Genre 2 Folk Literature Collection

Horse Hooves and Chicken Feet: Mexican Folktales

Written by Phillip, Neil and illustrated by Mair, Jacqueline – 2003
New York, N.Y. – Houghton Mifflin Co.
ISBN – 0-618-19463-0

A collection of wonderful folktales set with in a Mexican Cultural with the artistic illustration of Mexican folk art. These tales sound familiar to some of the American Classic folktales, like “Cinder Juan” and “The Seven Oxen”. The magic in these stories plays a big part in the magical setting. Roman Catholic imagery creates the Mexican flavor that is common in the country. It makes for a lively storytelling of these little known body of folk literature.

Analysis
These stories from “Horse Hooves and Chicken Feet: Mexican Folktales are tales of beast, trickster tales and fairy tales in it’s own flavor of Mexican religion and art. The unique motifs used in the illustrations helps to set the mood in the Mexican cultural. It encompasses the rituals, customs, superstitions, and manners of a particular group that are passed orally or in writing from one generation to the next. “Cinder Juan”, “ The Two Marias “ and the “Seven Oxen” all depicts the struggle of good versus evil as traditional folktales do.

The illustrations of primitve acrylics by Mair helps in telling the story by the use of vibrant color, that is common in the Mexican Art. By using these motifs and the recurring patterns, (three sister, three challenges) all very significant in the folktales.

Reviews

The themes of these tales range from foolishness (“The Mule Drivers Who Lost Their Fee”) to brotherly rivalry (“Cinder Juan”). The end notes provides information about the origin and collection of each add much information for the serious student of folklore. An interesting collection that will attract some readers because of the origin of the tales (and the usefulness of the origin notes) but the collection lacks the spice necessary to make it a first choice.

Kirkus

“A fine gift of storytellers looking for new material, for educators concerned with cultural transmission, and for anyone interested in folklore.”

The Horn Book Magazine

“Watch storytellers and other students of American folklore in seach of fresh material fall on it with glad cries.”

ALA Booklist


Connection

-Have students research the Mexican Art technique and provide mediums to use in the creation of Mexican Art.

-Class Room Activity
Ask students to conduct research in the library and on the Web to find images and artifacts that suitably represent Mexico. Students can choose to research a piece of art, music, dance, literature, or food. Challenge students to think beyond stereotypical images of Mexico and Mexican-American culture (such as tacos, chihuahuas, and sombreros), and look for objects and icons with a deeper and more substantial meaning. Start your students’ research with a brainstorming session which can include:
· Artists such as Diego Rivera
· Ancient Mexican peoples, such as the Aztecs
· The history of the Mexican state of Puebla
After students have completed their research, have them create a presentation that highlights something interesting, beautiful, significant, or amazing about their choice—and share the information with the class.

Readwritethink.org

-Study the contribution of art influenced by the Aztecs and Mayan Indians.

-Timeline illustrations of Mexican History.