Publisher Description

Twins coping with moving to a new city get swept back in time by a magical book in this first book in the Legendarios chapter book series that's Magic Tree House meets Heroes in Training!

Nine-year-old twins, Emma and Martín, couldn't be more different in their personalities, interests, and even their looks. But one thing they absolutely agree on is that moving from Cuernavaca, Mexico, to Illinois is a terrible idea. Unfortunately, they're not given a choice when their dad lands his dream job as a middle school principal in Chicago. To help the twins stay connected to their Mexican heritage, their abuela gifts them a book of Mexican legends. The book turns out to be more than a going away present…it's a magical item that transports them directly into the legends!

In the first legend, Emma and Martín encounter Tlaloc, the god of rain. Tlaloc is angry because his lightning bolt has been stolen, and his rage is manifesting as a torrential downpour over the ancient city of Texcoco. The rain won't stop until the lightning bolt has been returned, so Emma and Martín set out to recover it.

Will they find Tlaloc's bolt in time to help the people of Texcoco save their home? Or will the wrath of the rain god mark the end of this legendary city?

Author Biography

Karla Arenas Valenti grew up in Mexico, a land of great myths and many legends. From a very young age, she loved getting lost in stories (and, in fact, she considers herself the very first Legendario). As a grown-up, she still loves getting lost in stories and is now creating adventures for readers to do the same. In addition to chapter books, Karla is the author of many picture books and middle grade novels. She currently lives in the Chicagoland area with her husband, three kids, two cats, and hundreds of books. 

Vanessa Morales is a Mexican illustrator, kid lit artist, and concept artist with a deep love for portraying nature, fantasy, and daily life with a touch of magic. She has been working in different fields of illustration for almost ten years.

Review

"Valenti's adventurous premise will engage readers, while the plot and characters deftly introduce Mexican history and myths, astutely focusing on the unforgettable Tlaloc. The rapport between the twins adds levity, the movement of the characters between time and place aids with pacing, and the occasional black-and-white illustrations add appeal. A promising series starter featuring plenty of clever references to Indigenous Mexican food, history, and language."  -- Booklist * 03/01/2024 *

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