The Dragon Slayer: Folktales from Latin America

by Jaime Hernandez, F. Isabel Campoy (Introduction)

Overview

Winner of the 2018 Aesop Prize

Winner of the 2019-2020 Texas Bluebonnet Award

How would a kitchen maid fare against a seven-headed dragon? What happens when a woman marries a mouse? And what can a young man learn from a thousand leaf cutter ants? Famed Love and Rockets creator Jaime Hernandez asks these questions and more as he transforms beloved myths into bold, stunning, and utterly contemporary comics. Guided by the classic works of F. Isabel Campoy and Alma Flor Ada, Hernandez’s first book for young readers brings the sights and stories of Latin America to a new generation of graphic-novel fans around the world.

The award-winning TOON Latin American Folktales series highlights authentic Latin American stories and cultures, bringing them a to a new generation of graphic novel fans around the world.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781943145294
Publisher:	Astra Publishing House
Publication date:	04/03/2018
Series:	TOON Latin American Folktales
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	7.60(w) x 9.80(h) x 0.30(d)
Lexile:	570L (what's this?)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

Editorial Reviews

[The Dragon Slayer ] will delight all ages…There's also fascinating historical material on the origins of each tale.

The New York Times Book Review - Maria Russo

Winner of the 2018 Aesop Prize

Winner of the 2019-2020 Texas Bluebonnet Award

Finalist for 2019 Excellence In Graphic Literature Award, Best in Children's Graphic Literature (Fiction)!

A New York Times Editors' Choice

​NPR 2018 Great Reads

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard

"The buoyant results will delight all ages."
—The New York Times

★ "A trio of Latin American folktales are given a makeover in the children's-book debut of one of the brothers behind famed graphic-novel series Love and Rockets...In his six-panel pages, Hernandez flexes his considerable storytelling skills, his deceptively simple art conveying all the detail, nuance, and expression of character each story needs...In addition to the tales themselves, the book opens with an on-point essay by author F. Isabel Campoy putting the mix of Spanish and Native American influences in context...María E. Santana's simultaneously publishing Spanish-language translation is identical in look but far from dry, flawlessly employing its own language quirks. Rousing tales, spirited artwork, and rich backmatter ensure that this slim graphic novel for kids becomes a rich resource for all caregivers, not just those of Latinx children."
​ —Kirkus Reviews STARRED REVIEW

"With its eye-catching design, appealing cover, and its spirited stories, you may have to pry this entertaining and informative book from the hands of children."
​ —Julie Danielson's "Four Favorites" on the Kirkus blog

​A review specifically about our Spanish-language editions:
"La Matadragones collects three classic Latin American folktales in comics format. The titular tale starts with the magical words 'Había una vez' ('Once upon a time . . . .') and tells a feminist fantasy story about a girl who makes her own destiny and slays a dragon for her prince. Next up is 'Martina Martínez y El Ratoncito Pérez,' which many Latinx might recognize as 'La Cucarachita Martina.' This story also ends with the 'colorín colorado, este cuento se ha acabado' a beloved, familiar refrain. The final tale is 'Tup y las Hormigas,' which doesn’t celebrate valor, compassion, or other typical folk morals, but rather intelligence and creative thinking. Hernandez' lively, full-color cartoon artwork vividly brings the stories to life. As educational as it is entertaining, this is perfect for folklore lovers of all ages."
​ —Booklist Online
​
"One of the best folktale and fairy tale-based comics I've seen...The Dragon Slayer is a sweet, short burst of smart, loving comics, and comes highly recommended."
—Kinder Comics
"Folktales can transcend space and time and, as this title proves, genres too."
—Horn Book Magazine

"This beautifully designed collection, with amiable art in lovely full color, is perfect for bedtime read-aloud or a lesson on traditional folktales."
​ —Booklist

"Fairy tales with brown heroes and heroines are rare, and these stories are full of unexpected twists."
​ —Publishers Weekly

"These delightfully rendered stories should easily find a home in the folktale/fairy-tale section of any library."
—School Library Journal

"It’s a perfect work for adults who grew up on Love and Rockets to share with their children, and it’s an equally perfect introduction to the rich folklore immediately to the south of the U.S."
—Good Comics for Kids on the SLJ Blog

"Campoy’s introduction, and the tales’ origins and bibliography, including art reproductions, in the back matter, combine to enrich understanding of the culture of these strong heroines and heroes. Hernandez’s vivid illustrations make the tales modern, relatable and universal."
—Youth Services Book Review Massachusetts​​​

"I absolutely love this introduction to Latin American folktales, and can only hope there’s a volume 2 somewhere down the line. This is such a great addition to folk and fairy tale collections and diverse, culturally rich collections."
​ —Mom Read It

"Despite its notable lack of explosions, The Dragon Slayer will entice kids and parents alike to join the parade on its cover."
​ —Commons Comics

From the Publisher

★ 2018-03-04
A trio of Latin American folktales are given a makeover in the children's-book debut of one of the brothers behind famed graphic-novel series Love and Rockets.In the three stories, a young girl proves her smarts and bravery, not to mention her skills as a dragon slayer; a woman named Martina Martínez marries a mouse, which leads to an unexpected tragedy; and a boy named Tup considered lazy by his family finds a way to feed them all. In his six-panel pages, Hernandez flexes his considerable storytelling skills, his deceptively simple art conveying all the detail, nuance, and expression of character each story needs. The protagonist of the first tale is unnamed, which becomes ironic given how much agency she employs to get to the future her selfless acts should earn her. In the second piece, an older woman turns out to be the hero by simply practicing common sense that everyone else has forgotten. And in the final story, it's cleverness that saves the day. In addition to the tales themselves, the book opens with an on-point essay by author F. Isabel Campoy putting the mix of Spanish and Native American influences in context. It closes with brief histories and art influences for each story as well as English- and Spanish-language phrases to help readers start telling their own. María E. Santana's simultaneously publishing Spanish-language translation is identical in look but far from dry, flawlessly employing its own language quirks.Rousing tales, spirited artwork, and rich backmatter ensure that this slim graphic novel for kids becomes a rich resource for all caregivers, not just those of Latinx children. (bibliography) (Graphic folktales. 4-10)

Kirkus Reviews