Amazing illustrations. Author's note states that they were based on paper collage (3-D) which was photographed with light for shadows. Beautiful. ( )

With vivid colorful images we learn the tale of how the Mayan people kept the rains coming to grow their corn crop. Although it is well written, it does not feel "authentic". ( )

Summary: To bring rain to his thirsty village, Pik challenges the rain god to a game of pok-a-tok.

This is an original story told as an ancient/classical Mayan myth. The story is by David Wisniewski, told in a classical Mayan setting with Mayan characters, gods, beliefs, and traditions. Based on the charts and calendars of the priest, it is going to be a year of terrible drought. Everyone is resigned to the upcoming death and devastation except Pik, the son of the chief. He challenges Chac, the rain god, to a pok-a-tok contest. He seeks the help of the jaguar, quetzal, and cenote to try to bring rain to his people (and prevent himself from being turned into a frog). ( )

This fable is about a boy who must beat the rain Mayan god in a ball game to save his community from a disaster.
This story tells children about being brave and overcoming fear.

3-5 ( )