This simple story of an Aymara Indian girl's trip to an open- air market in the Bolivian altiplano depicts traditional Aymaran life, based on simple agriculture; the importance of the llama is apparent in both text and the strikingly detailed oil paintings. Waira sees the ruins of the ancient city of Tiwanaku, discovers why the condor is her people's spiritual symbol, visits Lake Titicaca and learns about its reed boats, and dances in the Aymara festival. The Aymaras' domination by the Incas and, later, by the Spanish—as well as their current economic and social marginalization—is discussed in endnotes but plays no part in the story. An autobiographical sketch poignantly describes discrimination that the author has encountered in Bolivia and Spain; since the mid-60's he's lived in Sweden, where this book first appeared. Interestingly, Topooco's assertions about religious intolerance, suppression of the Aymaran language, the preponderance of Aymaras in Bolivia's population, and their antiquity are contradicted by standard reference sources, which also differ from one another. Still, an unusual look at a unique and little-known culture. (Picture book. 6-10)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1993
ISBN: 0-688-12054-7
Page Count: 40
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1993
Sloat collaborates with Huffman, a Yu’pik storyteller, to infuse a traditional “origins” tale with the joy of creating. Hearing the old women of her village grumble that they have only tasteless crowberries for the fall feast’s akutaq—described as “Eskimo ice cream,” though the recipe at the end includes mixing in shredded fish and lard—young Anana carefully fashions three dolls, then sings and dances them to life. Away they bound, to cover the hills with cranberries, blueberries, and salmonberries. Sloat dresses her smiling figures in mixes of furs and brightly patterned garb, and sends them tumbling exuberantly through grassy tundra scenes as wildlife large and small gathers to look on. Despite obtrusively inserted pronunciations for Yu’pik words in the text, young readers will be captivated by the action, and by Anana’s infectious delight. (Picture book/folktale. 6-8)
Pub Date: June 1, 2004
ISBN: 0-88240-575-6
Page Count: 32
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2004
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
At ``Step 2'' in the useful ``Step into Reading'' series: an admirably clear, well-balanced presentation that centers on wolves' habits and pack structure. Milton also addresses their endangered status, as well as their place in fantasy, folklore, and the popular imagination. Attractive realistic watercolors on almost every page. Top-notch: concise, but remarkably extensive in its coverage. A real bargain. (Nonfiction/Easy reader. 6-10)
Pub Date: April 1, 1992
ISBN: 0-679-91052-2
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 1992
BOOK REVIEW
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
