Pajaro Verde / The Green Bird

The Spanish text is masterfully rendered and is given its own space on each page apart from the English. This is a true classic in the making and belongs on the shelves of every library and bookstore. -- Cr ticas, starred review

With lush romantic paintings that are both realistic and magical, this bilingual retelling of a New Mexican folktale combines many mythical themes of enchantment and transformation...Heroes and monsters, horror and romance: a great read-aloud. --Booklist

Pajaro Verde is an unforgettable picture book story for young readers and would be a welcome addition to any school or community library collection. --Midwest Book Review

This book, with large full-page illustrations, offers a positive morality lesson on the dangers of envy and greed. --Children's Literature

Hayes' prose is unfailingly smooth and accomplished, both in English and in Spanish, and whether read or told. The illustrations are large, detailed, and imaginative: a sound match for the story. --School Library Journal

This week I read PAJARO VERDE aloud in three or four sessions. I could have read it all in one long session because my students were pleading for more when I stopped. Their eyes lit up with each new turn of the plot. You should have heard the gasps and silences. --Caroline Yeryomenko, bilingual teacher

Joe Hayes, one of America's best storytellers, has done it again. He tells another classical story...with mastery that only a master storyteller can do. Highly recommended for children 10 years and older and Southwestern cultural studies. --Reforma

This sophisticated tale will appeal to older children and adults alike. It would be an excellent resource in a middle school or high school classroom...But most important, it could be read for the sheer enjoyment of a good story. --Review of Texas Books

This is a charming, complicated and surprising tale that extols the virtues of faith, hope and persistence...A real gem, this book is a must-have for young readers. --Southwest Book Views