Duende. Mary Withers. Illustrated by Lyla Witschi. Translated by Ricardo Acuña. Edmonton, AB: Tutkam Books. 24 pp., hardcover, $21.95. ISBN 978-0-9739372-1-3. Subject Headings: Fairies-Juvenile fiction. Music-Juvenile fiction. Preschool-grade 3 / Ages 4-8. Review by Jennifer Draper. ** /4

excerpt:

Then the Moonlight Fairy spoke: Tonino, tonight is a very special night. It is the night when wishes are granted. Make a wish and we will grant it. Tonino whispered softly, "My back, it hurts me so..."

Then he fell into a deep slumber. The fairies looked at the tired, sleeping boy and felt great pity. They picked him up and flew away into the morning sky, over hills and valleys, treetops and rooftops until they came to his very own house in the hills.

 

Tonino is a hunchback who lives with his grandmother near a little village in the hills. Every day he takes his goats to the village along with his guitar and plays for the villagers. Everyone loves him, and he brings great happiness to the village. One night he comes upon a bunch of cavorting fairies. He sings with them, and they become friends.

     Duende is a classic tale of a nice child getting his wish and living happily ever after. It has some cute songs in Spanish. There is some visual appeal from the colorful illustrations done in watercolor. The best part of the story is the last page when Tonino refuses to tell how he got rid of his hunchback. The picture of his secret smile is almost Mona Lisa-like and is wonderful. The villagers call him duende, which translates somewhat into English from the Spanish as a magical being such as a goblin or an elf.

     Duende is an interesting folk tale, but not extraordinary. The illustrations are satisfactory but do not distinguish themselves in any way. The reader is happy that Tonino loses his hunchback, but it is not unexpected.

     Note: While this story is bilingual (English/Spanish), this review is for the English text only.

Recommended.

Jennifer Draper is a children's literature aficionado living in Oshawa, ON.

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