The Invisible Parade

Gr 2-5–A heartfelt journey through grief, memory, and celebration. Centered on young Cala, the story unfolds during the Day of the Dead as she grapples with the recent loss of her grandfather. What begins as a somber walk through her family’s offerings and traditions transforms into a magical and emotional voyage, guided by four symbolic horsemen. Each encounter offers Cala a profound moral lesson—not just about death, but about what it means to live, to feel, and to remember. Bardugo weaves family ritual, food, and decor into a narrative that highlights the essential role of community and tradition in the healing process. The use of motifs such as skeletons lends authenticity and beauty to Cala’s inner and outer worlds, reinforcing the message that celebration and sorrow are often entwined. Illustrations elevate the story further. With richly saturated colors (so much so in some scenes that text readability may be a challenge for newer readers) and expressive detail, the artwork captures the complexity of Cala’s emotions, from loneliness to connection. Shadows and bursts of color visually echo her transformation, emphasizing that while grief can feel isolating, love and memory tether us to the living and the departed alike.