Southwest Children's  Literature

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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.

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