Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote: A Migrant’s Tale by Duncan Tonatiuh

Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote: A Migrant’s Tale by Duncan Tonatiuh

Summary: Pancho Rabbit’s father had gone way to the US for work so that he could make enough money to take of the family. His family missed him very much, and soon he would be home. Pancho’s mom made all Pancho’s dad favorite foods, mole, rice, beans, and tortillas. His mom even made Aguamiel, which was Pancho’s dad’s favorite drink. The party was ready for when his father finally arrived. However, Pancho’s father didn’t come that night, as everyone left the party, they all assured Pancho and his family that his father would be home soon enough. That night, Pancho could not take it anymore, he was going to search for his father. He took some his father’s favorite food and his favorite drink, and while his mother and siblings were fast asleep, Pancho snuck off into the night. Not soon after leaving, Pancho met Coyote who said he would help, but only if Pancho gave him the mole he had in his bag. So, Pancho gave it to home, just so he be closer to his father. When they were about to cross the river, Coyote said that he would need some rice and beans to give him strength, and because Pancho could not swim, he gave him the food, and they crossed the river. They they were caught by some snakes, but they were able to get away by distracting them with the toritalls Pancho had. Next, they were crossing the desert, and it was so hot that both the Coyote and Pancho drank all of the aguamiel. When the day was over, they stopped in a shack and Coyote built a fire to keep them warm. Then Coyote asked if Pancho had any more food and drink, when he said not, Coyote said that that means he’ll just have to eat Pancho. However, before Coyote could make a move on home, in burst in Pancho’s father and his friends Senor Ram and Senor Rooster. They scared off the coyote and father and san were reunited. Pancho’s father and revealed to Pancho they they had been attacked and robbed by crows, and this is why they were late. When they arrived home. Their family was so happy to see them all. Pancho’s siblings told him to never do that again, because they were so worried, but also that they were happy to see him. Now all the town gathered again to celebrate their homecoming. During the party, Papa Rabbit told everyone about the robbery. His family begged him not to leave again, but Papa Rabbit said that if they have a good harvest this year, then he won’t have to. Pancho and his siblings all announced that they would go with their father if they he had to leave again. Papa Rabbit, just chuckled and said to hope that they had a good harvest.

Review: This book is a bilingual book, and it even has a glossary in the back. It’s important threaders can identify with characters in the books they read. At  ages 5 -9, students are beginning to see the differences in their peers from themselves, and it is important they they know they are not alone in whatever situation they are in. I would love to have this book in my classroom, especially during Hispanic Heritage month we talk to our students about the culture and way of life people live right next door.