THE TALE OF RABBIT AND COYOTE
adapted by Tony Johnston & illustrated by Tomie dePaola
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)