient Mexican legend seems
a little disjointed, almost rambling at times, overall, it is a beautiful
story of courage, determination and the difference one person can make
that should be shared with children throughout the Southwest and beyond.
About the Book | Book
Review | Children's Voices | Lesson
Plan | About the Reviewer