Traditional Lit: THE LADY IN THE BLUE CLOAK: LEGENDS FROM THE TEXAS MISSIONS by Eric A. Kimmel

The Lady in the Blue Cloak: Legends from the Texas Mission

Retold by Eric A. Kimmel, Illustrated by Susan Guevara

Kimmel, Eric A. 2006. THE LADY IN THE BLUE CLOAK: LEGENDS FROM THE TEXAS MISSIONS. Ill. by Susan Guevara. New York: Holiday House. ISBN 0823417387

Plot Summary

               In this collection of legends centered on four Spanish missions in early Texas, the featured story is “The Lady in the Blue Cloak.” Father Damian and his fellow padres are welcomed as though expected by the native Tejas people. They say a lady in a blue cloak had visited them, told them about God, and promised men in robes and sandals would come to teach them. Later when Father Damian returned to bring food and supplies, the people once again said this had been foretold by the mysterious lady in blue. One of the padres learned of a nun back in Spain rumored to have had visions of the new world. Though she had died, the padre discovered through her writings she had perfectly described the Tejas people, had never left her town, and always wore a blue cloak. The other legends in the book tell of other experiences with spirits as well as tragedy and devotion.    

Critical Analysis

               This interesting collection of legends features characters important to the Spanish missions, mostly padres. These characters are strong, determined, and faithful. The conflicts focus on hardships faced in the harsh environment of early Texas as well as mysteries. Though intriguing and exciting events occur within the stories, the style is less action oriented with a second-hand telling feel. As typical with legends, the endings are not always happy, but do leave the reader inspired and with a belief in the sometimes fantastical. The settings are integral to the conflicts, with the name of the specific mission given with the title of each story.

               The overarching theme is religious, being God watches over all. Though, themes of love, loyalty, determination, and faith are clearly present. The culture of Spanish Catholic missionaries is reflected in the language and images in the book. Though the writing style is simplistic, with choppy sentences and basic vocabulary, Kimmel incorporates Spanish words. This simple style makes these stories perfect for reading aloud, especially with his use of questions. Additionally, there are few illustrations, one per story, and lengthier paragraphs of text.

               The paintings created for each story by Latino artist Susan Guevara have a slightly impressionist feel and are very reminiscent of well-known works of Catholicism, making them very appropriate for the stories of Spanish missions. A definite mood of spirituality is presented, and each painting reflects the theme of the story it accompanies. The book includes an introduction, author’s note, and timeline which help to add historical reference and context to the stories. Though clearly one-sided in its presentation of the missionaries’ viewpoint, it is not meant to be a balanced history lesson, but a sharing of intriguing stories originating from their experiences.  

Awards and Honors

June Franklin Naylor Award, 2006 Winner 

Review Excerpts

Ginjer L. Clarke (Children's Literature)
… This mystical tone (in the fashion of religious ghost stories and with a touch of O. Henry irony) continues throughout the other stories. This picture book for older readers may tie into some classroom discussions of this time period but probably should not be used as a strict historical reference. It will likely be most interesting to students in Texan and Catholic schools, for whom the material will be more personal.

Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, October 1, 2006 (Vol. 74, No. 19))
…Guevara's lush full-page illustrations contain holy figures, often larger than life, radiating beams of light, and sometimes floating through the air, in the style of popular religious art well suited to these tales. These tales of simple folk beliefs may charm some readers and irritate others.

Connections

-        Include with study of Texas history as a reflection of Spanish missionaries’ point of view; contrast with more balanced and historical sources. Discuss the difference between historical sources and legends/tales.

-     use with other stories of ghosts/spririts and have students write their own legend, maybe about their school or other important place in their community