The Princess and the Warrior: A Tale of Two Volcanoes

A Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor Book
ALA/ALSC Notable Children's Book!
STARRED REVIEW *"A palette of earthy, evocative colors . . . A genuine triumph." ―Kirkus Reviews
"Use this Aztec legend to inspire readers while teaching a bit about dramatic irony." --School Library Journal

Award-winning author and illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh brings a cherished Mexican legend to life.

Izta was the most beautiful princess in the land, and suitors traveled from far and wide to woo her. Even though she was the daughter of the emperor, Izta had no desire to marry a man of wealth and power. Instead, she fell in love with Popoca, a brave warrior who fought in her father's army--and a man who did not offer her riches but a promise to stay by her side forever.

The emperor did not want his daughter to marry a mere warrior, but he recognized Popoca's bravery. He offered Popoca a deal: If the warrior could defeat their enemy, Jaguar Claw, then the emperor would permit Popoca and Izta to wed.

But Jaguar Claw had a plan to thwart the warrior. Would all be lost? Today two majestic volcanoes--Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl--stand overlooking Mexico City. They have been admired and revered for countless generations and have formed the basis of many origin and creation myths.

The integration of Nahuatl words (defined with a pronunciation guide in the glossary) into the narrative provides a rich opportunity to introduce and explore another facet of ancient Aztec culture. Take your child on an adventure back in time to a land of color and beauty.


Author: Duncan Tonatiuh
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
Published: 09/20/2016
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.10lbs
Size: 9.20h x 11.30w x 0.40d
ISBN: 9781419721304
Audience: Ages 4-8

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.3
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 183706 / Princess and the Warrior


Award: Pura Belpre Award - Honor Book


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 07/15/2016 pg. 162
Publishers Weekly 08/15/2016
Horn Book Magazine 09/01/2016 pg. 127
Kirkus Reviews Fall Preview 08/15/2016 pg. 50
School Library Journal 09/01/2016 pg. 182
Booklist 09/01/2016 pg. 117
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 11/01/2016
School Library Journal 12/01/2016 pg. 41
Shelf Awareness 12/06/2016
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2017 - Outstanding, Noteworthy In Style

About the Author
Duncan Tonatiuh's books have won numerous awards: Diego Rivera won the Pura Belpré Illustration Award; Pancho Rabbit won two Pura Belpré Honor awards, for illustration and narrative; Separate Is Never Equal won the prestigious Sibert Honor Award; and Funny Bones won the Sibert Award. He lives in Mexico.