Under the Cottonwood Tree
el susto de la curandera
6.625 x 10.25, 176 page full color Latinx children’s adventure graphic novel, age range: 8-14, grades 3-7
Written by Paul Meyer and Carlos Meyer, Illustrated by Margaret Hardy
-PDF $5.99
-PAPERBACK $19.99 with FREE shipping via USPS Media Mail or $7.50 Priority Mail
-HARDCOVER with 8 additional art pages $29.99 with FREE shipping via USPS Media Mail or $7.50 Priority Mail
It’s 1949, and the sleepy little village of Algodones, New Mexico is about to be awoken by a strange magic. An enchanted cookie transforms Carlos Lucero from a boy into a black and white calf, and it’s up to his older brother Amadeo to find a way to change him back! Join them on the adventure of a lifetime as they unravel the many secrets of the forest and discover the true meaning of El Susto de la Curandera!
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Need multiple orders? Let us know how many softcover, hardcover & Media Mail or Priority Mail and we will send you an invoice! Are you a bookstore, librarian or teacher wondering about discount purchasing? Send us an email! Teachers and Librarians may also order through Follett School Solutions or Perma-Bound.
Praise
2019 International Latino Book Awards – First Place Winner Best Graphic Novel
2019 Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards – Gold Medal Winner Best Graphic Novel
2019 New Mexico/Arizona Book Awards – Winner Best Graphic Novel
2019 Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards – Finalist Graphic Novel & Comics
2020 American Fiction Awards – Winner Best Graphic Novel
2020 Aesop Accolade awarded by the Children’s Folklore Section of the American Folklore Society
2021 Texas Library Association’s Little Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List
“Virtuoso visual cuentistas, brothers Paul and Carlos Meyer powerfully mesmerize with this breathtaking epic. Margaret Hardy’s kinetic paneling, deft line work, and earthy color palette bring to life a New Mexico and people many might be familiar with, but never really knew. The Meyer brothers awaken us to a world where animals speak, humans willy-nilly shapeshift, and curanderas need healing. With Under the Cottonwood Tree Paul and Carlos Meyer assuredly joins our pantheon of Southwest greats: Rudolfo Anaya, Willa Cather, and N. Scott Momaday.”
—Frederick Luis Aldama, editor recently of Tales from la Vida: A Latinx Comics Anthology and author of the Eisner Award winning Latinx Supherheroes in Mainstream Comics
“A bite of one enchanted bizcochito turns a family’s life upside down in this engaging comic. Packed with love, humor, magic, Southwestern mythology and monsters, it’s sure to grab readers’ attention and enchant them too!”
—Cathy Camper, Author Lowriders in Space series
“The Meyer brothers have woven a charming adventure story, lovingly depicting the power of familia, forgiveness, and redemption– all while crafting a cuento that is uniquely New Mexican. Each page is brought to life with stunning, whimsical art by Margaret Hardy, beautifully showcasing the distinct Nuevomexicano landscape. So bite into a bizcochito and journey into the bosque with Under the Cottonwood Tree— when you return home once again, you’ll be all the better for it… que no?”
—Sebastian Kadlecik, creator IPPY award winning Quince comic book
“Socorro Ríos, the traditional and benevolent curandera turned sorceress, converts innocent persons into mythical creatures who resemble beasts and talk like humans. The tale is engrossing, riveting, but humorous whereas the colorful and spellbinding illustrations add to the aura of magic and suspense. Ríos ultimately undergoes reincarnation and hence regains her raison d’être as an erstwhile folk healer.”
—Nasario García, PH.D. Author, Hoe, Heaven, and Hell: My Boyhood in Rural New Mexico, Best autobiography, International Latino Book Award, and best book on New Mexico, New Mexico/Arizona Book Awards.
“Full of memorable characters, creatures, and concepts, Under the Cottonwood Tree is exciting, humorous, and affecting—a rich and magical graphic novel.”
—Peter Dabbene, FOREWORD REVIEWS (starred review)
“A fantastical and satisfying romp near the Rio Grande.”
—KIRKUS REVIEW
“It’s a winner that deserves an award in and of itself and is a standout among graphic novels, no matter what age group is being targeted.”
—D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW
“Brilliant linework creates texture and dimension, along with beige desert landscapes, soft but bright blue open skies, and glowing golden hues.” —SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
Reviews on Goodreads
Media Links
-KRQE News 13
Brothers co-author New Mexican folklore novel
-LHN BIPOC POP 2022
Storytelling for New Gen BIPOC Audiences
-Albuquerque Journal
Under the Cottonwood Tree’ awakens imagination as brothers pay homage to northern New Mexico
-Kidlit These Days
Graphic Novels from Lived Experiences
-Lavender Libros New Mexico
Lavender Libros featuring Albuquerque City Councilor Brook Bassan
-ReggieCon! Illinois State University
In Celebration of the Hispanic Heritage Month
-MJC & LCAF Special Event
Under the Cottonwood Tree Livestream!
-The 2021 Latinx Comic Arts Festival
Families, Friends, Culture; Kids’ Stories from Our Roots
-The Children’s Hour
-A SOL-CON 2020 Virtual Feature
Paul Meyer & Carlos Meyer Take Us Under the Cottonwood Tree
-Treasure House Books & Gifts
A Chat with Paul Meyer & Carlos Meyer
-KSJE 90.9FM-Write On Four Corners
The brothers talk about the creation of this cultural children’s book.
-Comadres y Comics Podcast
The Whole Panaderia, Empanadas, The Champurrado, and Beer and Cheese
-Roswell Daily Record
Comfort food and books for comfort
-PASTE Magazine
Under the Cottonwood Tree Kickstarter starts off strong
-Women Write about Comics
Under the Cottonwood Tree Graphic Novel Trailer
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