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Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote: A Migrant's Tale
Last updated Thursday, May 8, 2025
Author: Duncan Tonatiuh
Date of Publication: 2013
ISBN: 1419705830
Grade Level: 2nd (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: May 2025
Synopsis:
Papa Rabbit left two years ago to travel far away north to find work in the great carrot and lettuce fields to earn money for his family. When Papa does not return home on the designated day, Pancho sets out to find him.
He packs Papa's favorite meal - mole, rice and beans, a heap of still-warm tortillas, and a jug full of fresh aguamiel - and heads north. Along the way, Pancho crosses a river, climbs a fence, and passes through a tunnel guarded by uniformed, bribe-taking snakes. He soon meets a coyote, who offers to help Pancho in exchange for some of Papa's favorite foods. They travel together until the food is gone and the coyote decides he is still hungry. . . for Pancho!
| Note to readers: |
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A glossary is located on the last page containing translations for the Spanish words.
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Note that the story is about migration (the movement of people or animals) which is different from immigration (the desire to relocate permanently).
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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Can you predict why Pancho Rabbit might want to leave his country?
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How do you think the weather/climate affects crops or food availability?
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Do you remember the last time you went for a long walk, and did you bring anything?
Vocabulary
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Aguamiel - water with honey mixed in.
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Heap - a great amount of objects placed in a big pile.
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Emerged - something that has come into view or appeared.
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Zooming - moving quickly.
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Murky - dark and difficult to see through.
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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Why do you think stars are used to navigate?
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Can you guess why the desert gets so hot at night?
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What would you do to help if you were Pancho Rabbit?
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| Craft ideas: |
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Draw an open suitcase and include 5 items you would bring for an extended stay.
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Imagine you are pen pals with Pancho Rabbit and write a letter to him.
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Sunday, May 11th is Mother’s Day; make a greeting card for someone you know.
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| Special activities: |
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Ask students to share an item they would bring on a long trip and have them give a short reason why.
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Ask students to identify the cardinal directions (north, east, south, west) and share how they know the orientation (Ex: "Never eat soggy waffles"). Try using nearby landmarks to determine the room's (or school's) position.
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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