Rise of the Halfling King

(Tales of the Feathered Serpent #1)
By David Bowles, Charlene Bowles
Paperback: $14.95

In the first of a graphic novel series based on ancient Mesoamerican sagas, a magical boy from Maya legend takes on a giant snake, a power-hungry king, and three impossible tests.

Description

Sayam has always been different from other kids–he’s very short for his age, his best friend is a monkey, and most curious of all: he was born from an egg! His grandmother, a witch, found him and taught him all the ancient magic she uses to help her people. So when a giant snake starts terrorizing a nearby city, Sayam decides it’s time for him to use his knowledge to help others, and steps into action.

But the beast might not be Sayam’s biggest problem: the ruthless King Kinich Kak Ek sees Sayam as a threat to his throne. Prophecy declares that whoever succeeds at three impossible tests will be king. Monstrous snakes and impossible tests are a lot for a boy to handle, but Sayam is brave and has a loyal monkey, a wise grandmother, and magical knowledge on his side! Can Sayam outsmart the king and bring peace to the land?

About the Creators

David Bowles

David Bowles is a Mexican American author from south Texas, where he teaches at the University of Texas Río Grande Valley. He has written several award-winning titles, most notably The Smoking Mirror and They Call Me Güero. His graphic novels include the Clockwork Curandera trilogy and the Tales of the Feathered Serpent series, based on stories from his critically acclaimed Feathered Serpent, Dark Heart of Sky. His work has also been published in multiple anthologies, plus venues such as The New York Times, School Library Journal, Strange Horizons, English Journal, Rattle, Translation Review, and the Journal of Children's Literature. In 2017, David was inducted into the Texas Institute of Letters. He is online at davidbowles.us and on Twitter at @DavidOBowles.

Charlene Bowles
Charlene Bowles

Charlene Bowles is a comic artist and illustrator based in Texas. She graduated from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in 2018. Rise of the Halfling King is her debut graphic novel and her work has also been featured on the covers of the award-winning Garza Twins books. She is currently developing many of her own comic projects.

Awards

  • Best Books

    Kirkus Reviews

  • Best Books of the Year

    Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature

  • Américas Award Commended Title

    Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs

  • Little Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List

    Texas Library Association (TLA)

  • Beehive Book Award Nominee 2023

    The Children's Literature Association of Utah (CLAU)

Reviews

  • * "David Bowles pairs up with illustrator Charlene Bowles to bring Mesoamerican heroes to life. With seemingly simple yet vivid illustrations characterized by strong, dynamic lines, the illustrator develops cunning and endearing characters to populate this enticing tale. . . An unmissable adventure of mythical proportions."

    - Kirkus Reviews
  • "It's a timeless story told in a timely way: Mayan codex meets superhero comic book. Bowles peppers the dialogue with contemporary phrases and attitudes that echo today's teenagers. . . A fresh story for a new generation of readers."

    - The New York Times
  • "A tale of wonder, courage, and ultimately the power of goodness. I was completely spellbound by the imagery and storytelling. Cannot wait to see what magic is woven into the next installment!"
    - J.C. Cervantes, New York Times bestselling author of The Storm Runner novels
  • "What an amazing trick David and Charlene Bowles have pulled off in Rise of the Halfling King! Somehow, they've managed to tell a story that feels contemporary, mythic, and historical all at once. The careful writing subtly yet unmistakably evokes the Maya language and culture, while the limpid, evocative illustrations provided both grounding and a launchpad for the imagination."
    - Carlos Hernandez, award-winning author of Sal and Gabi Fix the Universe
  • "A fun and fantastic adventure for kids of all ages with beautiful art and a joyful sense of upliftment."
    - David José Older, New York Times bestselling author of the Dactyl Hill Squad series
  • "Sayam's bravery and recklessness are sure to resonate with his readers, with giant snakes and a monkey best friend sealing the deal for lovers of fantasy and folklore. . . This is perfect for fans of the Rick Riordan Presents imprint."

    - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
  • "Bowles highlights Mayan writing and storytelling systems, embedding references to Mayan philosophy and ethics in a thrilling, fast-moving plot."

    - The Horn Book
  • "Reads the way that a folk tale is traditionally heard: It's fast, vivid, and action-laden."

    - School Library Journal
  • "Expressive, boldly lined art complements simple storytelling, resulting in a respectful, engaging interpretation of ancient Mesoamerican folklore accessible for younger readers."

    - Publishers Weekly

Paperback

  • ISBN 9781947627376
  • Price $14.95
  • Publication Date Nov 03, 2020
  • Trim Size 10.5 × 7 in
  • Weight 0.5 lbs
  • Page Count 64
  • Interests

  • Imprint Cinco Puntos Press
  • Audience Middle Grade
  • BISAC Category 1 JUV / Comics & Graphic Novels / Action & Adventure
  • BISAC Category 2 JUV / Comics & Graphic Novels / Fantasy
  • BISAC Category 3 JUV / Comics & Graphic Novels / Fairy Tales, Folklore, Legends & Mythology
  • Themes Animals, Courage, Fantasy, Fiction, Folktale / Folklore / Traditional Literature, Grandparents, Graphic Novel, Heroism, Indigenous / First Nations / Native American, Latinx / Latino / Hispanic, Middle Grade, Overcoming Obstacles, Science Fiction / Fantasy, Spanish
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 8 - 12
  • Grade Range Grades 3 - 8
  • Guided Reading U
  • ATOS Book Level 3.3
  • DRA 44
  • Interest Level Grades 4 - 8
  • Lexile Code HL
  • Lexile Level 510
  • Reading Level Grades 5 - 6
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
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