El nino de maiz = The boy of maize
(Kids Read-A-Long)

Funded in part by a grant from the Clayton Fund.

Book originally published: Arte Publico, 2022.

The permanently attached VOX Reader transforms an ordinary print book into an all-in-one read-along. There's no need for computers, tablets or CDs. Children simply push a button to listen and read--Publisher's website.

VOX Audio playback device includes headphone jack, external speaker, play/pause button, volume controls, page-turning controls, rechargeable battery,and a low battery indicator. May require an AC adapter.

Read by Anthony Michael Lopez.

In a land where the yellow jaguar lives and the sun rises behind green mountains, "the earth was filled with joy" when Balám, the boy of maize, was born. He climbed on top of a big, blue turtle, and along with an assortment of other animals, began the journey to the village. Excited to spread the word about the child's birth, the creatures worked together--each utilizing its special skills--in perfect harmony with Mother Earth. The turtle walked so slowly that he sent the louse ahead to give the good news to the townspeople. But the louse fell asleep in the road, so the toad swallowed him and said, "I will take you with the message." The toad, exhausted from taking big leaps, was swallowed by the snake, and the snake, unable to cross the river, was swallowed by the hawk. When the bird flew into the village, the louse delivered the message, but long days and nights passed and still the boy did not arrive! Would the great turtle be able to deliver the special boy?

Ages 4-8.

P-3.

Parallel text in English and Spanish.