Native Myth

Award-winning author Duncan Tonatiuh reimagines one of Mexico's cherished legends. Princess Izta had many wealthy suitors but dismissed them all. When a mere warrior, Popoca, promised to be true to her and stay always by her side, Izta fell in love. The emperor promised Popoca if he could defeat their enemy Jaguar Claw, then Popoca and Izta could wed.

In the 15th century, four Mahu sail from Tahiti to Hawaii and share their gifts of science and healing with the people of Waikiki. The islanders return this gift with a monument of four boulders in their honor, which the Mahu imbue with healing powers before disappearing. As time passes, foreigners inhabit the island and the once-sacred stones are forgotten until the 1960s. Though the true story of these stones was not fully recovered, the power of the Mahu still calls out to those who pass by them at Waikiki Beach today.

Everyone knows how rude and grumpy bears can be if they don't get enough sleep! When a bad-tempered bear trips over a tiny turtle, no one can foresee the consequence. When Turtle challenges Bear to a race along the lakeshore, Bear is confident about the outcome. But Turtle is smarter than Bear can imagine.

Every critter has their own kind of music, but they still gotta choose. Buzz ‘bout the mud and bad weather...or sing ‘bout the good stuff we share in the dat ole bayou. In this Cajun fable, M’sieu Fly wakes up one morning to find that all his friends are missing. During his search - which takes him from Louisiana bayou to the moon - M’sieu Fly discovers what’s important in life and how to both get and keep friends.

Coyote, Buffalo, and the Rock is an adaptation of a traditional Native American folktale told by the Sioux of the Great Plains. In the story, Coyote gives the gift of a blanket to a rock as he takes a walk with buffalo. When it gets cold and rains, Coyote takes it back. But the rock objects and chases after him. What will happen when rock finally catches him and teaches him a lesson?

How Coyote Brought Winter into the World is an adaptation of a Native American folktale told by the Zuni. In the story, Coyote brings winter by letting the sun escape from a box he steals from an Indian village during a dance celebration. Can he get it back with Eagle’s help, and what will happen if he doesn’t get it?