Yuyi Morales
2013
What can I say about this book that has not already been beautifully said? Niño, a little boy with a big imagination, dons the mask of a luchador and battles figures from Mexican folklore. Absolutely beautiful! It is incredibly difficult to find books for children on luchadores, La Llorona, El Chamuco, and the other figures in the book. Most of the books you find that cover these topics are folklore collections for older readers. This book introduces beliefs from the Mexican culture in a way children can enjoy. I love the ending where the little sisters prove to be much more of a challenge than any of the folkloric figures. The illustrations and the presentation (“Señoras y Señores,… now accepting ALL COMERS…,” etc) go perfectly together. I love everything about this book, including the luchador profiles at the beginning and end, and note at the back of the book that explains the history of Mexican luchadores. It was my belief that El Santo did make his identity known during his lifetime, although I may be wrong about that. An absolutely amazing book, a recommended purchase, and one that will have a place on my personal library shelf.
