TALKING EAGLE AND THE LADY OF THE ROSES

Jewel-toned, folk-art–style illustrations illuminate this tale of the first indigenous saint in the Americas. Authentically and lovingly told, this version of the familiar story of Juan Diego and the Lady of Guadalupe is dramatic and bold, affirming the worth and celebrating the perseverance of the poor and downtrodden. Born Talking Eagle, Juan Diego converted as an adult and was more than the simple peasant he’s often considered to be. He was a deeply spiritual man, known for his kindness and his eaglelike ability to “rise above and see things that others could not." When Juan Diego meets a mysterious lady one December day on the hill of Tepayac, she commands him to relay to the bishops her instructions that "a house of prayers" be built. He is repulsed by them twice before she sends him back one last time with his cloak (tilma) full of miraculous roses. Córdova’s illustrations are bright with turquoise, fuchsia and terra-cotta and appropriately infused with religious iconography. An afterword by Gollogly provides useful historical and cultural background to this story that has had such an impact on the religious life of Mexico. The tale is not often told in children's books, and this is a much stronger telling than Tomie de Paola's The Lady of Guadalupe (1980). Respectful and affectionate, this book will be welcomed by Sunday-school teachers and religious households alike. (Picture book/religion. 5-10)