A-ZTEC

Explore the ABCs from axolotl to zapata.

Incorporating words in Spanish, Nahuatl, Mayan, and languages from other Mesoamerican cultures, Valtierra’s idiosyncratic alphabetical walkthrough invites readers to engage with the sounds and images found therein. Broadly familiar words such as chocolate, guacamole, and jaguar mingle alongside potentially lesser-known ones, like the active stratovolcano Popocatépetl, the Wixárika people, and yollotl, a Nahuatl word meaning heart. Short, upbeat verses in both English and Spanish accompany each word, generally mirroring each other in mood and tone. Different meanings often emerge between the two verse forms nonetheless, making them more easily accessible to bilingual readers. Valtierra maintains a pleasant cadence from verse to verse thanks to an evenhanded approach, ranging from softly deferential—such as her ode to the Quetzalcoatl (“The Aztecs knew him, kind and true, / With beautiful feathers, green and blue”)—to dizzily humorous, like his entry on a bundle of food known as itacate to take on a journey, which can include “tamales, tacos, anything delicious, / Don’t eat too much or you’ll feel nauseous!” Pronunciation boxes also supplement the concepts and mythological figures showcased in the story. Of course, the occasional word might pose a challenge to readers—for instance, the courageous god of war, Huitzilopochtli (“wee tsee loh POHCH tlee”)—but overall, this alphabet chronicle shares its enthusiasm for language rather generously. Employing an Aztec codex style, the artist injects an anarchic spirit into his colorful artwork.

Merrily edifying.