Winner of Storytelling World Award Américas Commended List

In Latin American culture—with its blend of Indian, Spanish, Catholic, and African influence—magic is a part of the everyday world. Momentos mágicos, 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 mágicos.

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.