The Secret Footprints

There once lived a secret tribe of very beautiful creatures called ciguapas, underwater in "cool blue caves hung with seashells and seaweed". They were terribly afraid of humans and came out on land only at night to hunt for food. They were convinced that if humans saw them, they would be captured, put in cages, studied by doctors and made to take baths and do laundry. They had one special attribute that kept them safe from humans. Their feet were backwards and when they walked, pointed in the opposite direction. Because of this, no human had ever been able to follow their footprints and their secret existence had remained safe. That is until one young ciguapa, named Guapa, became too curious and hunted before dark, meeting a surprisingly kind human family. And this curiousity almost led to the tribe's discovery..... Julia Alvarez retells a wonderful folk tale, that will charm and delight children of all ages. Her language, so full of imagery and magic, lets you feel the cool water and hot sun and hear the palms swaying in the breeze and the birds singing their favorite songs. Fabian Negrin's captivating, vibrant artwork compliments the story perfectly and takes you away to this very lush tropical island. The Secret Footprints is an enchanting tale, told by an accomplished storyteller and will make a wonderful addition to all home libraries.

Julia Alvarez has transformed the mythic Dominican tale of the Ciguapa into a lush, dramatic story for all audiences to appreciate. I was fortunate enough to hear Alvarez read her first children's book to 80 second graders at the Carol Morgan School of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. The children as was this writer literally spellbound.The tale which is reminiscent of "The Little Mermaid," is set in the Domincan Republic where the Ciguapas live in secret caves underwater. The Ciguapas, women with long black hair, only come out at night and walk backwards on land to fool their enemies. The littlest Ciguapa who is fond of humans, gets herself into a sticky situation and her "secret" is almost discovered by a young boy. Adults will not only learn more about these Caribbean "creatures," but their children will learn more about tolerance.