El regalo de abuelita: Un cuento de Día de Muertos

K-Gr 2–Julieta hopes to find the perfect Día de Muertos tribute for her abuelita. Julieta’s family is busy setting up their ofrenda, lovingly displaying sugar skulls, catrinas, and other recuerdos that symbolize the life of departed family members. The little girl wants to honor her beloved abuelita, and makes several attempts to craft a tribute that will adequately capture her memory. First she tries making a flower crown, then an origami bird, but neither turns out right. Digging through her memory box, Julieta finds her dance shoes and accessories and remembers their shared love of dancing. She figures out the perfect tribute. Ríos Ramírez’s text and author’s note emphasize joyful recollection and celebration of lost loved ones, the very heart of Día de Muertos celebrations. Palacios’s warm gouache illustrations feature marigolds and yellow tones to depict Julieta’s memories, and capture the celebratory feel of the holiday. Back matter includes an image of a typical ofrenda with descriptions of common elements such calaveritas, papel picado, and pan de muerto, and each item’s significance.