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Giving Children Books From Their Culture
Nathan Ñeque: The Hunger Contest follows a boastful agouti who loves winning and challenges a cicada to a hunger contest, confident that he will triumph. What inspired you to write this folklore adaptation story from The Ngäbe Comarca in Panama?
The Ngäbe people do not have any children’s books about their culture per se, and they brought the original story to me to write a children’s picture book. I adapted it to my own story and gave names to their animals but kept their theme throughout the book. Created my own story. We work on the Comarca with the Ngäbe people. I wanted to have some books for the children of their own culture.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Yassibel Duque?
It was great, as usual. She is adaptable and comes up with unique ideas. She also lets me have my say, and we work well together. I appreciate the camaraderie with her.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I wanted to educate children on the agouti and cicada. The agouti is from Panama, and people know cicadas. I wanted to incorporate how cicadas get their food differently than the agouti. But the agouti didn’t realize how the cicada ate their “food”; the cicada only had to stay on the branch. The agouti had to hunt for his food.
I also wanted to bring out the pride, arrogance, and eventual defeat that enabled Nathan to change his perception of other animals. I wanted to keep that theme from the original Ngäbe folktale.
What next book are you working on, and when will it be available?
I am currently waiting for my illustrations for another folktale from the Ngäbes. The title of my adapted story is Benny the Boa Meets His Match. I will then get it formatted and uploaded to Amazon, probably mid-March 2025.
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Nathan Ñeque : The Hunger Contest-El concurso del hambre
Nathan Ñeque: The Hunger Contest by Jane E. Ruth, with illustrations by Yassibel Duque, is a bilingual (English/Spanish) children’s story adapted from a Ngäbe folk tale from Panama. The story revolves around Nathan Ñeque, a boastful agouti who loves winning. Nathan challenges a cicada to a hunger contest, confident that he will triumph. As the days pass, Nathan’s overconfidence is challenged by the cicada’s quiet endurance, leading to an amusing conclusion that leaves Nathan humbled and wiser. This tale offers a playful, yet meaningful exploration of themes like humility, persistence, and community.
One of my favorite aspects of the book is the way it brings an authentic cultural folk tale to life for modern readers. Nathan’s over-the-top confidence, shown through his loud boasts and exaggerated gestures like puffing on his pipe, made me chuckle. I could almost hear his voice declaring, “No one can catch me!” The contrast with the cicada, calm and still throughout, is not only funny but also thought-provoking. The author captures this dynamic beautifully without overcomplicating the language, making it accessible for kids while still entertaining for adults. It feels like being told a bedtime story with a moral tucked inside, which is exactly what folk tales should be.
The illustrations by Yassibel Duque are another highlight. They add so much charm and energy to the story, from Nathan’s frantic pacing on the third day of the contest to his dramatic, smoke-filled pondering on the stump. The visuals complement the text perfectly, bringing the characters’ emotions and actions to life. I especially loved the little details, like the swirling smoke from Nathan’s pipe or the serene look on the cicada’s face. It’s the kind of art that pulls you in and makes you want to linger on each page a little longer.
The story’s engaging structure uses repetition to emphasize Nathan’s growing hunger and frustration as the contest progresses, creating a vivid sense of time passing. This approach mirrors the endurance theme beautifully and helps younger readers connect with Nathan’s experience. While the steady pace might feel familiar in the middle, it builds anticipation for the satisfying conclusion, where Nathan admits defeat and learns a valuable lesson. The payoff is both heartwarming and impactful, making the journey feel truly worthwhile.
Nathan Ñeque: The Hunger Contest is a delightful read with a heartwarming message. It’s ideal for children who love animals, folk tales, or bilingual stories. The book would also be great for parents and educators looking for a fun way to introduce cultural stories from Panama. If you’re after a story that combines humor, wisdom, and beautiful artwork, this one is definitely worth adding to your collection.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0D8QG8JK3
LITERARY TITAN 