After much research the 12 classic tales Delacre selected for this volume bring 13 nations and four native cultures together. The tales are from the lands of the Taino (a Taino myth, a Puerto Rican legend, a Dominican legend, and a Cuban folktale); the land of the Zapotec (a Chatino myth, a Zapotec myth, and a Mexican legend); and the land of the Muisca (an Inca/Quechua myth, a Quechua folktale from Bolivia, and a Quechua legend from Bolivia). Delacre's 37 paintings were done in oil and are reproduced in full color. Her linocuts recreate selected motifs of ancient Latin American rock and textile artists. The source notes and index/pronunciation guide increase enjoyment and use of the collection. A visually identical Spanish language edition was published at the same time: De Oro y Esmeraldas: Mitos, Leyendas y Cuentos Populares de Latinoamérica. Scholastic, 1996. (Ages 8-12)

This lush collection of 12 traditional Latin American tales brings the history and culture of 13 countries to a vivid new perspective. Full color.