While artist Luz-Maria Lopez was growing up in Honduras, her grandmother would share stories about her Mayan ancestors, such as the legend of the finger people. The tale begins with the lonely gods in heaven. Though they created flowers and beasts to roam the forest, they lacked companionship. They created a man out of clay, but he melted. A man made of wood caught fire, and a man made of gold lacked an appreciation for nature's beauty.

They decided that man must be composed from the gods. The gods cut their fingers from their hand, which fell to earth and transformed into the energetic finger people. The compassionate little people felt bad for the cold, gold man and offered him love and warmth. For this, the gods decreed that no rich man can enter the gates of heaven unless he treats others with love and kindness, just as the finger people showed kindness to the gold man.

Told in both English and Spanish, this unique story is full of vibrant illustrations by Luz-Maria Lopez, which reflect traditional Mayan art.

Alice Couvillon

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