The Princess and the Warrior
By: Duncan Tonatiuh
Winner of the Pura Belpre award, The Princess and the Warrior is Duncan Tonatiuh’s take on the classic Mexican legend. I have admired this author’s work for several years and knew this would be up to his great standards. I’m also always drawn to a folktale I’d never heard before.
Tonatiuh is known for his distinct illustration style drawing from the ancient codices of the mixtec people. He honors the style by depicting his characters always from the side, but gives it a twist with digital collage. He uses texture images to fill different sections of his drawings, giving a 3d element to the traditionally flat drawings. The backgrounds are simple with only the most necessary details, drawing your eye to the action presented by the characters.
The characters are presented as in most folktales, all good or all bad. We are told early the princess isn’t like other princesses, she’s much nicer! The warrior is the bravest and goodest in the land leading his men to victory after victory. One doesn’t expect nuanced characters in a quick folktale for children so it is no surprise that this fits the trope perfectly.
The tale in fact reminds me of other classic tales, Sleeping Beauty and Romeo and Juliet. The love struck Princess and Warrior are separated by unapproving parents, and evil opponents. While good may have conquered evil, the ending wasn’t necessarily Happily Ever After.
If reading this book aloud to a child I would definitely tell you to take some time with the pronunciation guides in the glossary. The Nahuatl words peppered throughout the book are important but can trip up even the most voracious readers. I can’t wait to read this one to my first graders in our traditional literature unit.
Tonatiuh, D. (2016). The princess and the warrior: A tale of two volcanoes. Abrams Books for Young Readers.
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