MAMA ZORRA Y DON COYTE/ MOTHER FOX AND MR. COYOTE

Author (last name first):
Villasenor, Victor

Publisher, Date of Publication: 

Pinata Books; Bilingual edition (January 2004)

Grade Level/ or Age Level: 

3rd-4th

Classification: Fiction 

The book Mama Zorra y Don Coyote- Mother Fox and Mr. Coyote retells the famous Mexican folkloric tale about the wise Mother Fox and the hungry Mr. Coyote. This bilingual book is well written in both Spanish and English. The author has respected the grammatical rules of both languages and it is easy to follow. The book has vivid bright pictures to attract the reader's attention. The colorful illustrations introduce us to the clever Mother Fox, who tricks Mr. Coyote when they lose track of time. Mother Fox is terrified for her three little foxes, and watches the scary coyote who is drooling in front of them. She tells the Coyote to eat her, and leave her three little foxes alone. Mr. Coyote refuses, but thanks to Mother Fox's cleverness and the light of the moon, she is able to come up with a creative plan to escape. Mother Fox tricks the scary hungry Mr. Coyote by offering him a big delicious fresh cheese that is in the pond. She tells him that in order to reach it, he must drink some of the water first. The greedy Mr. Coyote falls for the trap, and after realizing he has been tricked its too late. He is too full with water and does not feel like chasing after the foxes. The book can be used for "story time" for children from Pre-K to 8th grade. The book depicts the role of a real life mother, who is caring and ready to sacrifice her life for her children to protect them. The book teaches us, that as parents or teachers, we must have fun with our children, but at the same time we must be alert and we must prepare them to face the different obstacles life will bring to them.

Reviewed By: Citlaly Rivas (Midwestern State University Student in Dr. Linda Prieto's Class)