Ancient Night

Publishers Weekly Best of the Year
BookPage Best of the Year
Junior Library Guild Gold Standard
Evanston Library Best of the Year
Horn Book 2023 Summer Reading List

"Vivid and vibrant."-NPR Weekend Edition

At the start of things, the elders say,
the universe was hushed and still.
The moon alone shone bright and round in the star-speckled dark of the sky.

David Álvarez is one of the most extraordinary artists working today. His black-and-white illustrations have gained fame in his home country of Mexico and around the world.

Here, inAncient Night (Noche Antigua), David displays his immense talent with full-color illustrations for the first time.

Ancient Night is a twist on two Nahuatl traditions: the rabbit which the Feathered Serpent placed on the moon, and Yaushu, the Lord Opossum who ruled the earth before humans came, and who stole fire from the gods to create the sun.

Award-winning author David Bowles has written a poetic text - and carefully researched backmatter - to accompany David's lush illustrations and story. Published simultaneously in English and Spanish editions,Ancient Night offersyoung readers everywhere the chance to savor this ancient tale in its most beautiful format possible.

P R A I S E

★ Bolstered by the ethereal, whimsical text, the plush, incandescent acrylic and oil paint artwork gathers the subtleties and splendors of nighttime and the plant life that surrounds Rabbit and Opossum. Together words and images tug readers along at a measured pace. An excellent authors' note underscores how common strands and crucial differences from wide-ranging Mesoamerican legends and myths furnish the inspiration at the roots of this tale. Like a mighty dream recalledfrom time gone by.
-Kirkus (starred)

★ Luminous acrylic and oil illustrations bring the night to life. . . Enchanting text presents the tale in short, clear sentences that convey a sense of timeless mystery and beauty. . . An excellent choice for picture book collections that uniquely explores traditional Mesoamerican tales and is sure to inspire the wish for further discovery and appreciation.
-School Library Journal (starred)

★ "Bowles' spare, evocative text flows like poetry. . . Álvarez's compositions are sophisticated...