Ancient Night,Used

Publishers Weekly Best of the YearBookPage Best of the YearJunior Library Guild Gold StandardEvanston Library Best of the YearHorn Book 2023 Summer Reading ListVivid and vibrant. NPR Weekend EditionAt the start of things, the elders say,the universe was hushed and still.The moon alone shone bright and round in the starspeckled dark of the sky.David lvarez is one of the most extraordinary artists working today. His blackandwhite illustrations have gained fame in his home country of Mexico and around the world.Here, in Ancient Night (Noche Antigua), David displays his immense talent with fullcolor illustrations for the first time.Ancient Night is a twist on two Nahuatl traditions: the rabbit which the Feathered Serpent placed on the moon, and Yaushu, the Lord Opossum who ruled the earth before humans came, and who stole fire from the gods to create the sun.Awardwinning author David Bowles has written a poetic text and carefully researched backmatter to accompany Davids lush illustrations and story. Published simultaneously in English and Spanish editions, Ancient Night offers young readers everywhere the chance to savor this ancient tale in its most beautiful format possible.P R A I S E? 'Bolstered by the ethereal, whimsical text, the plush, incandescent acrylic and oil paint artwork gathers the subtleties and splendors of nighttime and the plant life that surrounds Rabbit and Opossum. Together words and images tug readers along at a measured pace. An excellent authors note underscores how common strands and crucial differences from wideranging Mesoamerican legends and myths furnish the inspiration at the roots of this tale. Like a mighty dream recalled from time gone by.'Kirkus (starred)? 'Luminous acrylic and oil illustrations bring the night to life... Enchanting text presents the tale in short, clear sentences that convey a sense of timeless mystery and beauty... An excellent choice for picture book collections that uniquely explores traditional Mesoamerican tales and is sure to inspire the wish for further discovery and appreciation.'School Library Journal (starred)? Bowles spare, evocative text flows like poetry lvarezs compositions are sophisticated and uncluttered beautifully crafted, gently stylized figures so remarkably textured that you can almost count the number of hairs on Rabbits body. Ancient Night is wondrous, sparkling and easily one of the best picture books of 2023.BookPage (starred)? Bowless unhurried lines offer a playfully elegant feel to the telling, while lvarezs saturated digitized paintings use a limited palette to imagine longeared, gray Rabbit and pointynosed, rusthued Opossum against luminous leafy landscapes. Together, the collaborators create a dreamlike story variation that truly shines.Publishers Weekly (starred)? Unmissable The breathtaking illustrations exude light themselvesForeword Reviews (starred)? Stunning illustrations by acclaimed Mexican artist Alvarez feature a velvety black backdrop of a sky, stars providing only pinpricks of light...spellbinding, poetic text is lyrical but crisp.Horn Book (starred)A calming selection for evening lap reads and storytimes.BCCBA perfect bedtime read aloud. This Mesoamericaninspired fable borrows from old tales for a largerthanlife yet soothingly illustrated picture book.ShelfAwarenessExquisite.Melissa Taylor, Imagination Souplvarezs illustrations alone are enough to make this stunning picture book a winnerthe dreamy feel of the milky moonlight against the deepdark night and the crisp simplicity of the animals and their world is masterful. When paired with interwoven traditional Mesoamerican tales of the magic and power of our lunar companion, the story sings, enchanting readers with its mystery and beauty. Dont miss this one!Southern Bookseller Review