Nathan Ñeque  The Hunger Contest

An adapted Ngäbe story from the Ngäbe-Bugle Comarca, Panama.

 

Join a fun and exciting story about two very different animals having a hunger contest! Nathan is a Ñeque, a proud and confident little rodent who thinks he’s the best. He challenges a cicada, a small and surprising bug, to see who can stay hungry the longest. Nathan is sure he will win, but what if he doesn’t? Will he start to think differently about himself and others? Is the cicada more special than Nathan thought? Let’s find out together! Available on Amazon.com.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reviewed by Demetria Head for Readers’ Favorite

Nathan Ñeque: The Hunger Contest by Jane E. Ruth, with Spanish translations by Jackie Lescure, is a captivating children’s folklore tale that imparts essential life lessons through an engaging story. The narrative begins with an overconfident rodent named Nathan who, having always won first place in every contest, believes he is invincible. His arrogance leads him into the forest in search of a new competitor. Nathan encounters a cicada, newly emerged from underground, singing to attract a mate. Seizing the opportunity, Nathan challenges the cicada to a contest to see who can go the longest without eating. Through this challenge, Nathan learns a valuable lesson in humility and the importance of not underestimating others. The story is not only entertaining but also educational, providing young readers with fascinating facts about cicadas and the ñeque, or rodent, enriching their understanding of the natural world.

This is a must-read for young readers for several reasons. First, its vibrant illustrations by Yassibel Duque bring the characters and the forest setting to life, capturing the imaginations of children and keeping them engaged throughout the story. The illustrations complement the narrative perfectly, adding visual appeal and helping young readers connect with the characters and their journey. Second, the bilingual aspect of the book makes it accessible to a broader audience, fostering language learning and appreciation for cultural diversity. The story’s moral lesson on humility is conveyed in a way that is both relatable and impactful for children, teaching them the importance of being humble and respecting others. Additionally, the educational elements woven into the tale, such as information about the cicada’s lifecycle and the characteristics of the ñeque, make this book an enriching read that goes beyond simple storytelling. Jane E. Ruth’s Nathan Ñeque: The Hunger Contest is an engaging and educational book that will resonate with young readers, making it a valuable addition to any child’s library.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers’ Favorite

Jane E. Ruth brings another engaging picture book for children in Nathan Ñeque: The Hunger Contest. This is a bilingual book narrated in English and Spanish with colorful illustrations by Yessibel Duque. It follows the story of Nathan Ñeque, a fiercely competitive rodent with a somewhat high opinion of himself. Nathan prides himself on being fast and readily seeks out other animals to race against. On this particular day, Nathan searches for nuts when he comes across a singing cicada. This cicada has lived underground for 17 years and recently came above ground to become an adult and search for a mate. He also boasts a reputation for being able to go without eating for long periods. Competitive as he is, Nathan can’t help but challenge him to a hunger contest. However, things don’t go as Nathan had planned.

A captivating tale with a lesson on pride, Nathan Ñeque: The Hunger Contest is bound to be a hit among kids. Jane E. Ruth’s fascinating story comes with a gentle reminder about the downside of pride and offers a beautiful message about humility. This is the kind of book that will entertain as well as inspire young readers to be humble in both defeat and success. Being competitive isn’t wrong in and of itself, but you should feel confident in your abilities without becoming arrogant. Yessibel Duque’s artwork enhances the story and makes it all the more enjoyable. Both central characters, Nathan and the cicada, are quirky and funny and will keep youngsters invested in their story arcs. In conclusion, this is a fantastic short story for young readers that even adults can enjoy. Highly recommended.       

BENNY THE BOA  APRIL 2025

An adapted Ngäbe story from the Ngäbe-Bugle Comarca in Panama.

                                                                                    Benny the Boa Meets His Match

“Benny the Boa Meets His Match” is a cool, fun story about a young boa who loves chiles. He also likes to brag about his skill in catching animals. Benny’s grandfather asks him if he can catch a certain rooster (known for not being able to be caught). Benny is so excited that he leaves at once. He will show Grandfather Boa how good he is. Will Benny  be able to catch the rooster or will h meet some unexpected obstacles? Available on Amazon.com

Review

Reviewed in Australia on July 5, 2025

DOUBLE TROUBLE ON THE COMARCA

Two characters are causing a lot of trouble in the Ngäbe Comarca. In the middle of all the chaos, there’s Maritza and her pet green iguana, Yimy. Maritza secretly puts Yimy in her backpack so he can go to school and stay safe. But , Yimy escapes from the backpack, and the kids in the class scream and run out. Can they find Yimy? At the end, how does Maritza solve the problem of keeping Yimy safe at home?

 

 

 

A chapter book for children ages 6-10 years

Readers’ Favorite 5 stars

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers’ Favorite

Double Trouble on the Comarca by Jane E. Ruth is a heartwarming and adventurous tale set in the lush rainforest of Panama. The story follows Maritza, a ten-year-old Ngäbe girl, and her baby green iguana, Yimy. Maritza’s determination to protect Yimy from harm leads her to secretly bring him to school, sparking a series of unexpected events that highlight the challenges of living in a tropical environment. Maritza’s bond with Yimy is the heart of the story. Her love and care for the iguana are evident, and her actions, though impulsive, stem from a genuine desire to keep him safe. The challenges she faces, encounters with a snake, a dog attack, and Yimy’s escape, are thrilling and keep the reader engaged. These moments also serve as lessons for Maritza, teaching her the importance of responsibility and the consequences of her decisions.

The narrative is rich with cultural details, offering readers a glimpse into the daily lives of the Ngäbe people. Maritza’s traditional nagua dress, her family’s modest lifestyle, and the children’s walk through the forest to school are vividly described. The book is not only entertaining but also educational. Jane E. Ruth’s inclusion of fun facts about iguanas at the end adds an informative touch, making it appealing for young readers who are curious about wildlife. The thoughtful questions and the teacher’s guide further enhance its value as a learning tool. Double Trouble on the Comarca is a delightful story that combines adventure, cultural insight, and life lessons. It is an ideal choice for children who enjoy stories about animals and the natural world.

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