Blancaflor, the Hero with Secret Powers: A Folktale from Latin America - (Toon Latin American Folktales) by Nadja Spiegelman (Paperback)

About the Book

"In this updated adaptation of a classic Latin American folktale, Blancaflor, a young ogre with magical powers, decides to secretly help a charming prince who has made a foolish bet with her father. Through saving the prince and the kingdom, she learns to be honest with herself and others about the things that make her special"--]cProvided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

One of the New York Times Best Children's Books of 2021

A Children's Book about finally being seen. Blancaflor, a superb graphic storytelling of a classic Latin American folktale, showcases the invisible labor of women and the contributions of Indigenous cultures.

A damsel to the rescue! Raised by a mean ogre of a father who eats his opponents for dinner, Blancaflor is often told not to show off her own considerable powers for fear of scaring off suitors. When a prince falls from the sky and wakes up in her lap, she is spellbound and moves heaven and earth to help the endearing, yet not so clever, young man, all while trying not to let him know. With their trademark magnificent brio, Nadja Spiegelman and Sergio García Sánchez update a classic tale extolling the strength and resourcefulness of women.

The award-winning TOON Latin American Folktales series highlights authentic Latin American stories and cultures, bringing them a to a new generation of graphic novel fans around the world.

Review Quotes

Finalist for 2019 Excellence In Graphic Literature Award, Best in Children's Graphic Literature (Fiction)!

A New York Times Editors' Choice

​NPR 2018 Great Reads

​A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard

★ "A trio of Latin American folktales are given a makeover in the children's-book debut of one of the brothers behind famed graphic-novel series Love and Rockets...In his six-panel pages, Hernandez flexes his considerable storytelling skills, his deceptively simple art conveying all the detail, nuance, and expression of character each story needs...In addition to the tales themselves, the book opens with an on-point essay by author F. Isabel Campoy putting the mix of Spanish and Native American influences in context...María E. Santana's simultaneously publishing Spanish-language translation is identical in look but far from dry, flawlessly employing its own language quirks. Rousing tales, spirited artwork, and rich backmatter ensure that this slim graphic novel for kids becomes a rich resource for all caregivers, not just those of Latinx children."
​ --Kirkus Reviews STARRED REVIEW

"With its eye-catching design, appealing cover, and its spirited stories, you may have to pry this entertaining and informative book from the hands of children."
​ --Julie Danielson's "Four Favorites" on the Kirkus blog

​A review specifically about our Spanish-language editions:
"La Matadragones collects three classic Latin American folktales in comics format. The titular tale starts with the magical words 'Había una vez' ('Once upon a time . . . .') and tells a feminist fantasy story about a girl who makes her own destiny and slays a dragon for her prince. Next up is 'Martina Martínez y El Ratoncito Pérez, ' which many Latinx might recognize as 'La Cucarachita Martina.' This story also ends with the 'colorín colorado, este cuento se ha acabado' a beloved, familiar refrain. The final tale is 'Tup y las Hormigas, ' which doesn't celebrate valor, compassion, or other typical folk morals, but rather intelligence and creative thinking. Hernandez' lively, full-color cartoon artwork vividly brings the stories to life. As educational as it is entertaining, this is perfect for folklore lovers of all ages."
​ --Booklist Online
​
"One of the best folktale and fairy tale-based comics I've seen...The Dragon Slayer is a sweet, short burst of smart, loving comics, and comes highly recommended."
--Kinder Comics
"Folktales can transcend space and time and, as this title proves, genres too."
--Horn Book Magazine

"This beautifully designed collection, with amiable art in lovely full color, is perfect for bedtime read-aloud or a lesson on traditional folktales."
​ --Booklist

"Fairy tales with brown heroes and heroines are rare, and these stories are full of unexpected twists."
​ --Publishers Weekly

"These delightfully rendered stories should easily find a home in the folktale/fairy-tale section of any library."
--School Library Journal

"It's a perfect work for adults who grew up on Love and Rockets to share with their children, and it's an equally perfect introduction to the rich folklore immediately to the south of the U.S."
--Good Comics for Kids on the SLJ Blog

"Campoy's introduction, and the tales' origins and bibliography, including art reproductions, in the back matter, combine to enrich understanding of the culture of these strong heroines and heroes. Hernandez's vivid illustrations make the tales modern, relatable and universal."
--Youth Services Book Review Massachusetts​​​

"I absolutely love this introduction to Latin American folktales, and can only hope there's a volume 2 somewhere down the line. This is such a great addition to folk and fairy tale collections and diverse, culturally rich collections."
​ --Mom Read It

"Despite its notable lack of explosions, The Dragon Slayer will entice kids and parents alike to join the parade on its cover."
​ --Commons Comics

About the Author

Nadja Spiegelman is the Eisner Award-nominated author of the Zig and Wikki series of science comics for young children and the editor-in-chief of an international literary magazine. Her memoir, I'm Supposed to Protect You from All This, was published by Riverhead. She is a contributing editor at The Paris Review and the co-editor of the 2016- 2017 project Resist!, a magazine of women's political comics and graphics.
Sergio García Sánchez, a professor of comics in Angoulême, France, and at the University of Granada, Spain, is one of Europe's most celebrated experimental cartoonists. His work has been published in over forty-five books and translated into nine languages. He lives in Granada with his wife and collaborator, Lola Moral, who colored the art for this book.