Accelerated Reader Program Selection
While artist Luz-Maria Lopez was growing up in Honduras, her grandmother would share stories about her Mayan ancestors, such as the legend of the finger people. The tale begins with the lonely gods in heaven. Though they created flowers and beasts to roam the forest, they lacked companionship. They created a man out of clay, but he melted. A man made of wood caught fire, and a man made of gold lacked an appreciation for nature’s beauty.
They decided that man must be composed from the gods. The gods cut their fingers from their hand, which fell to earth and transformed into the energetic finger people. The compassionate little people felt bad for the cold, gold man and offered him love and warmth. For this, the gods decreed that no rich man can enter the gates of heaven unless he treats others with love and kindness, just as the finger people showed kindness to the gold man.
Told in both English and Spanish, this unique story is full of vibrant illustrations by Luz-Maria Lopez, which reflect traditional Mayan art.
About the Authors
Both Elizabeth Moore and Alice Couvillon graduated from Newcomb College. Couvillon later earned a master of arts in teaching from Tulane University and has been teaching for more than three decades. They are also the coauthors of Pelican’s Mimi’s First Mardi Gras, Mimi and Jean-Paul’s Cajun Mardi Gras, Louisiana Indian Tales, Evangeline for Children, and Ancient Mounds of Watson Brake: Oldest Earthworks in North America. Moore and Couvillon reside in Covington, Louisiana.
About the Illustrator
Luz-Maria Lopez received her BA from Southeastern Louisiana University, where she was selected as the Outstanding Graduate by the visual arts department. She was commissioned by the university to create artwork depicting the native peoples of the Americas. Her work has appeared in galleries and museums across the country. Lopez lives in Covington, Louisiana.
HOW THE GODS CREATED THE FINGER PEOPLE
By Elizabeth Moore and Alice Couvillon
Illustrated by Luz-Maria Lopez
JUVENILE FICTION / Fairy Tales & Folklore / Country & Ethnic
JUVENILE FICTION / Legends, Myths, Fables / General
32 pp. 12 x 9
31 color illus.
ISBN: 9781589808898