The Festival of Bones / El Festival de Las Calaveras [Spanish]

The illustrations in this book are what make it worth while. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE mexican folk art, and the Day of the Dead drawings in here are fun and original.

The first half is a poetic picture book with stunning illustrations and words in both English and Spanish while the second half is filled with information about the Day of the Dead, traditions, how to build an altar, poems and recipes. This is a great book for exploring other cultures and holidays with children and good to have if looking for another way to celebrate the beginning of fall. I found it helpful in helping my children to remember relatives who have passed and to help take some of the fear out of death.

This "little-bitty" book is small in size but definitely not small in information. This book was packed full of all kinds of facts and ideas for Día de los Muertos. The book begins with a little story that is brilliantly illustrated in pen-and-ink with spot color. The illustrations are skeletons wearing clothes in the style of Juan Guadalupe Posada, the "patron saint" of Día de los Muertos illustrations. This story is a rhyming tale of the skeletons during the fiesta told in both English and Spanish. This is great because it can be read by patrons that read either language, and can improve bilingualism in those that are learning English or Spanish. These illustrations are more in the style of the holiday than any other print source I could find. After the story, the book becomes very informative. It gives the history of the holiday, and gives ideas to children on how to celebrate at the cemetery. It lists many ideas for making an ofrenda (altar and its offerings) for a departed loved one, and then gives recipes for making Pan de Muerto and a Sugar Skull.

Having been born and raised in the Midwest, I've always had a fascination with Mexico's Day of the Dead. The idea that you could joyously celebrate the lives of family and friends who have passed on struck me as being unique and beautiful. The Little-Bitty Book for the Day of the Dead starts with an imaginative and whimsical poem, in both English and Spanish, illustrated with the most charming group of skeletons that you are likely to encounter in a children's book. Rounding out the book is information about The Day of the Dead, including suggestions on how to celebrate this popular Mexican holiday, with recipes for Pan de Meurto and sugar skulls. This book is a must have for any multi-cultural children's library.