Bowles, David. Ancient Night. David Álvarez, Illus. Levine Quierdo, 03/2023. [32]pp. Folklore. Trade $18.99. 978-1-64614-251-4. GRADES Preschool – 2. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
Luminous illustrations in rust, teal, and olive set against a warm, inky night sky, tell a calm and mythical tale of how two rivals, Rabbit and Opossum, care for, threaten, and then repair the moon and the sun. Bowles’ poetic text is inspired by Álvarez’s powerful and charming illustrations which draw from Maya and Nahua creation stories. Opossum’s regret will speak to all who have given into selfishness. The convivial and hopeful resolution offers a satisfying conclusion to a powerful and soothing tale. Creators’ notes include the Maya and Nahua origins of many of the story’s elements. The only flaw, in an otherwise excellent retelling, is that we are told towards the end of the story that Opossum loses the fur from the tip of his tail, however its tail is conspicuously bald throughout the whole story.
Melissa McAvoy—Retired