Rain Player [Paperback]

The ancient Mayan belief that the future was divinely decreed and could not be changed is the basis for this original tale of a boy who must defeat the Rain God in a ball game to save his people from disaster. Mayan art and architecture were the inspiration for the spectacular cut-paper artwork.

The ancient Mayan belief that the future was divinely decreed and could not be changed is the basis for this original tale of a boy who must defeat the Rain God in a ball game to save his people from disaster. Mayan art and architecture were the inspiration for the spectacular cut-paper artwork.

A unique artist again creates a substantial original tale based on folkloric traditions, meticulously explained in an extensive note. . . . A strong adventure that will appeal to a broad age range. Kirkus Reviews

An unusual story of a young Mayan ballplayer who, defying the priest's prophecy of a drought to come in the year ahead, challenges the rain god (Chac) to a game of pok-a-tok. . . . The great beauty of the volume and its lessons on Mayan culture make it a unique and worthwhile purchase. School Library Journal

The visual excitement of these pictures gives the book immediate and lasting appeal. Booklist, ALA, Starred Review