Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote

Starred review from April 8, 2013
Tonatiuh (Diego Rivera: His World and Ours) uses an animal cast to create a valuable portrait of the often-perilous journeys of migrant Mexicans who seek work in the U.S. to support their families. It is time for Papá Rabbit to return home from working in “El Norte,” and his family prepares a celebratory fiesta, but he fails to arrive. When Pancho goes in search of his father, he meets a coyote who agrees to guide him north. In both prose and art, Tonatiuh expertly balances folkloric elements with stark, modern realities; Pancho Rabbit’s trip has the feel of a classic fable or fairy tale, with the untrustworthy coyote demanding more and more of him. As in Tonatiuh’s previous books, his illustrations draw from ancient Mexican art, but he also incorporates photographic textures, from denim jeans to the zipper on Pancho’s mochila (backpack), emphasizing the connection between past and present. An extensive author’s note offers a useful springboard for adult-child discussion as Tonatiuh delineates the dangers undocumented immigrants face. The story’s bittersweet, even ominous, ending reminds readers that there are no easy solutions. Ages 6–9.

February 1, 2014

K-Gr 2-This allegorical tale describes the many struggles immigrants face as they attempt to cross the border between the United States and Mexico. Pancho Rabbit's Papa has left home to find work in the Northern fields. But when Papa does not return as expected, Pancho sets out to find him. He packs a backpack full of Papa's favorite foods and heads out into the night. It isn't long before he meets Coyote, who offers to show Pancho the quickest route to his father in exchange for some food from the backpack. Together, Pancho and Coyote navigate a moving train, a rushing river, a high fence, and a hot desert. But, when Pancho runs out of food, Coyote turns on him and threatens to eat him. Narrator Luis Moreno's steady pacing helps move the story along, and his emphasis of certain Spanish words gives readers a better understanding of the vocabulary. His voice changes throughout to reflect the anxiety and determination Pancho experiences while on his quest. The book's (Abrams, 2013) flat drawings are reminiscent of ancient Mexican artwork, but the computer-created collages add a modern twist and vibrant colors to the illustrations. This will tie in well with units on immigration and discussions about migrant laborers.-Anne Bozievich, Friendship Elementary School, Glen Rock, PA

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