A Land of Books: Dreams of Young Mexihcah Word Painters

Although this is a children’s picture book, I learned so much from its pages. For example, I did not know that codices are the ancestor of the modern book. I also did not know (I am ashamed to say) that the amoxtin were the codices of the Aztecs. Also, that the Aztecs were called the Mexiheah.

There is so very much to learn and enjoy in this book. It is beautifully and lushly illustrated. It tells a story narrated by children of the artists who created the amoxtin through their painting and storytelling. The book tells of the process used to create the dyes and paper used in the amoxtin. The book celebrates the wealth of information needed by the books’ creators.

There is a very helpful glossary at the end of the book that defines all the terms. The author’s note sadly informs us that few of these works of art and history survive today. There is also a bibliography and a listing of websites where one can view reproductions. Travel certainly broadens an individual. The next best thing are books like this one, which brings alive an ancient and vibrant culture.