CHILD OF THE SUN: A HISTORICAL NOVEL by Frank Cheavens. Alvar Núñez. Cabeza de Vaca was the first European explorer to cross the North American continent. His early 16th century wandering took him across Texas, part of New Mexico, southeastern Arizona, and down the west coast of Mexico into South America. His altruistic work and healing ministrations among the Indians of the Southwest drew to him multitudes of Indians who revered him as the Child of the Sun. 194 pgs. 5x8. Paperback. ISBN: 0-89540-161-4. $10.00.