Skip to main content
Displaying 1 of 1
Día de los Muertos
2018
Where is it?
Large Cover Image
Trade Reviews
Publishers Weekly Review
Eliot introduces readers to Día de los Muertos, describing traditional observance in Mexico and other places. "With delicious foods, brightly colored decorations, and festive parties, we honor the lives of the people we miss," Eliot writes. Gutierrez fills jewel-toned artwork with skeletons and altars to lost loved ones, and toothy cartoon characters decorate sugar skulls and gather flowers. An addition to the Celebrate the World series of holiday-themed board books, this is an informative exploration of a rich, vibrant holiday. Ages 2-4. (July) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Kirkus Review
The traditions and history of one of Mexico's most important holidays are introduced in this latest of Eliot's Celebrate the World series. From setting up the flower-festooned altars to decorating the calaveras, the preparations depicted involve entire communities over several weeks. Characters in cowboy hats, sombreros, and baseball caps place the final touches on skeletons in full lucha libre regalia or spangled mariachi outfits. However, instead of accurately using Mexico's name for the holiday, Da de Muertos, Eliot uses the English back-translation, "Da de los Muertos," as is common in the U.S. even though the story evidently takes place in Mexico. Also, aside from stating that the celebration "is an ancient tradition," there is no mention of its Indigenous, pre-European/Christian roots nor does the book actively distinguish between Da de Muertos and Halloween. The first-person narration vacillates between child and adult perspectives. "We do all this to celebrate the beauty of life and death rather than mourn it." Gutierrez's mixed-media illustrations are convulsive, crowded panes of frenetic activity. Exaggerated facial features border on stereotypical caricaturessnouts and bug eyes abound. Contributing to the crowded page design is the unfortunate choice of board rather than picture-book format. Consequently, the initial perception is that this series is geared toward toddlers, when it is the school-age child who would most benefit from the information in this book.Pass. (Board book. 4-7) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Summary
Learn all about the traditions of Día de los Muertos with this second book in the brand-new board book series Celebrate the World, which highlights special occasions and holidays across the globe.

At the end of October each year, it's time to celebrate an ancient tradition: Día de los Muertos! With vibrant illustrations by Golden Globe-winning Mexican illustrator Jorge Gutierrez, this festive board book teaches that Día de los Muertos honors ancestors and loved ones who have passed. From sugar skulls to papel picado , this is a holiday that truly commemorates the cycle of life.
Librarian's View
Displaying 1 of 1