The Pot That Juan Built

By Nancy Andrews-Goebel, David Diaz
Paperback: $11.95

With vibrant illustrations by Caldecott Medal winner David Diaz,The Pot that Juan Builtis sure to enlighten all who are fascinated by traditional art forms, Mexican culture, and the power of the human spirit to find inspiration from the past.

Front cover for La vasija que Juan fabricó by Nancy Andrews-Goebel and David Diaz
This book is also available in Spanish
La vasija que Juan fabricó
By Nancy Andrews-Goebel, David Diaz

Description

Juan Quezada is the premier potter in Mexico. With local materials and the primitive methods of the Casas Grandes people – including using human hair to make brushes and cow manure to feed the flames that fire his pots – Juan creates stunning pots in the traditional style. Each is a work of art unlike any other.

This is the pot that Juan built.
These are the flames so sizzling hot
That flickered and flared and fired the pot,
The beautiful pot that Juan built.

The text is written in the form of “The House That Jack Built” and accompanied by a comprehensive afterword with photos and information about Juan’s technique as well as a history of Mata Ortiz, the northern Mexican village where Juan began and continues to work. This celebratory story tells how Juan’s pioneering work has transformed Mata Ortiz from an impoverished village into a prosperous community of world-renowned artists.

With vibrant illustrations by Caldecott Medal winner David Diaz, The Pot that Juan Built is sure to enlighten all who are fascinated by traditional art forms, Mexican culture, and the power of the human spirit to find inspiration from the past.

About the Creators

Nancy Andrews-Goebel

Nancy Andrews-Goebel met Juan Quezada in 1995 while on vacation in Mexico. Fascinated by his work and inspired by his wonderful spirit, she and her husband co-produced a documentary entitled Mata Ortiz Pottery: An Inside Look. The Pot That Juan Built is her first book. Andrews-Goebel and her husband live in the northern California town of Cayucos.

David Diaz

David Diaz won the Caldecott Medal in 1995 for Smoky Night. He is the illustrator of many other popular children's books as well, including December, Roadrunner's Dance, Going Home, and Wilma Unlimited. Diaz is also an accomplished potter, and he has sold his work to collectors throughout the country. He lives in Carlsbad, California.

Awards

  • Pura Belpré Illustrator Award Honor

    American Library Association (ALA)

  • Américas Award Commended Title

    Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs

  • Notable Books for a Global Society

    International Literacy Association (ILA)

  • Notable Books in the Language Arts

    National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE)

  • Charlotte Zolotow Award Commended Title

    Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)

  • Best Children's Books of the Year Outstanding

    Bank Street College of Education

  • CCBC Choices

    Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)

  • Best Books of the Year

    School Library Journal

  • Delaware Diamonds Awards

    Diamond State Literacy Association

  • Texas Bluebonnet Award Shortlist

    Texas Library Association (TLA)

Reviews

  • * "This is a must purchase for all collections, and could be used with Diana Cohn's Dream Carver (Chronicle, 2002) for a look at how both art and economics of scale can work to enrich our lives and to build community."

    - School Library Journal
  • * "Noted Mexican potter Juan Quezada is the subject of an inventive and engrossing biography from newcomer Andrews-Goebel (who coproduced a documentary on Quezada) and Caldecott winner Diaz... The glowing tones of the artwork capture the sweep and heat of the sun-bleached landscape, while the highly stylized elements echo the decorative motifs of Quezada's pottery and lend a suitably mythic patina to this visionary artist's story."

    - Publishers Weekly
  • "Ingeniously crafted ... A lovely and unusual offering."

    - Kirkus Reviews
  • "Andrews-Goebel tells the story of Mexican potter Juan Quezada ... Diaz's computer-generated illustrations perfectly complement the story, reflecting the shimmering light and heat of the desert, and many of the images mirror the patterns found on Quezada's pottery ... A fascinating look at the skills of a self-taught master."

    - Booklist

Paperback

  • ISBN 9781600608483
  • Publication Date May 01, 2002
  • Trim Size 8.875 × 10.875 in
  • Weight 0.4375 lbs
  • Page Count 32
  • Word Count 829
  • Hardcover

  • ISBN 9781584300380
  • Publication Date Apr 01, 2013
  • Trim Size N/A
  • Weight 1 lbs
  • Page Count 32
  • Word Count 829
  • Interests

  • Audience Children
  • BISAC Category 1 JNF / Biography & Autobiography / Art
  • BISAC Category 2 JNF / People & Places / Mexico
  • BISAC Category 3 JNF / Poetry / General
  • Themes Art, Biography / Memoir, Colors, Dreams & Aspirations, Environment / Nature, History & Civics, Identity / Self Esteem / Confidence, Imagination, Indigenous / First Nations / Native American, Informational / Expository Nonfiction, Latinx / Latino / Hispanic, Leadership, Nonfiction, Occupations, Optimism / Enthusiasm, Persistence / Grit, Poetry, Poverty, Pride, Sharing & Giving
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 6 - 11
  • Grade Range Grades 1 - 6
  • Guided Reading S
  • ATOS Book Level 6.2
  • DRA 40
  • Interest Level Grades 1 - 6
  • Lexile Level 1150
  • Reading Level Grades 2 - 3
  • SRC 4.5
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
  • This Book is Included in These Collections:

    • 195
      Fluent Dual Language
      Collection of 195 books: $2,435.25