0 false 18 pt 18 pt 0 0 false false false /* Style Definitions */table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:Table Normal; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Times New Roman; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} It'sDia de los Muertos, and all the children in town are preparing for the celebration! Altares are decorated, sweets are made, and papel picado is strungup to swing in the breeze before everyone dresses in costumes for the bigparade. Told in simple verse, thisbook celebrates the joy of the holiday and the beliefs behind it while simultaneously familiarizing readers with each element of the celebration. Spanish words are so seamlesslywoven throughout the text that readers unfamiliar with the terms will easily grasptheir meanings through context and accompanying illustrations. The rhymes flow naturally with apleasant cadence and celebratory tone. Ballesteros' charming illustrationsfill the pages with delightful and amusing details, and the bold shapes andbright colors heighten the festive atmosphere. Included are a glossary and endnotes explaining the originsof the holiday, along with an explanation of the traditional foods andactivities. A great choice forreaders who celebrate the holiday and those wanting to learn more about it.

PreS-Gr 2 A festive and colorful celebration of the Mexican and Latin American holiday. Thong's rhyming narrative introduces the traditions practiced during El D&7;a de los Muertos or the Day of the Dead, from the sugary, skull-shaped candies ( calaveras ) and altars built in remembrance of the dearly departed to decorating tombstones and picnics at the cemetery. Spanish words are sprinkled throughout, sometimes defined through their context or otherwise included in the helpful glossary. From daybreak to nightfall, the holiday, often celebrated on November 1, is showcased as a town-wide event and is depicted as a family festivity. Ballesteros's vibrant and child-friendly art bursts off the page, sometimes overcrowding the tableau in a way that marries well with the partylike atmosphere. Mexican cultural references are made throughout, including cameos by Frida Kahlo, La Llorona , and the recently deceased Mexican actress and comedian Maria Elena Velasco, best known for her character La India Maria. The skeleton images made popular by Mexican artist Jos&3; Guadalupe Posada are also prevalent in each spread, but these almost jolly figures won't frighten young readers. Pair with Paul Bracegirdle's The Dead Family Diaz (Dial, 2012) for a themed storytime, or include in Halloween displays. VERDICT A jovial primer on the Latin American holiday for the uninitiated and a fiesta for those who already partake. Shelley Diaz , School Library Journal