Horse Hooves and Chicken Feet: Mexican Folktales

A. Bibliographic Data:

Horse Hooves and Chicken Feet: Mexican Folktales, selected by Neil Philip, illustrated by Jacqueline Mair, published by Clarion Books in 2003; ISBN: 0618194630

B. Plot Summary:

This volume introduces readers to Mexican folklore through a wide selection of tales with beautiful new illustrations. Philip begins with an introduction touching on the importance of storytelling to every culture around the world. He also mentions the common origins of many of the tales and tells readers a little about characteristics of Mexican folklore. The stories included are "The Flea," "The Story of the Sun and the Moon," "The Tailor Who Sold His Soul to the Devil," "The Hog," "Pedro the Trickster," "The Shadow," "Horse Hooves and Chicken Feet," "The Seven Oxen," "The Mule Drivers Who Lost Their Feet," "The Two Marias," "The Priest Who Had a Glimpse of Glory," "The Brave Widow," "The Endless Tale," and "Cinder Juan." The compiler concludes with notes on the origin of each tale, giving readers the opportunity to explore them in greater depth.

C. Critical Analysis:

This collection of Mexican folklore was a joy to read. Each tale is fairly short, with the longest lasting about 6 pages, making it easy to share with young children in small doses. The wording is also simplified, making the text even more accessible to children. The illustrations include the main components and incidents of each story, with bright colors and interesting patterns incorporated. Their style is a bit unusual for children's books, being more like oil paintings one might see in a museum, but they communicate the stories well and will engage children in the story even more. It was especially interesting to learn the origins of each story in the compiler's notes. He also shared the 'type' usually assigned to each tale, relating them to the Aarne-Thompson numbers that can apply to stories from cultures around the world. Religion and magic are strong themes evident throughout the volume, with everyone from the Virgin Mary to Judas to several witches appearing within the pages. This clearly reflects the largely Catholic Mexican culture, but children who are not familiar with such icons may need a bit of background explanation for some of the stories to make more sense to them. Overall, this is a wonderful volume to introduce children to some traditional folklore of the Mexican culture.

D. Review Excerpts:

~ ". . . this richly varied collection presents the unique blend of folkloric elements and Catholicism that defines Mexican folklore. . . . The sparkle he discerns in the body of work comes through clearly in his stylish and humorous retellings. Mair's primitive acrylic illustrations, based on Mexican folk art, are alive with bright color and a kinetic sensibility. They both complement and extend the spicy stories, making this a well-put-together package." - Ann Welton, School Library Journal

~ "Philip brings together a useful and attractively presented selection of 14 folktales from Mexico and people of Mexican decent from the American Southwest. The stories are simply yet effectively retold . . . . Adding considerably to the overall appeal of the book are Mair's exuberant illustrations, accomplished in the style of Mexican folk art. . . . A solid collection that may also find an audience among readers who are older than the target audience." - Todd Morning, Booklist

~ "well-documented and authentic...Mexican flavor is strong throughout...occasional brilliant, hot watercolors...much information for the serious student of folklore." - Kirkus Reviews

E. Connections:

~ Use as part of a study on Mexican culture.

~ Use with a unit on global folklore.

~ Have students find tales from other cultures with similar storylines (can use AT numbers for reference). Compare/contrast with these different versions

~ Have students choose a favorite tale and create an illustration for it.

~ Have students talk to a storyteller in their own culture to learn at least one tale of their own and share it with the group.