Book Review -- Horse Hooves and Chicken Feet: Mexican Folktales (Module 2)

Folktale Collection

1. Bibliography

Philip, Neil, ed. HORSE HOOVES AND CHICKEN FEET: MEXICAN FOLKTALES. New York: Clarion Books, 2003. ISBN 0618194630.

2. Plot Summary

Philip selected 14 folktales from Mexican folklore for inclusion in this book, including a Cinderella variant, “The Two Marias.” These fanciful and imaginative stories reference magic and religion in numerous instances. In “The Flea,” a young magician wins consent to marry the girl he loves only by meeting the challenge of outwitting the girl’s magician father. In “Pedro the Trickster,” the main character is so skilled at persuasion and deception that he manages to manipulate Saint Peter, the devils, Death, and even the Lord in getting his own way. Twelve other stories in combination with these two seem to be told with the intent not to elevate the listeners to model citizenship, but rather to observe the human character with all its foibles. These stories show mankind as he is – prone to brilliance and stupidity, selfishness and humanitarianism. They exhibit a fascination with the supernatural in stories about devils and witches, or with the great unknown through tales of bargaining with God for a glimpse of heaven or a longer life span.

3. Critical Analysis

The fourteen folktales chosen for this book vary in subject matter and length. Some are very simple, while others are more complicated. Details and endings are often unexpected in the way they unfold, with unique imagery and interactions. In “The Flea,” a boy turns himself into a flea and sleeps on a sombrero to avoid being found. In “The Tailor Who Sold His Soul to the Devil,” a tailor outwits the Devil in a sewing contest. In “The Two Marias,” two women visit the Virgin Mary’s home separately. One calms the crying baby Jesus, and is rewarded with a gold star on her head, while the other spanks the baby Jesus to “shut Him up,” and two horns grow out of her head. These stories are highly imaginative and descriptive even in small details. Many concepts are perhaps unique to the culture, not commonly found in mainstream Western literature, giving them a unique, fresh perspective.

The illustrations by Jacqueline Mair use a highly colorful palette. The pictures bring to mind Mexican tiles and pottery, or a vibrant marketplace where such goods are sold. Many illustrations are cluttered with so many images that is becomes difficult to concentrate on any one image very long. For example, page 48 provides an illustration from “The Two Marias” with six separate images framed on a single page. Chili peppers run almost throughout the book above the page numbers, giving the book a little extra Mexican “flavor.”

As with other folktales, these stories provide an opportunity to observe aspects of another culture. Younger children are not as likely to find these stories entertaining; some concepts need insight, the stories tend to be much longer than stories told in picture books, and not every page is illustrated. Older children, on the other hand, would likely be amused by the craftiness or silliness of some of the characters. Understanding of symbolism and irony would be helpful to fully understand the points of the stories, also a developmental milestone of older children.


4. Review Exert(s)

Booklist review: “Philip brings together a useful and attractively presented selection of 14 folktales from Mexico and people of Mexican decent from the American Southwest. The stories are simply yet effectively retold, usually in five or six pages, with many reflecting the strong influence of the Catholic Church on Mexican culture. Adding considerably to the overall appeal of the book are Mair's exuberant illustrations, accomplished in the style of Mexican folk art.”

School Library Journal review: “From the familiar "Cinderella" variant presented in "The Two Marias" to the Chelm-like stupidity of the "The Mule Drivers Who Lost Their Feet," this richly varied collection presents the unique blend of folkloric elements and Catholicism that defines Mexican folklore. In an informative introduction, Philip delineates the distinctive flavor of Mexican tales, their blend of religion and humor, and the particular pointed bite of many of the stories.”

Awards

2003 Aesop Prize

5. Connections

This book could be used to learn about Mexican folktales and discuss their unique traits. They could be used for a cross-cultural study of folktales.