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A Land of Books: Dreams of Young Mexihcah Word Painters

Name: A Land of Books: Dreams of Young Mexihcah Word Painters
Price: 14.59 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.7 (21 reviews)

4.7 of 5 Stars: Books & Libraries - A Land of Books: Dreams of Young Mexihcah Word Painters

$14.59

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Book Synopsis: Award-winning author-illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh sheds light on the significance of Aztec manuscripts and culture in his picture book A Land of Books. A 2023 Pura Belpré Youth Illustration Honor Book

Our world, little brother, is an amoxtlalpan, a land of books.

In the jungles where the jaguar dwells, the Mayas make books.

In the mountains the cloud people, the Mixtecs, make them as well. So do others in the coast and in the forests.

And we the Mexica of the mighty Aztec empire, who dwell in the valley of the volcanoes, make them too.

A young Aztec girl tells her little brother how their parents create beautiful painted manuscripts, or codices. She explains to him how paper is made from local plants and how the long paper is folded into a book. Her parents and others paint the codices to tell the story of their people’s way of life, documenting their history, science, tributes, and sacred rituals.

Duncan Tonatiuh’s lyrical prose and beloved illustration style, inspired by the pre-Columbian codices, tell the story of how—contrary to the historical narrative that European colonizers bestowed “civilization” and knowledge to the Americas—the Aztec and their neighbors in the Valley of Mexico painted books and records long before Columbus arrived, and continued doing so among their Nahua-speaking descendants for generations after the Spanish Conquest.

From an award-winning author-illustrator, A Land of Books pays tribute to Mesoamerican ingenuity and celebrates the universal power of books.

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Dreams of Young Mexihcah Word Painters is an exceptional picture book that will captivate both children and adults alike. In this beautifully illustrated story, award-winning author Duncan Tonatiuh takes readers on a journey through the rich and vibrant world of Aztec manuscripts and culture. The book showcases the significance of these manuscripts, shedding light on the ancient traditions and knowledge of the Aztec people.

A Land of Books is a testament to the ingenuity of the Aztecs and their neighbors in the Valley of Mexico. Contrary to the historical narrative that European colonizers brought knowledge and civilization to the Americas, this book tells the true story of how the Aztecs were already creating beautiful painted manuscripts long before Columbus arrived. The ancient codices painted by the Mexica and other tribes documented their way of life, their history, and their sacred rituals.

Duncan Tonatiuh's lyrical prose and stunning illustrations, inspired by pre-Columbian codices, bring this story to life in a way that will leave readers awe-inspired. Through his storytelling, Tonatiuh pays homage to the Mesoamerican culture and the universal power of books.

Now is your chance to immerse yourself in this incredible tale. Discover the richness and beauty of Aztec culture and explore the fascinating world of ancient manuscripts. Journey with the young Aztec girl and her little brother as they learn about the process of creating unique and meaningful codices. Don't miss out on this opportunity to be transported to A Land of Books!

Click here to get your copy of Dreams of Young Mexihcah Word Painters and embark on this unforgettable literary adventure.

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