Holy Mole: A Folktale from Mexico
Caroline McAlister, Stefan CzerneckiOverview
When the Spanish viceroy comes for an unscheduled visit to the monastery, the cook goes into a frenzy. What will they feed this important ambassador to the king? Carlos, the orphan boy who works in the kitchen, tries to stay out of the way as lunch is hastily prepared, but his curiosity gets the best of him. His eagerness results in a moment of crisis, followed by what Brother Roberto can only assume is a miracle. This story, inspired by the Mexican folk tradition, explains the origins of mole, the popular national dish that combines chocolate with turkey, spices, and nuts.
Synopsis
When the Spanish viceroy comes for an unscheduled visit to the monastery, the cook goes into a frenzy. What will they feed this important ambassador to the king? Carlos, the orphan boy who works in the kitchen, tries to stay out of the way as lunch is hastily prepared, but his curiosity gets the best of him. His eagerness results in a moment of crisis, followed by what Brother Roberto can only assume is a miracle. This story, inspired by the Mexican folk tradition, explains the origins of mole, the popular national dish that combines chocolate with turkey, spices, and nuts.
Publishers Weekly
Legend has it that molé, one of the signature dishes of Mexican cuisine, was created when a monk named Brother Pascual tripped and accidentally spilled the ingredients into a pot. In her debut children's book, McAlister adds a kid's-eye-view twist, positing that an orphaned kitchen boy named Carlos unwittingly created this celebrated concoction. Poor Carlos is convinced he is permanently in the doghouse after causing Brother Pascual to drop ingredients intended for several different courses into the turkey pot. But then "the most delicious smells began to rise from the simmering stew-a rich mixture of chilies, garlic, chocolate and cinnamon." The thick, savory sauce enchants the palates of both the monks and their VIP visitor, the Viceroy. Czernecki's (Zigzag) illustrations never offer a sense of time or place-in fact, he dispenses with backgrounds altogether and provides his angular characters with just enough props to carry the story. Budding foodies-especially young fans of the spontaneous gastronomy of Iron Chef-will likely find this a tale to pique their appetites. Ages 5-8. (May)
Copyright 2007 Reed Business InformationEditorials
Publishers Weekly
Legend has it that molé, one of the signature dishes of Mexican cuisine, was created when a monk named Brother Pascual tripped and accidentally spilled the ingredients into a pot. In her debut children's book, McAlister adds a kid's-eye-view twist, positing that an orphaned kitchen boy named Carlos unwittingly created this celebrated concoction. Poor Carlos is convinced he is permanently in the doghouse after causing Brother Pascual to drop ingredients intended for several different courses into the turkey pot. But then "the most delicious smells began to rise from the simmering stew-a rich mixture of chilies, garlic, chocolate and cinnamon." The thick, savory sauce enchants the palates of both the monks and their VIP visitor, the Viceroy. Czernecki's (Zigzag) illustrations never offer a sense of time or place-in fact, he dispenses with backgrounds altogether and provides his angular characters with just enough props to carry the story. Budding foodies-especially young fans of the spontaneous gastronomy of Iron Chef-will likely find this a tale to pique their appetites. Ages 5-8. (May)
Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information