Aesop Prize Winner

Module 3

Philip, Neil, Selec. 2003. Horse hooves and chicken feet: Mexican folktales. Ill by Jacqueline Mair. New York: Clarion Books.

This collection of Mexican folktales borrows from traditional sources. While many of these stories have their roots in Spain, they have developed a Mexican flavor over time. They are great examples of how magic, reality and the influence of the Catholic religion are entertwined to create the stories that are so typical in Mexican culture. Mexican folktales often emphasize good and evil as do many traditional tales. Trickster tales are especially popular in Mexican folk lore and play a large role in this book. A good example is the story of Pedro the Trickster, who even attempts to outwit the Devil and God. Also, we see a couple of good variants of the Cinderella story in The Two Marias and Cinder Juan (a male version). The vibrant, colorful illustrations are reminiscent of Mexican folk art. The cover of the book gives us a taste of what lies inside. Each story is illustrated with at least one full page painterly illustration which lends an authentic Mexican feel. Notes at the end give more information for those researching the stories. This 2003 Aesop Prize Winner is recommended for grades 3-8.