How Music Came to the World: A Mexican Graphic Folktale
Discover Graphics: Global Folktales Series
on Goodreads (11)
What’s inside...
This graphic folktale from Mexico narrates the enchanting story of how music was brought to the world by ancient Aztec gods. In this illustrated tale, readers will discover the vibrant culture of Mexico, the power of music, the fantastical elements of folklore and its cultural significance. The Aztec Sky god and Wind god set out on a quest to the Sun palace to retrieve musicians from the all-mighty hot-headed Sun ruler, creating an engaging and educational experience for young readers through clever text and easy-to-follow panels.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think music was so important to the characters in the story?
How did the characters feel before and after music was introduced to their world?
What kind of emotions do you feel when you listen to music?
How do you think music helps people communicate with each other?
What would our world be like if there was no music?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what their favorite song is and why they like it. This personal connection can make the themes in the book more relatable.
Encourage your child to describe the music or sounds they imagine while reading the story, enhancing their auditory imagination.
Discuss the illustrations that depict music and ask your child to interpret them. This boosts visual literacy and artistic appreciation.
Relate the story to a real-life event where music played a significant role, helping them connect literature to the world around them.
After reading, engage in a creative activity such as drawing or creating simple instruments to bring the story to life through active participation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The power of creativity and expression
Explanation: The story illustrates how music was creatively brought to the world, highlighting the importance of artistic expression.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore their own artistic talents, whether it's through music, art, or storytelling, as a way of expressing themselves and connecting with others.
Example Lesson: Cooperation and teamwork
Explanation: Characters in the story work together to bring music to the world, showcasing the importance of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the value of cooperating with others to achieve common goals, be it in school projects, sports, or family activities.
Example Lesson: Respect and appreciation for cultural heritage
Explanation: The tale is rooted in Mexican folklore, providing a narrative that respects and celebrates cultural history.
Real-World Application: Children can develop a deeper respect for their own and others’ cultural backgrounds, understanding the significance of cultural diversity.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the face of challenges
Explanation: Characters in the book overcome various obstacles to bring music to the people, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of perseverance when confronting difficulties, encouraging them to not give up easily in their endeavors.
Example Lesson: Joy and community through sharing
Explanation: The book concludes with music being shared among people, creating joy and community bonding.
Real-World Application: This promotes the idea of sharing as a means to spread happiness and strengthen community ties, encouraging children to share their own joys and creations with others.