Holy Mole!
Holy Mole! is based on a folktale from Mexico about the origins of mole, a spicy, savory sauce made in the region of Puebla. I first learned about the legend from an exhibit of Mexican folk art at the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento, California. A docent pointed out a ceramic candelabrum entitled Homage to Mole by the artist Alfonso Castillo Orta. This was my inspiration. I invented the character of Carlos so that I could tell the story from a child's perspective.
Alfonso Castillo Orta's Tree of Life depicting the story of mole. Notice the pot at the bottom full of stew and all of ingredients.