When Tano the farmer discovers that his maize fields have been trampled in the night, he enlists the help of his three sons in finding the culprit. The two eldest - strong Carlos and clever Pedro - imagine that it will be a simple task, but fall asleep on the job, leaving it to gentle Pío to solve the mystery. Granted three wishes by the rainbow-colored horse he discovers, Pío eventually wins the hand of the beautiful Leonor, daughter of the wealthy Don Nicanor.

This Puerto Rican folktale, recorded by the ground-breaking storyteller and children's librarian Pura Belpré - for whom the Pura Belpré Award, which recognizes the achievements of Latina/Latino children's authors and illustrators, is named - reminded me of the Russian story of Chestnut-Grey, or the Swedish The Princess and the Glass Mountain. This tale-type, in which a young man captures an enchanted horse, is assisted three times in his quest to win a beautiful princess or maiden (usually by throwing an apple onto her lap, or into a basket), appears to be quite widespread. I was happy to discover this Latin American variant, although I can't say I cared as much for the illustrations by Antonio Martorell - which had a dated, 70s "feel" to them - as I did for the narrative.

Still, this was an engaging story, and should be of interest to anyone with a love of folklore, an interest in this specific tale-type, or a desire to acquaint themselves with Belpré's work. ( )

Fine condition