The Hummingbird King: A Guatemalan Legend

by Argentina PalaciosTroll Communications; $18.60.For ages 8 to 12.

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The legend of how the quetzal came to be is set in ancient Mayan times, depicting a power struggle between Kukul, son of the chief, and Chirumá, the chief's younger brother. A classic storyline, Chirumá wants to be chief, but knows that, with the birth of Kukul, his chance to become chief has disappeared. A battle ensues, and when Kukul dies, he turns into a beautiful bird. While there isn't a lot of variety in the faces of the people depicted in The Hummingbird King, there is great detail in the characters' diverse clothing and accessories. For example, in the illustration depicting Kukul's naming ceremony, a little hand can be seen reaching from the baby's bed toward the bright red feather that will become Kukul's special charm.

Reviewed by Laurie R. Weaver.

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