The First Tortilla: A Bilingual Story Book

The story of a young Mexican girl who saves her village by making the first tortilla with the help of the Mountain Spirit.

Children's Literature

This bilingual picture book about Jade, a young girl from a small Mexican village, tells the story of the first tortilla. Jade's village is near starvation due to a severe draught. The bean and squash plants are dying. A blue hummingbird tells Jade the reason for the draught. The village has been ungrateful to the gods, in this case the Mountain Spirit. Over her parents' objections Jade sets off on a mission. First she prepares a gift for the Mountain Spirit, then guided by the blue hummingbird Jade manages to avoid falling boulders and reaches the mountain top. The Mountain Spirit, pleased with her gift and her bravery, grants her wishes and gives her a gift as well—the gift of corn. Jade returns to the village, the corn is planted, and so it goes. Eventually Jade mixes the dried, ground corn with water and makes the first tortilla. The rich, bold and vibrant illustrations complete the legend. It is a story of bravery and one that makes a child the star. A glossary is included, along with an author's note. This is a wonderful addition to any multicultural collection. Reviewer: Maria E. Gentle