How the Gods Created the Finger People - Tapa dura

Reseña del editor

When artist Luz-Maria Lopez was growing up in Honduras, her grandmother would tell fantastical bedtime fables about their Mayan ancestors. This story focuses on the creation of the first humans and why it should be that no rich man will enter the gates of heaven unless he treats all who serve him-the finger people-with love and kindness. This fable for young readers is accompanied by colorful Mayan-style illustrations.

Nota de la solapa

"The works of Luz-Maria Lopez bring this lovely story to life. It is a must for museum and school libraries as well as family reading at home. Truly delightful."
-Diane Dufilho, director, Meadows Museum of Art at Centenary College of Louisiana

While growing up in Honduras, artist Luz-Maria Lopez loved to hear her grandmother's stories, which were often about their Mayan ancestors. One tale in particular involves the legendary finger people and how they came into existence.

After the gods in heaven created colorful flowers, birds to sing songs, and animals to roam the forest, they were still lonely and wanted something to love them. Therefore, they decided to make humans for companionship. First, they formed a man out of clay, but he melted in water. Next, they tried wood, but this man burned in fire. Thirdly, the gods constructed a man of gold, but he lacked an appreciation for nature's beauty.

Disappointed with their efforts, the Good-Hearted God realized that humans must come from a godly part, so the heavenly figure cut the fingers from his hand. The fingers fell to Earth, and as soon as they hit the ground, they magically turned into people. Offering compassion and warmth to the gold man, the finger people were rewarded by the gods for their generosity.

Complete with Mayan-style illustrations, How the Gods Created the Finger People is told in English and Spanish.

Both Elizabeth Moore and Alice Couvillon graduated from Newcomb College. Couvillon later earned a master of arts in teaching from Tulane University and has been a teacher at Mandeville High School for more than two decades. They are also the coauthors of Pelican's Mimi's First Mardi Gras, Mimi and Jean-Paul's Cajun Mardi Gras, Louisiana Indian Tales, Evangeline for Children, and Ancient Mounds of Watson Brake: Oldest Earthworks in North America. Moore and Couvillon reside in Covington, Louisiana.

Luz-Maria Lopez received her B.A. from Southeastern Louisiana University, where she was selected as the Outstanding Graduate by the visual arts department. She was commissioned by the university to create artwork depicting the native peoples of the Americas. Her work has appeared in galleries and museums across the country. Lopez lives in Covington, Louisiana.