Promotional Information

Award-winning author-illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh sheds light on the significance of Aztec manuscripts and culture

About the Author

Duncan Tonatiuh (toh-nah-tee-YOU) is an award-winning author-illustrator. He is both Mexican and American. He grew up in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and graduated from Parsons School of Design and Eugene Lang College in New York City. His artwork is inspired by pre-Columbian art. His aim is to create images and stories that honor the past, but are relevant to today’s people, especially children. He currently lives in San Miguel with his family but travels in the United States often. His books include Game of Freedom, Child of the Flower-Song People, and Feathered Serpent and the Five Suns.

Reviews

**STARRED REVIEW**
"Tonatiuh’s respect and reverence for the subject shine through loud and clear as he shares knowledge of Mesoamerican books almost lost to the past. . .Utterly indispensable."
*Kirkus Reviews*

**STARRED REVIEW**
"In Tonatiuh’s engaging picture book, a Mexihcah child describes intricate wordless volumes created in Mesoamerica before the arrival of Europeans, interweaving Nahuatl words defined in a glossary. . . all shown in richly hued art that mimics the codices’ detailed format, and leading to a contextualizing author’s note that describes colonizing forces’ devastating effect."
*Publishers Weekly*

**STARRED REVIEW**
"Once again Tonatiuh has gathered history, language, and stories into a cultural gift to readers; an excellent book for students who want to learn how books are made, those who love history (even the difficult parts), and anyone interested in learning about Mexihcah culture."
*School Library Journal*

**STARRED REVIEW**
"A loving and layered examination of culture, values, and the stories that shape them."
*The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books*

**STARRED REVIEW**
"An author’s note provides historical context, centering the importance of preserving Indigenous art . . . storytelling, and knowledge."
*The Horn Book*

Acclaimed author and illustrator Tonatiuh’s signature pre-Columbian illustrations are striking and alive with color, pattern and texture. A detailed author’s note, glossary (with pronunciation guide), and bibliography round out this robust resource.
*Booklist*