A Yoruba-Cuban myth concerning God-child, and his creation of Oloyou the cat, is beautifully retold in this bilingual English-Spanish picture-book, with text by Cuban author Teresa Cárdenas, and illustrations by Mexican artist Margarita Sada. In the very beginning, when the universe was still unformed, and God-child was lonely and bored, he created a fluffy white companion, a creature who was "soft and loving, and ... never tired of playing nor of having its back rubbed." But when Oloyou falls into Nothing, in the course of play, and finds himself in the vast, watery kingdom of Okún Aró, the first feline is soon falling in love with the Infinite Sea's lovely daughter, Kandili. Will Oloyou and Kandili find a way to be together? Or will bitter old Okún Aró manage to keep them apart...?

I simply adored this gorgeous picture-book, from the story itself - Yes! The cat was the first creature created! My love of all things feline is validated! - to the beautiful illustrations, which manage to emphasize Oloyou's fluffy cuteness (and vivid blue eyes!) in some scenes, and the creepy darkness of Okún Aró's kingdom in others. I haven't read much Yoruba mythology, and had never encountered this story before, so am unable to say how similar or dissimilar this Cuban variant is, to the "original" African version. In fact, that was rather unclear: mention is made, on the front dust-jacket flap, of Santeria, and the influence of African stories and culture on Cuba's development, but no further information as to the source of this story is given, which is rather frustrating. Still, I will be keeping an eye out for more from this talented author and illustrator! Definitely one I recommend to all who enjoy a good myth, or appreciate beautiful picture-book art! ( )