Up and Down the Andes A Peruvian Festival Tale

Author: Laurie Krebs
Illustrated by: Aurelia Fronty
Hardcover: 32 page(s)
Age Range: 9- 12


Book Description:

This rhyming text travels from Lake Titicaca all the way to the city of Cusco for the marvelous Inti Raymi Festival. Young readers will meet children from many areas of southern Peru who are traveling to the festival, each using a different mode of transportation. Includes useful notes on the history and culture of Peru.

From The Critics:

Booklist
"The Andes soar to meet the sky, / They plunge to meet the sea." The mountain landscape is at the center of this picture book about the Peruvian Inti Raymi Festival as children travel from all over southern Peru, by bus, train, boat, mule, and truck, to the city of Cusco to celebrate with feasting and fun in their traditional costumes. The simple rhyming text and the bright, clear, beautiful unframed acrylic paintings express a strong sense of the rich traditions that are still part of contemporary life, from the clothes and food at the party to the images of the Sun God. Extensive appended notes and a clear map fill in the fascinating history, including lots of information about Inca culture and tradition.

Publishers Weekly
Peruvian children in colorful native garb make their way to a winter solstice celebration in this glowingly illustrated book. Krebs's rhyming couplets build anticipation as each of six young travelers uses different means of transport (bus, pack animal, etc.) to arrive at the ancient Incan festival of Inti Raymi, honoring the Sun God. Fronty's paintings, in a warm, vibrant palette, are contemporary in their compositions but recall folk art in their flat planes and use of patterns. Tile roofs, costumes and the sun's rays incorporate repeated geometric motifs. Meaty endnotes highlight Peru's history, geography and people.