Itzel and the ocelot
(Book)

"From debut author/illustrator Rachel Katstaller comes this rich, evocative folk tale inspired by stories she heard growing up in El Salvador. Itzel lives happily with her grandmother at the edge of the jungle. When the rains fail to come to water their crops, putting their livelihood at risk, her grandmother tells her that the giant snake is the one who announces the arrival of the rain. But many people don't believe in him anymore, so he has retreated to the place where the water is born. Itzel sets off alone to find the source of the river, determined to help her grandmother and summon the rain. As she journeys deeper into the jungle, she's joined by a strange ocelot who seems to recognize her -- and various other creatures who need the rain to come but have lost faith in the giant snake. Itzel convinces them to join her anyway. And finally, just when she thinks she's failed, something surprising happens... Tender and expressive with understated environmental themes, this lushly illustrated story has plenty of charm and a touch of humour ("All animals can speak," the ocelot tells Itzel, "but you humans never listen"). Itzel is a compelling character determined to save her beloved jungle, and her relationship with the ocelot, who turns out to be her guardian spirit or "tonal", will intrigue young readers. The text is supported by an author's note and a glossary of Nawat words."--,Provided by publisher.

Includes some text in Nawat.