Invisible Hunters

Harriet Rohmer, Octavio Chow, and Morris Vidaure. Illustrations: Joe The Invisible Hunters - Los Cazadores Invisibles -: A Story from the Oral Tradition of Nicaragua
Paperback: 30pp. Children's Book Press. 1987

This Miskito Indian legend set in 17th-century Nicaragua illustrates the impact of the first European traders on traditional life.

"This legend is presented in both English and Spanish on the same page. The story is about three Miskito Indian hunters and how their special gifts from the DAR (a mystical being) are corrupted by European settlers. The hunters (also brothers) promised the DAR they would never sell the hunted meat and only hunt in the traditional way with sticks. In return, the DAR gave them a piece of magic vine that made them invisible to the animals. The brothers are first persuaded by traders to "sell only what the villagers do not eat." They enjoy the riches brought by their success and begin to use guns, and abandon their village. In retaliation for broken promises, the DAR makes the hunters invisible to everyone, and the elders expel them from the village." - reviewed for Children's Literature by Mary Sue Preissner

A harsh and magically real story, from the people who experienced the first contact between the indigeonous people and the European invaders.

For capable readers.

Coretta Scott King Honor Book 1987, Library Association Notable Children's Book 1987.