Juan Verdades, The Man Who Couldn't Tell a Lie/El hombre que no sabia mentir

by Joe Hayes, Joe Hayes

“Hayes's flowing plot, enlivened by several wry twists, is decidedly satisfying. Fiedler's spare, earth-toned paintings convey the particulars of the setting from traditional garb to the sprawling landscapes as well as the timelessness of folklore.”— Publishers Weekly Don Ignacio is a wealthy landowner whose prized possession is an apple tree that produces the most delicious fruit around. He trusts only one man to care for this tree—his ranch foreman Juan Verdades. Don Ignacio is also a proud man and he lets his pride carry him into a dangerous bet! He bets a neighboring rancher his ranch that Juan Verdades cannot tell a lie. His opponent is determined to win the bet, using guile and the help of his beautiful daughter to trick Juan Verdades into stealing all of the fruit from the prized apple tree. Will Juan Verdades be able to tell the truth about what he has done? The ranch depends on it. Originally published in 2001, this paperback edition of Joe Hayes’ classic story features the bilingual style common to his most popular books. Joe’s bilingual Spanish-English tellings and books have earned him a distinctive place among America’s storytellers. He lives in Santa Fe and travels extensively throughout the United States telling his stories. Joseph Daniel Fiedler was born and raised in the Appalachian hill country of western Pennsylvania. He attended the Ivy School of Professional Art and Carnegie Mellon University. He is the recipient of a silver medal from the Society of Illustrators for book illustration.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Folklore

32 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2001

About the author

Designated New Mexico Eminent Scholar by the New Mexico Commission on Higher Learning (1979).

Joe was the youngest of five children. His father loved to tell stories. The family moved to Arizona where Joe learned to speak Spanish which became an integral part of his storytelling and writing.

In 1979, he began to devote himself full time to sharing stories. He focuses on elementary school audiences although his work appeals to a wide range of ages.

In 2001, he traveled to Cuba participate in a translation workshop sponsored by Writers of the Americas.

For children and adults alike, Joe's storytelling sessions outside the tepee at the Wheelwright Museum in Santa Fe are a summer tradition that has continued for over 25 years.

Other facts:
*Youngest of five children
*Graduated from University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Arts in English.
*Taught at Sunnyside High School in Tucson, Arizona and also in Los Alamos, NM.
*Employed in mineral exploration work, working all over the western U.S. as well as in Mexico and Spain.
*Delivered the Commencement address at the Graduate School of Library and Information Science at U.C.L.A.
*Currently lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Reviews

[Doaa Mohamed · Rating 4 out of 5]

very interesting story.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This tale takes place in New Mexico, but I recently came across a version that takes place in Hungary ("Mighty Mikko" in Jane Yolen's folktale collection Mightier Than the Sword). Juan Verdades never lies, and cleverly finds a way to tell the truth even when he is tricked. I like the way Joe Hayes retells the tale, and will look for more of his books.

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Filled with muted, gorgeous illustrations,, this was a very good book with good lessons within the story. The note at the end was good to and added to the overall story. I liked this one very much.

[Kristin H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book especially for a multicultural classroom. I would recommend it for 1st- 9th grade. It is the story of a very honest ranch hand who cannot tell a lie. Even when he is tricked he tells the truth, and he ends up coming out on top.

[Violet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book as well. It gives a great message, and the ending is my kind of ending as well. Juan Verdades could not lie, and so two ranchers decided to bet the own ranches to see if Juan could lie or not. I think children will really like reading this story.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read-aloud book with nice artwork. It was good to read to a sick child who otherwise might not have sat through a long-ish story.

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how Juan Verdades is so honest. I love that because of his honesty his employer loves and trusts him. I love how, because of his honesty, a girl falls in love with him. I love that because of his honesty he wins a windfall of good luck. And I love that because of his honesty, he is able to marry the girl of his dreams. I believe that when people know we are 100% honest, opportunities open up for us right and left. I loved the book! And I hope to see much more from Joe Hayes.

[Veronica Bergstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bilingual children's book

Didn't realize it was a kids book initially, but love that it's completely translated in English and Spanish. Juan verdades is more than just a children's story. It's used more often than I realized in everyday conversations.

[Maya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always appreciate a bilingual book. This version of the tale was rendered thoughtfully and in a lovely fashion from author and illustrator. I appreciated the choice to make the daughter strong and smart. Read the author's note at the back for a richer understanding of this tale.

[Raquel Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of my favorite books from my childhood. Rediscovered it today and reread. The beautiful simplicity of the story still holds up, the drawings are lovely as well. So happy to still have it in my possession and will treasure it for years to come 💕

[James Biser · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a story about telling the truth. The point of the story is based on a play on words. Integrity is important. Puns and word play are poor plot points.

[Assem]

its verry magnifecent

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Values put to the test. Honesty, faith, integrity.

[Yormynnelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful pictures, lovely tale, excellently told.

[Flavs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book.

[Padmashree Rajagopalan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book about a man who couldn't tell a lie. He's very honest with the work that his owner gave him. But would he be like that every time?

[Joscelynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was a very interesting story i loved it.