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Rise of the Halfling King: (Tales of the Feathered Serpent #1)
In this graphic novel series based on ancient Mesoamerican sagas, a magical boy from Maya legend takes on a giant snake, a power-hungry king, and three impossible tests.
Sayam has always been different from other kids--he's very short for his age, his best friend is a monkey, and most curious of all: he was born from an egg! His grandmother, a witch, found him and taught him all the ancient magic she uses to help her people. So when a giant snake starts terrorizing a nearby city, Sayam decides it's time for him to use his knowledge to help others, and steps into action.
But the beast might not be Sayam's biggest problem: the ruthless King Kinich Kak Ek sees Sayam as a threat to his throne. Prophecy declares that whoever succeeds at three impossible tests will be king. Monstrous snakes and impossible tests are a lot for a boy to handle, but Sayam is brave and has a loyal monkey, a wise grandmother, and magical knowledge on his side! Can Sayam outsmart the king and bring peace to the land?
Check out the other titles in this series:
RISE OF THE HALFLING KING - THE HERO TWINS AND THE MAGIC OF SONG
Book Details
- Publisher: Cinco Puntos Press
- Publish Date: Nov 3rd, 2020
- Pages: 64
- Language: English
- Edition: undefined - undefined
- Dimensions: 10.40in - 6.80in - 0.40in - 0.46lb
- EAN: 9781947627376
- Recommended age: 10-13
- Categories: • Comics & Graphic Novels - Fairy Tales, Folklore, Legends & M• Action & Adventure - General• Fantasy - General
About the Author
Charlene Bowles is a Mexican American comic artist and illustrator from South Texas. In addition to the Tales of the Feathered Serpent series, she has illustrated several readers for educational programs and designed the covers of multiple comics and books, including the Garza Twins series. She is presently writing her first children's book and graphic novel.
David Bowles is a Mexican American author and translator from South Texas, where he teaches literature and Nahuatl at the University of Texas Río Grande Valley. Among his forty published books are the multiple-award-winning They Call Me Güero, Feathered Serpent, Dark Heart of Sky: Myths of Mexico, and The Prince & the Coyote, as well as the series Garza Twins, 13th Street, and Clockwork Curandera. He is the current president of the Texas Institute of Letters.
Praise for this book
* "David Bowles pairs up with illustrator Charlene Bowles to bring Mesoamerican heroes to life. With seemingly simple yet vivid illustrations characterized by strong, dynamic lines, the illustrator develops cunning and endearing characters to populate this enticing tale... An unmissable adventure of mythical proportions." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"It's a timeless story told in a timely way: Mayan codex meets superhero comic book. Bowles peppers the dialogue with contemporary phrases and attitudes that echo today's teenagers... A fresh story for a new generation of readers." -- The New York Times
"A tale of wonder, courage, and ultimately the power of goodness. I was completely spellbound by the imagery and storytelling. Cannot wait to see what magic is woven into the next installment!" -- J.C. Cervantes, New York Times bestselling author of The Storm Runner novels
"What an amazing trick David and Charlene Bowles have pulled off in Rise of the Halfling King! Somehow, they've managed to tell a story that feels contemporary, mythic, and historical all at once. The careful writing subtly yet unmistakably evokes the Maya language and culture, while the limpid, evocative illustrations provided both grounding and a launchpad for the imagination." -- Carlos Hernandez, award-winning author of Sal and Gabi Fix the Universe
"A fun and fantastic adventure for kids of all ages with beautiful art and a joyful sense of upliftment." -- David José Older, New York Times bestselling author of the Dactyl Hill Squad series
"Sayam's bravery and recklessness are sure to resonate with his readers, with giant snakes and a monkey best friend sealing the deal for lovers of fantasy and folklore... This is perfect for fans of the Rick Riordan Presents imprint." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"Bowles highlights Mayan writing and storytelling systems, embedding references to Mayan philosophy and ethics in a thrilling, fast-moving plot." -- The Horn Book
"Reads the way that a folk tale is traditionally heard: It's fast, vivid, and action-laden." -- School Library Journal
"Expressive, boldly lined art complements simple storytelling, resulting in a respectful, engaging interpretation of ancient Mesoamerican folklore accessible for younger readers." -- Publishers Weekly
Américas Award Commended Title - Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs
Beehive Book Award Nominee 2023 - The Children's Literature Association of Utah (CLAU)
Best Books - Kirkus Reviews
Best Books of the Year - Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature
Little Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List - Texas Library Association (TLA)