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Wonder and Mystery
In King of the Condors, a village plagued by drought and famine receives mysterious deliveries of much-needed supplies delivered by condors under the leadership of an enigmatic figure. Where did the idea for this story come from?
I was living in Ecuador at the time, in a city called Cuenca, high in the Andes at an elevation of more than 8,000 feet. The condor is a national symbol in Ecuador and is featured prominently on the country’s flag. The condor was sacred to the Inca whose empire extended through what is now Ecuador and the mythology of this majestic bird was an important part of their folklore. I wanted to write an original story that read like a traditional folktale and that celebrated something uniquely Andean. Imagination took flight and soon after, so too did the hero of our story.
What do you think makes a great children’s story?
A profound sense of wonder and mystery is what has always captured my interest in a children’s story. Robust elements of the fantastic, the fabulous, the speculative, the mythical, and the magical.
Do you have a favorite scene in King of the Condors? One that was especially fun to write?
I actually most enjoyed writing the conclusion of the story. The idea that this young fellow, saved by condors at the cliff’s edge and now their king, stands watch over his village from somewhere in the craggy heights filled me with a sense of the splendid.
The artwork in this book is wonderful. Can you share with us a little about your collaboration with illustrator Stephanie Suter?
For sure! Stephanie is a Swiss transplant whose art is really quite spectacular. Cuenca is famous for its arts & crafts and her vibrant work has found a home there. I emailed Stephanie a copy of the story and she pulled from it the key imagery that she felt most inspired to create in ink on silk. The results are perfectly stunning.
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King of the Condors: El Rey de los Cóndores is a beautifully illustrated, dual-language children’s picture book (English/Spanish) written in the style of a traditional folktale that adults will enjoy reading too!
From Ecuador, high in the Andes Mountains of South America, comes the legend of the King of the Condors.
Desde el Ecuador, muy arriba en las montañas de los Andes en América del Sur, viene la leyenda del Rey de los Cóndores.
King of the Condors: El Rey de los Cóndores
Justin T. O’Conor Sloane’s King of the Condors is a spellbinding folktale that soars as high as the mighty birds it celebrates. Rooted in the Andes of Ecuador, we learn about a young boy’s mysterious disappearance during a blizzard, setting the stage for an extraordinary transformation. Years later, a struggling village plagued by drought and hunger encounters miraculous deliveries of food, courtesy of condors led by a regal, otherworldly figure. Blending wonder with cultural homage, a mesmerizing revelation culminates about resilience, connection, and nature’s bounty.
The writing is enchanting, I was struck by how vividly Sloane described the plaza overflowing with food from Ecuador’s diverse landscapes. The author’s prose carries a rhythmic, almost songlike quality that feels timeless, as though whispered through generations. The seamless switch between description and visual splendor made me linger on every page, soaking in the magic.
That said, what makes this book special is its themes. At its heart, the tale celebrates unity and hope, showing how the kindness of one mysterious savior can uplift an entire community. The young man on the condor, his hair shimmering “like dark waters,” feathers entwined, embodied a balance between strength and humility. It reminded me of folklore heroes who leave a lasting imprint not just through power but through grace. These themes resonate universally, yet they remain deeply rooted in Andean culture, which makes the story feel both personal and profound.
Stephanie Suter’s illustrations deserve their own standing ovation. The intricate ink-on-silk artwork is hauntingly beautiful, enhancing the mystical tone. Her depiction of the condors circling the moon was breathtaking, and the image of the young man riding the largest condor is unforgettable. The synergy between Sloane’s words and Suter’s art transforms the book into an amazing reading experience.
I recommend King of the Condors to anyone who loves folktales, cultural narratives, or just alluring stories that linger in your heart long after the last page. It’s perfect for kids and adults alike; families will love reading this dual-language story together. Sloane’s book is a must-read for anyone interested in the natural world and is a reminder that sometimes magic really does exist.
Pages: 26 | ASIN : B0DP5Q1FVG
LITERARY TITAN 