The Princess and the Warrior

Narrated by Tim Andrés Pabon, this adaptation of author-illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh's 2016 picture book offers a retelling of a legend from Aztec mythology. Featuring a bonus read-along option and glossary—helpful with the many non-English words—The Princess and the Warrior follows picky Princess Izta, who is not really excited over suitors who try to woo her with feathers and turquoise necklaces but is totally smitten when simple warrior Popoca shows up and talks about things like love and honesty. Izta's emperor dad offers Popoca a deal: if he battles the enemy Jaguar Claw tribe, the pair can get hitched. But like a certain other star-crossed love affair, a misleading messenger and a sleeping potion throw a wrench in the plan. Featuring a wind instrument-laden soundtrack and realistic colors for Tonatiuh's characters, extras for this fine fable include an author's note about the real mountains Iztaccíhuatl and Popocatépetl in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. An ALSC Notable Children's Video selection, this is recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (J. Williams-Wood)