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by Caroline McAlister (Author), Stefan Czernecki (Illustrator)
Carlos is working in the kitchen of the Mexican monastery when the cook enters the room in a panic. The Spanish Viceroy is on his way for a surprise visit and will arrive by noon, expecting dinner. What will the brothers feed this important ambassador to the king? Carlos tries to stay out of the way as lunch is hastily prepared, but his curiosity gets the best of him. His eagerness results in a moment of crisis, followed by what the brothers can only assume is a miracle. This story, inspired by the Mexican folk tradition, explains the origins of molé, the popular national dish that combines chocolate with turkey, spices, and nuts. Stefan Czernecki's amusing, angular illustrations capture the chaos in the kitchen as well as the folk tradition behind the tale.
READING LEVELS: Lexile Level: 540L; Guided Reading: LAuthor Biography
Caroline McAlister holds a Ph.D. in English Literature and teaches at Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina. She first heard of mole at an exhibit of Mexican folk art, which inspired her to do the research that resulted in this story. This is her first picture book.
Stefan Czernecki is an award-winning illustrator and author. He recently illustrated Zigzag, written by Robert D. San Souci. Most of the more than a dozen books he has illustrated, written, or co-written for children are stories that are set in other countries.He makes his home in Vancouver, Canada.
