《学校图书馆杂志》(School Library Journal)书评
Gr 3-6 The texts of these two illustrated bilingual retellings of legends from Puerto Rico and Mexico have been revised. The hand-lettering of the 1976 editions has been changed to clear printing. The revised texts are somewhat shorter and smoother. The illustrations by two different Hispanic artists are the same as in the originals, depicting the religious symbols and images of the Tainos and the Aztecs, and the people, animals, and birds of the stories in many bright colors. Atariba & Niguayona is a legend of two leaders of the Taino people of Puerto Rico. Niguayona goes through a long and difficult journey to find the fruit which will heal his young friend, Atariba. Through his affinity and respect for nature and his and the community's trust in the god Yucaju, he is successful in his quest and returns in time to save the dying girl. How We Came to the Fifth World is the story of four worlds or ages which were destroyed by the gods and one goddess who ruled them when the people became evil. A few people are saved in each world to begin a new society. But each time the people forgetuntil the coming of the fifth world, in which there is still hope. In each book, the text is printed with English and Spanish side by side. The stories can be read in either language, or for those who have facility or interest, in both. Louise Yarian Zwick, Houston Public Library (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
出版社周刊评论
Like previous titles in the Tales of the Americas series, these picture books present traditional stories in side-by-side English/Spanish tellings. How We Came to the Fifth World is an Aztec legend that recounts the histories of four worlds, or ages, before the present. Each was destroyed by the gods because of mankind's greed and selfishness. A postscript to the tale cites the Aztec belief that evil must be banished if the present age is to survive. Atariba & Niguayona, a tale from Puerto Rico's Taino Indians, tells of a boy's courageous quest for a rare fruit that can save the life of his friend. He succeeds, and the two friends become leaders of their people. With clear, compelling narratives, intriguing lore and vibrant graphics that capture the distinctive styles of each culture, these are superb additions to our body of Native American literature. Ages 6-14. (June) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Kirkus评论
In a bilingual edition, an Aztec tale that parallels the story of Noah's ark and is a creation myth as well: four times, the gods are angry when men fall into evil ways. In turn, water, wind, fire, and earth wreak punishment, but the bad people, instead of being destroyed, are transformed: those from the first world into fish, from the second into animals, and from the third into birds--thus populating earth with its creatures. The evildoers of the fourth world, starving as earth withholds her bounty, are eaten by jaguars. In the fifth world, there is peace and happiness. A valuable addition to collections of Mexican folklore and of creation stories. Illustrated in brilliant tones, with large areas of flat color in a primitive style. Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
