Written and illustrated by Doug Hansen
This is a beautifully illustrated, mythical history of California. Each vignette highlights a part of California history using a letter of the alphabet. The legendary Queen Calafia was outraged at first when some people from a place far away began to use the name of her island for their land. When the emotion passed and she could think more clearly, she commanded, “Go and find 26 creatures who will tell me the story of their land from far past to present. If their stories are worthy of my name, then they will not be punished but will be able to use my name, and I will watch over them forever.” Each creature represented a letter of the alphabet like “B” was the monarch butterfly.
This is a fun, fantastical history of California and would capture the imagination of elementary children. If California is not the state where you live, you and your children may be inspired to write and illustrate a creative, magical story of your state.
Tomorrow’s Child / November 2016 / p 32
