Topiltzin at Calakmul: A Natural Fantasy Written by Richard Foster and Illustrated by Ariel Cavalcante
A professional couple in Boston, jittery about a surprise pregnancy, flirts with outlandish names, and finally names their first child, Topiltzin, the famed plumed serpent of ancient Mayan mythology. At age 10, the child is fascinated with snakes and reptiles. At 25 he becomes a snake scientist, marries, and does research in Mexico with the poisonous bushmaster. Later, because of a family tragedy, “Topi” attempts to take his life, but he is transformed into a grotesque creature, part man, part bird and part snake. The reborn Topi communicates with rain forest animals and rallies them to fight for their survival. He works hand-in-hand with his partner, Solange, a Brazilian scientist. Forced out of Mexico, they move to the US and later to Africa where Topi flies above elephant herds to protect them from poachers.
The story of Topiltzin is an inspiration to readers young and old, and an example, albeit
a fantastic one, of what can be done to save the animals.
Part of the proceeds from this book will be donated to the World Wildlife Fund.
