| |
|
|
Life around the Lake. REVIEWS
From Booklist
For centuries, the inhabitants around Lake Patzcuaro in central Mexico have depended on the lake for fish to eat, reeds to make baskets, and water for drinking and irrigating their cornfields. But the lake is now in danger. Its water is becoming polluted, its native fishes are threatened by species introduced in recent years, and efforts to dredge the lake have uprooted valuable grasses. The history and traditions of Lake Patzcuaro are being kept alive by a group of women embroiderers, whose colorful, detailed works show homey scenes--a fisherman weaving his net, the town's craft market, a marriage ceremony. Full-page photos of the embroidered pieces balance an informative text about the Tarascan people, which includes lots of Hispanic terms and details about everyday life and special festivals. An attractive presentation that demonstrates the impact environmental changes can have on a way of life. A pronunciation guide and information about the embroiderers are appended. Karen Hutt
From Kirkus Reviews
A glimpse of life in central Mexico is offered through the embroidery of women of the area; their landscapes and portraits of daily life, past and present, are charming. The needlework has a folk-art vibrancy, and evokes an age, not so long ago, when Lake P tzcuaro was free of pollution and a source for many kinds of fish. It was a comfortable life, little-changed for hundreds of years. Some scenes show celebrations, while others have more humble subjects: women making tamales, a fisherman and his net. Although it's presented in picture-book format, the text is dense and more accessible to older children; it describes the people and their town in detail, and reflects an anger that a way of life has been spoiled. An unusual cultural record. (Picture book/nonfiction. 9-12) -- Copyright ©1996, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
|
|
|
|
