Momentos Mágicos-Magic Moments
In many parts of Latin America—with its mix of Indigenous, Spanish, Catholic, and African traditions—magic is part of everyday life. Momentos mágicos, or “magic moments,” can appear in all kinds of ways. For storyteller Olga Loya, the magic happens each time an old tale is passed from one person to another. The sixteen stories in this collection are filled with those special moments.
Told in lively English and Spanish, the tales include spooky legends like the Mexican story of La Llorona, the Wailing Woman; clever animal adventures like the Mayan tale of how Monkey tricked Crocodile; stories of brave and powerful women, such as Blanca Flor (White Flower); and myths like La Diosa Hambrienta, the Hungry Goddess.
With stories from Mexico, Cuba, Guatemala, the Yucatán, Nicaragua, Baja California, Puerto Rico, and the Mayan Popol Vuh, Olga Loya brings centuries‑old legends to life with humor, energy, and heart. These bilingual, multicultural tales help young readers explore the importance of fairness, respect, and caring for one another.
