A Mexican trickster tale in which wily Rabbit outwits Coyote several times before escaping him permanently by climbing to the moon--which explains why Coyote is wont to howl at it. Johnston's adaptation of the action-packed tale is succinct and colorful; dePaola's deceptively childlike illustrations mark a breathtaking departure from his familiar style, though the elegantly balanced compositions and colors here are recognizably his. Adopting decorative motifs and a vibrant palette from Mexican folk art, he creates stylized figures in non-realistic hues (Rabbit is purple and Coyote, patterned like a handsome ceramic, blue). The square illustrations are set in contrasting pages of luscious color- -tangerine, turquoise, lime, lavender, flame. Many context- defined Spanish words appear in the text; additional Spanish dialogue, subtly incorporated into the illustrations, is defined in a glossary. A book that's certain to appeal, with some of dePaola's finest and most innovative art. Source note. (Folklore/Picture book. 4-8)
