The flea -- The story of the sun and moon -- The tailor who sold his soul to the devil --The hog -- Pedro the trickster -- The shadow -- Horses' hooves and chicken feet -- The seven oxen -- The mule drivers who lost their feet -- The two Marias -- The priest who had a glimpse of glory -- The brave widow -- The endless tale -- Cinder Juan -- The storyteller's parting words
Summary:
Mexican folktales invite us into a magical world of enchantment and transformation, populated by cats and kings, priests and tricksters, ordinary people and supernatural beings. A witch turns seven brothers into seven little blue oxen; the Virgin Mary rewards a good girl with a gold star on her forehead but adorns her wicked stepsister with a pair of horns; a young man, thrown overboard to drown, is rescued by a mysterious shadow. Drawing from authentic sources, folklorist Neil Philip has created a rich and varied collection, representing the unique blend of classic folkloric elements and Catholic imagery characteristic of the Mexican and Mexican American storytelling tradition. The retellings capture the wit, spirituality, and wonder of the originals and are perfectly complemented by Jacqueline Mair's colorful illustrations, which are based on Mexican folk art.
