Xolo

Gr 2-5–From Newbery Medal–winning author Higuera comes a retelling of the Aztec creation story that recounts the origins of both humankind and humankind’s best friend, the dog. Readers are introduced to the pantheon of Aztec gods—particularly to Quetzalcoatl (serpent god of the wind) and his twin brother Xolotl (dog-headed god of lightning, death, and misfortune). As the book begins, Xolo serves as readers’ guide to the series of calamities and misfortunes that lead to the creation of humans and dogs. Legends credited Quetzalcoatl with rescuing humans from Mictlantecuhtli (god of the underworld), but Higuera’s version casts Xolo as the unsung hero who faces his fears to keep the world turning. As a result, the story becomes a lesson in courage and kindness, as well as a love letter to dogs. The book is highly illustrated, with a mix of structures: some spreads are primarily text, others are wordless, as well as a blend of the two. An illustrator’s note explains that the art style was influenced by ancient Aztec texts and artifacts, which is evident in the angular and geometric features and jewel-toned colors.