CBR15Passport book set in and author from another country (Aztec Americas) and author grew up in England
As much as I enjoy The Brownstone’s Magical Collection series, and Luna and the Treasure of Tlaloc in particular (I like the Aztec mythology addition) there is one thing that people might dislike. There is some “White Saviorism” that people might see, as it is up to Luna, a white child, to help Atzi (the child that will take the offering to the God Tlaloc for her village sacrifice to him to help stop the drought) save the village. However, it is also a redemption story. As Luna is a thief and selfish throughout most of the story. All she wants to do is “befriend” Atzi, steal the map the girl has, and then steal the gold of Tlaloc. And it is only Atzi and her bravery and selflessness that changes Luna. It is only when Luna sees how this young girl helped her, a stranger and outsider (when she did not have to), that she starts to change. She realizes that Atzi could have been like herself and be out only for herself. Therefore, you can see the story that way, too. For the adults, this book is a discussion book. There are pieces upon pieces to this puzzle. 
With that said, the Brownstone series books are fun. They show mythology, history, fantasy, and a lot of adventure. Each story follows one of the Brownstone ancestors throughout history. Joe Todd-Stanton’s tales are about spunky kids and spunkier adventures. There are lessons (about greed, friendship, helping others) to be learned while you are enjoying reading. Not only do we explore the Aztec world with Luna, but we have seen ancient Greece, Egypt, China and dealt with Norse mythology within the other four titles.
Todd-Stanton story and illustrations give off both an old-school and modern tone in its flavor. And this allows for both a fast-paced story of today and that slow classic feel as well. The colors and details are bright, bold, crowded, busy (sometimes maybe a bit too busy, yet that is also the fun of things), interesting, hiding fun nuggets. Due in June 2023, I read all five books on Edelweiss, therefore I am not sure of the size of the book, but I think it might be a oversize picture book. However, the story is aimed for the older crowd of (at least) a strong eight to twelve (and you could go slightly older but know the reader).
