Common Sense Media Review
By Monica Encarnacion
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fantasy tale blends Mesomerican folklore with gorgeous art.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
ANCIENT NIGHT is a culturally rich tale weaves in old and new elements of Mesoamerican folklore that give these timeless tales a brand new feel. In this story, two Nahua traditions are brought together: the rabbit which the Feathered Serpent placed on the moon, and the Lord Opossum who ruled the earth when humans were first created and who stole fire from the gods to keep them warm. In this story, Rabbit tries to keep the moon's light "forever a-glow" traveling "down the Great Ceiba's trunk" and trekking across the "sea-ringed world" bringing back "aguamiel" to fill the moon and make it shine bright. Wanting to taste the sweet nectar himself, the "foolish Opossum" steals the nectar, only to realize that his actions have put out the "heavenly light." To repair this, he must go down into the depths of the earth to bring back the "fire prepared by mighty gods," and pay a price for his mistakes. In the end, the unlikely friends conquer the darkness and together become "Guardians of Light."
Is It Any Good?
David Bowels's lyrical text beautifully carries the story from one page to the next and makes this tale simple enough for even the youngest readers to enjoy. Alvarez's rich illustrations in Ancient Night bring this unique story to life through textured animal portraits and shimmering stars in the night sky. A wonderful picture book for parents and kids to savor together and a great introduction to folktales and mythology. When paired with its Spanish counterpart, this story becomes a valuable resource for bilingual families wanting to introduce their children to the stories of their Central American ancestors. A great book for families to read together in English and Spanish!
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the familiar stories passed down from ancestors in Ancient Night. Does your family have any stories that have been passed down from generation to generation? What are they? Why are they important to your family/culture?
What makes the main characters strong, curious, and humble? How does Rabbit demonstrate strength and forgiveness? How does Opossum demonstrate curiosity, courage, and humility? How do these character strengths help them find friendship and cooperation by the end of the story?
Have you ever had to compromise with a friend like rabbit and opossum did? What steps did you have to take to reach a mutual agreement?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : David Alvarez
- Genre : Picture Book
- Character Strengths : Courage , Curiosity , Humility , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Levine Querido
- Publication date : March 14, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : January 24, 2024
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