These 15 tales are well-documented and authentic in terms of sources, basic plot, and so forth, but the telling is flat and stilted and the finale of each often seems forced and anti-climactic, ending rather unceremoniously. A Mexican flavor is strong throughout the collection. References to saints and religious topics reflect the heritage and culture, and occasional brilliant, hot watercolors add to sense of the setting. The themes of these tales range from foolishness (“The Mule Drivers Who Lost Their Feet”) to brotherly rivalry (“Cinder Juan”). End notes providing information about the origin and collection of each add much information for the serious student of folklore. An interesting collection that will attract some readers because of the origin of the tales (and the usefulness of the origin notes) but the collection lacks the spice necessary to make it a first choice. (Folktales. 8+)
