Traditional Literature: The Little Seven-Colored Horse

Bibliography:
San Souci, Robert D. 1995. THE LITTLE SEVEN-COLORED HORSE. Ill. Jan Thompson Dicks. San Francisco: Chronicle Books. ISBN 978-0811804127

Plot Summary:
Set in 1700’s Mexico, a granjero finds his maiz ruined in the night. One by one, his three sons are charged with keeping watch. Only the youngest son, Jaunito, is able to stay awake through the night to discover a horse of many colors eating the corn. The painted horse promises to help him in his time of need if he should let him go. When Jaunito tells his father and brothers of the magical horse, they laugh. The older brothers eventually leave the farm looking for their fortune. Little brother sneaks away too, only to be tormented again and again by his brothers. Jaunito hears that Maria, the alcalde’s daughter’s hand will be won by the winner of contest. Jaunito competes, along with his brothers, and wins with the help of his colorful friend. His jealous brothers scheme to send him on many nearly impossible tasks. Finally, Jaunito is faster than they are and is able to rid himself of them and live happily with his new bride.

Critical Analysis:
The story is full of trickery and love and magic; unfortunately it lacks the energy and excitement to go with it. The story never seems to make it off the ground before it is over. The many challenges Jaunito is sent on should be full of danger and hardship, but sadly they drudge along instead of sweeping the reader into the drama. The story is missing a key ingrediant in writing-hook and the line.

The illustrations are not much better. The Mexican characters do not have Mexican characteristics and are poorly drawn. The horse, which should be beautiful, is more of a disappointment, and is never more than two colors.

The combination of an inadequate story and poor drawings leave the reader disappointed in the end.

Awards Won And Reviewed Excerpt(s):
Not an award winner
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “A magnificent tale filled with treachery, romance, and magic.”
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “hobbled by inept illustrations and a low-energy text.”

Connections:
*The story can be used as part of a folktale unit.
*As many words are in Spanish, the story can be used as an introduction to the Spanish language and culture.
Other Spanish Folktale books:
Ada, Alma Flor and F. Isabel Campoy. TALES OUR ABUELITAS TOLD: A HISPANIC FOLKTALE COLLECTION. ISBN 978-0689825835
Philip, Neil. HORSE HOOVES AND CHICKEN FEET: MEXICAN FOLKTALES. ISBN 978-0618194636