The Gold Coin

The Gold Coin
Alma Flor Ada

The cumulative tale style is fun to read, enjoyable to hear, and a wonderful example of how picture books inculcate values in children. Though an original story, it has the feeling of folklore and fable. Set in Central America, a thief named Juan tries to steal Dona Josefa's gold coin. She has just said she thinks she is the richest person in the world. However, Juan is to learn that what she meant is more about the value of friendship, hard work, and goodness. As he follows her in his attempts to steal her coin, he is affected by the beauty around him in nature and the pleasant memories that come to him from his prior life. These encounters with the old woman lead him to realize he cannot be a thief anymore. The illustrations by Neil Waldman portray the Central American setting and hardworking farmers along Juan's path. The story won the Christopher Medal given to a story that uplifts the human spirit. A CD is available in which the author reads the story in English and again in Spanish. La moneda de oro!