Momentos M gicos/Magic Moments, Paperback

Americas Award for Children & Young Adult Literature

Winner of Storytelling World Award Am ricas Commended ListIn Latin American culture--with its blend of Indian, Spanish, Catholic, and African influence--magic is a part of the everyday world. Momentos m gicos, or magic moments, can come in many forms. For storyteller Olga Loya, magic occurs every time an ancient story is passed from teller to listener. The sixteen stories here are full of momentos m gicos. Presented in equally vibrant English and Spanish, they include stories of the supernatural, such as the Mexican tale of La Llorona, the Wailing Woman; of animals and tricksters, such as the Mayan story of how Monkey tricked Crocodile; of strong women, like Blanca Flor (White Flower); and myths, such as La Diosa Hambrienta, the hungry goddess. In stories from Mexico, Cuba, Guatemala, the Yucatan, Nicaragua, Baja California, Puerto Rico, and the Mayan Popol Vhu, Olga Loya works her magic to create humorous, vital, and powerful renditions of centuries-old legends. These bilingual and multicultural stories will learn the importance of fairness, respect and caring.

About the Author:

Olga Loya Bio: Nationally known Latina storyteller, performance artist, teacher and author, Olga Loya dramatically mixes Spanish and English in books and performances for adult, children and family audiences. Her repertoire demonstrates how stories from diverse cultures embrace and enrich so many aspects of people's lives. Loya's stories explore the struggles, complexities, and joys of being bicultural - Mexican American in the United States. Loya's August House book, Momentos Magicos or Magic Moments includes sixteen Latino stories presented in equally vibrant English and Spanish. The collection includes stories about the supernatural, animals, tricksters, strong women and myths. Olga Loya has been a featured storyteller at the First Latin-American Storytelling Festival in Guadalajara, Mexico, and the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, appearing at the Ghost Tales Night. She also serves on the advisory boards of a number of arts councils including: Los Angeles Music Center Education Division, Santa Barbara-San Luis Obispo Children's Creative Project, and the Cultural Council of Santa Cruz.