I’m so excited to share King of the Condors, a bilingual folktale for children of all ages—including adults like me who love stories that blend imaginative storytelling with breathtaking artwork. Ximena Cardoso Montero, a longtime reader of Not Your Average American and the book’s translator, introduced me to the book. She also happens to be the wife of the author, Justin Sloane. Talk about connections that were meant to be!

Originally written more than twenty years ago while Justin was living in Cuenca, Ecuador, King of the Condors reads like a timeless folktale. In a remote Andean village facing drought and famine, hope arrives in the form of mysterious supplies delivered by Andean condors—guided by an enigmatic figure from the skies. The story is steeped in Andean myth and fueled by the awe-inspiring landscapes of the highlands.

“I wanted to write something that felt like a traditional folktale,” Justin told Literary Titan in an interview. “The condor is sacred to the Andes and has always fascinated me. Imagination took flight, and soon after, so too did the hero of our story.”

And readers are taking notice. King of the Condors was recently named Best Children’s Book in the 27th Annual Critters Readers’ Poll, a well-deserved honor for this engaging read with stunning artwork.

But King of the Condors isn’t just a beautiful story—it’s making a real difference. For every copy sold, whether through Amazon or other booksellers, Justin is donating $3 to the Guardians of the Andes campaign on Givebutter. This grassroots initiative supports the creation of the Tambo Cóndor Interpretive Center where local schoolchildren, residents, and tourists can learn about the Andean condor, the spectacled bear, and their endangered habitat.

A Bilingual Book with Lasting Value

One of the most special features of King of the Condors is that it’s presented in both English and Spanish on every page. This makes it an excellent resource for bilingual families and a meaningful way for parents or grandparents to share and practice a second language with their children. Whether teaching your kids Spanish or reconnecting with your roots, the story creates opportunities for learning and connection across generations.

Art That Elevates the Story

The breathtaking artwork of Stephanie Suter, a Swiss-born artist based in Cuenca, brings this story to life. Using a specialized technique—painting with ink on silk—Stephanie’s illustrations add a dreamlike texture to the story. Her ethereal images shimmer with movement and light, perfectly capturing the story’s mythical tone.

This is Stephanie’s first time illustrating a children’s book and I hope it isn’t her last. The results are extraordinary. Her work offers a visual experience that intertwines with the story’s magical realism. In addition to her art, Stephanie and her husband are actively involved in local conservation efforts to protect the Andean condor in Southern Ecuador. 

Another key person is Ana Ximena Cardoso Montero, the book’s translator. A passionate advocate for Ecuador’s culture, environment, and communities, Ximena helped shape the story’s bilingual journey, ensuring its message resonates deeply with readers in both languages. Here is a sample of Justin’s compelling story with Ximena’s poetic translation:

But then all at once there was a great commotion in the night sky! It sounded to them like a hurricane was approaching. Then, from out of the bright, moonlit night came an amazing sight! One gargantuan condor after another, their wings almost as wide as those of small airplanes, came flying swiftly towards the plaza, their mighty talons gripping large bundles.

¡Pero entonces, de pronto, hubo una gran conmoción en el cielo nocturno! Se escuchaba como si un huracán se aproximara. Y ahí, del brillante cielo nocturno de luna llena se presentó una escena que no podían creer. Un cóndor enorme tras otro y otro más, sus alas casi tan grandes como las de un pequeño aeroplano, llegaron volando rápidamente hasta la plaza. Sus garras gigantes sostenían grandes bultos.

A Folktale with a Future

I believe Justin has written a story that will stay with us. The King of the Condors will resonate with readers of all ages. The fact that he is donating to a cause near and dear to my heart only adds to my request that you consider purchasing his book for yourself and others in your life who enjoy a great story.

Let me leave you with a few last words from Justin in an interview he gave to Literary Titan about what makes a great children’s book, “A profound sense of wonder and mystery. The fantastic, the mythical, the magical—those are the stories that stay with us.”

Follow Justin on Instagram at @StarshipSloane or visit his website Starship Sloane Publishing.

Learn more about the Guardians of the Andes campaign at givebutter.com/guardians-andes.