For families exploring enduring love, loyalty, and the power of ancient legends, this book reimagines a poignant tale of two volcanoes, born from heartbreak.
A parent might reach for this book when their child is ready for stories with more emotional depth than a simple 'happily ever after'. This beautifully illustrated book retells the Aztec legend of the volcanoes Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl. It is a powerful story of love, loyalty, and loss, centered on a princess and a warrior who are separated by a cruel lie. The story's bittersweet ending provides a gentle entry point into discussions about grief and enduring devotion. It's a wonderful choice for introducing children to world mythology, particularly the rich history of Mexico, and for exploring how love can be powerful even in sadness.
A war is described and depicted in a stylized, non-graphic manner consistent with ancient art.
Romantic ContentMild
The central plot is motivated by the deep love between a princess and a warrior.
Sensitive Topics
The central theme is death and loss, but it is handled metaphorically. Izta's death is described as a 'deep sleep' from which she cannot be woken, which softens the impact for younger readers. The resolution is not a happy reunion but a poignant, mythological transformation. The story is a secular retelling of a pre-Columbian legend. The ending is bittersweet and epic rather than strictly hopeful, focusing on eternal loyalty in the face of tragedy.
Ideal Reader
An 8-10 year old who is beginning to appreciate stories with more complex, nuanced endings. This is perfect for a child interested in mythology, legends, or history, especially one with a connection to or interest in Mexican culture. It's also for a child mature enough to understand that not all stories have happy endings, and that love and loyalty can be expressed in many different ways.
Parent Prep
A parent should preview the pages depicting the messenger's lie and Izta's subsequent decline into her deep sleep. It is important to frame the story as a legend explaining a natural landmark. Explaining beforehand that this story tells how two real volcanoes in Mexico got their names and shapes can help a child process the sad ending as beautiful and meaningful rather than just tragic. A parent is looking to introduce their child to foundational stories from their Mexican heritage. Alternatively, a child has recently encountered a sad story or event and is asking questions about loss, grief, and why things don't always work out perfectly.
Age Experience
A younger reader (7-8) will likely focus on the romance, the battle, and the magic of the transformation into mountains. They will see the ending as sad but beautiful. An older reader (9-10) will better grasp the themes of jealousy, deceit, profound grief, and the depth of Popoca's unwavering devotion. They may ask more questions about the injustice of the situation.
What Makes It Special
The most striking differentiator is Duncan Tonatiuh's signature art style, which is inspired by ancient Mixtec codices. This unique aesthetic grounds the story in its Indigenous Mesoamerican roots. Unlike most Western fairy tales presented to children, this book embraces a tragic ending and transforms it into an enduring monument, teaching that love and legacy can be more powerful than a simple 'happily ever after'.
Read plot summary
This book is a retelling of the Aztec origin myth for the volcanoes Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl. Princess Izta falls in love with the warrior Popoca. Her father, the emperor, agrees to their marriage if Popoca can defeat their enemy, Jaguar Claw. As Popoca is about to be victorious, a jealous rival sends a messenger to falsely report Popoca's death. Heartbroken, Izta falls into a deep, unending sleep. When Popoca returns, he finds he cannot wake her. Fulfilling his promise to always stay by her side, he carries her to the mountains. The gods then turn them into two volcanoes, forever watching over one another.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
A jealous suitor lies and tells Izta that Popoca is dead. Why do you think he did that? What can happen when people let jealousy control their actions?
2
Popoca promised to always stay by Izta's side, and he keeps that promise even after she falls into her deep sleep. What are some different ways people can show loyalty to those they love?
3
This is an old story people told to explain how the two volcanoes near modern-day Mexico City were created. Why do you think people create stories to explain things in nature?
4
Izta turns down many wealthy suitors and chooses Popoca, a warrior, for his loyalty. What does her choice tell you about her character and what she values?
5
The ending is sad, but it is also beautiful because the two lovers are together forever as mountains. Can something be both sad and beautiful at the same time? Can you think of another example?
