The Dead Family Diaz

Gr 1–2—As in the household of the Addams family, the Dead Familia Diaz consider themselves average. It is the Living that are feared, especially by little Angelito, who must walk among them to celebrate their closeness on The Day of the Dead. Drawing a contrast between the holiday and Halloween, Angelito's father discounts his son's fears as the family prepares to join others in celebration. It doesn't take long before the boy's fears return when he becomes separated in the crowd and unknowingly befriends one of Them-a live boy! The subsequent graveyard celebration brings families together and reunites the two, while Angelito discovers he doesn't "need guts to be brave." As an introduction to El Dia de los Muertos, this title presents the happiness of the gathering with fond remembrances of friends and family who have passed on. Graphic cartoon art in bright jewel tones, the colors of the holiday, and contrasts of light and dark set the mood for an unusual juxtaposition of living and dead families. The cartooning of the Dead is fairly tame, but parents of the very young should be aware of the eerie deep-set eyes and grinning skulls. The author makes the most of plays on words as a "bone-tired" Angelito heads to bed. As a companion or contrast to Halloween books, this title is recommended as a general purchase for all libraries with demand for holiday titles with a Mexican flair.—Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX