From Library Journal
Grade 5-8-Wrathful and kindhearted gods, giants, mortals, jaguars, and colorful birds are some of the characters and creatures that inhabit this creation story and genealogy recorded in the K'iche' (or Quich?) language in 1558 and discovered in 1701 by a Spanish priest. Children will enjoy this accessible retelling of a story that has largely been unavailable in English. Vivid characterizations, tales of revenge and forbidden fruit, tests of wit and strength, and explanations of why deer have short tails and monkeys live in trees are all here. Full- and double-page paintings rich in color and detail illustrate the volume. A beautifully designed book to be savored on its own or as a source for cultural or comparative studies.Daryl Grabarek, School Library Journal Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.


Book Description
One of the few Maya documents to survive the Spanish conquest, the Popol Vuh describes the creation of the Maya universe and of humans. It tells the tale of the Hero Twins, who defeated the gods of the underworld in a ball game, and details the legendary history of the Quiche Maya rulers until their imprisonment and torture by the Spanish. Equivalent to the Bible and the Greek and Roman mythologies, the Popol Vuh is the essential text of Mayan culture. Here, vivid images and captivating text will fascinate children.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

One of the few Maya documents to survive the Spanish conquest, the Popol Vuh describes the creation of the Maya universe and of humans. It tells the tale of the Hero Twins, who defeated the gods of the underworld in a ball game, and details the legendary history of the Quiche Maya rulers until their imprisonment and torture by the Spanish. Equivalent to the Bible and the Greek and Roman mythologies, the Popol Vuh is the essential text of Mayan culture. Here, vivid images and captivating text will fascinate children.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal