The Fifth and Final Sun

Children's Literature - Marilyn Courtot

In this retelling of an ancient Aztec myth of creation, Shana encompasses the whole Aztec religion. Greger's palette moves to brighter tones with lots of yellow and gold as befits a story about the sun. Her interpretation of these tales is masterfully handled through full and double page spreads. The illustrations are complex, but true to the text, and the borders draw on Aztec symbols which will intrigue young readers.

School Library Journal

Gr 1-4-According to this Aztec creation myth, humankind lives in the Age of the Fifth Sun. The first four suns were destroyed by jealous gods; the fifth was born by an act of unselfish sacrifice. Greger's retelling embroiders upon traditional details to create a unique version of this porquoi story about the origin of the sun and the moon. The tale is illustrated with fantastically detailed watercolors, most of which are single page; others are double-page spreads framed by a border of Aztec-style designs. Shapes are outlined with strong, flowing curves. The emotional content of each scene is accented by the use of color-the dying light of the Second Sun turns the sky a dim mustard yellow; bathed in the Fourth Sun's soft white rays, the green and gold fields glow with vitality. Greger's lively, imaginative mixture of pictures and text bring real sparkle to this story, which may be unfamiliar to many young listeners.-Mary Jo Drungil, Niles Public Library District, IL