Returning to the library after a month off, I found a lovely new book waiting for me: Oloyou by Teresa Cardenas. With text in both Spanish and English, it is a retelling of a Yoruba myth, where God-child creates the first creature, Oloyou the cat, from a passing cloud. The two are beloved friends, but when Oloyou accidently falls from the sky and falls in love with the daughter of the sea, his fate is uncertain. Cardenas is a famous Cuban storyteller, dancer and priestess of Santeria, and she gives us a touching story of love, friendship and creation.
I became aware of the tale when I was skimming a book review and fell in love with a picture of a happy God-child hugging the dreamy-faced, smiling cat, much larger than his maker. I immediately ordered the book from my library system. That same appealing art that drew me in fills the book, illustrated by Mexican artist Margarita Sada. Her bright oil paintings carry and enhance the charm of the story.
I'm taking this one home to read to my husband. I'd also love to hear it read in Spanish.
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