Celebrate the Day of the Dead!

PreS-Gr 2–This bright, happy book serves as a wonderful introduction to the Day of the Dead for young readers unfamiliar with the holiday and its traditions. Young Cristina takes readers through the entire day of celebrations, starting with decorating the home, then getting dressed in party clothes and making up the family’s faces in bright colors to attend the parade. Traditional details of the parade, including colorful, beautiful costumes; music; and the many dancing, waving, “funny” skeletons are described. Next, Cristina goes to her Abuela and Abuelo’s house as they prepare food for the family altar and spend time together remembering their loved ones who have passed, both at the altar and later at the brightly lit cemetery. Félix’s inviting illustrations of happy, cheerful family members decked out in the traditional vivid colors paired with de Anda’s simple, explanatory prose make an interesting and engaging window into Day of the Dead Celebrations.