Janice Levy

It's the Day of the Dead! It's time to celebrate! In this bilingual book, a young girl is busy helping her family prepare to honor those who have died. First she goes with her mama to the market to buy "pan de muerto." Then she lays a path of marigold petals with her papa. But mostly, she thinks of her abuelito. She misses him very much and is excited for his spirit to visit that night. And when she sees the butterflies fly through the sky, she knows that his spirit is with them.

Written in both Spanish and English, this book includes activites and recipes just right for any Day of the Dead celelbration. Loretta Lopez's colorful illustrations perfectly complement Janice Levy's child-friendly introduction to this important holiday.

Children's Book Committee/​Bank Street College of Education --THE BEST CHILDREN'S BOOKS OF THE YEAR

A heartful story of a young girl celebrating her recently deceased grandfather on 'The Day of the Dead' in Mexico. Informative art.

Recipient of the 2008 Skipping Stones Magazine Honor Award for multiculturalism/​teaching resource
"The selection promotes cooperation, nonviolence, respect for differing viewpoints and close relationships in human societies."

--www.SkippingStones.org

Share with a young girl the memories of her grandfather as she and her family celebrate the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos). She remembers her grandfather’s mustache and fingers, his guitar songs, favorite foods, and games of hide-and-seek. This bilingual story, told in English and Spanish from the perspective of a child, shows how in life and memory, intergenerational relationships between grandchildren and grandparents remain in the hearts of children. The relationship this girl shared with her grandfather has become a meaningful thread between generations in her budding years.

The refrain, “It’s the Day of the Dead! It’s time to celebrate!”, proclaims a variety of ways this Mexican family celebrates Abuelito. They visit market to buy reminiscent treats then cook Abuelito’s favorite foods and drink. They spread marigold petals and light candles at home and at the cemetery with the community. Fluttering on multiple pages, monarch butterflies arrive in the tradition of the spirits and memories of loved ones.

Bright borders frame vivid illustrated snapshots of family moments captured by watercolor, gouache, and colored pencil on watercolor paper. The last pages include instructions for a butterfly mobile, Mexican hot chocolate and a brief history of the Day of the Dead. Ages 4-8.
Reviewed by Charity Leonette, Special Services Coordinator, Allegheny County Library Association. This review was printed in The Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, Vo. 6(3) 2008. Available online at www.taylorandfrancisgroup.com.