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<\/p>\nFrom a vibrant celebration of traditional culture and food to a playful multigenerational adventure, these works will charm and engage young readers and their families.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
From a vibrant celebration of traditional culture and food to a playful multigenerational adventure, these works will charm and engage young readers and their families.<\/p>\n
My Great Great Grandmother<\/a> by Joaqu\u00edn Camp. illus. by Joaqu\u00edn Camp. Orca. Oct. 2026. 40p. tr. from Spanish by Lawrence Schimel. Tr $21.95. ISBN 9781459843912.\u00a0 The D\u00eda de los Muertos Cookbook: Recipes and Activities for Kids and Families to Celebrate<\/a> by Andrea J\u00e1uregui De La Torre. illus. by Alejandra Barajas. Quarto\/becker&mayer!. (Holiday Celebration). Sept. 2026. 52p. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9781577158295.\u00a0
PreS-Gr 2\u2013This playfully macabre, multigenerational adventure begins when a young boy\u2014depicted with dark-orange skin and dressed in light blue formal wear\u2014accidentally digs up his great-great-grandmother\u2019s skeleton from his family\u2019s yard. Unphased, he lovingly gives her bones a bath and dresses her up in one of his mother\u2019s T-shirts; together they experience joyrides, music, and lemonade. The increasingly fantastic narrative invites -readers to decide whether this entire situation is a figment of the boy\u2019s imagination; as if the presence of a skeletal great-great-grandmother isn\u2019t surprising enough, she also happens to have a plane and a motorcycle. However, readers will interpret this beautiful and improbable scenario as a wonderful time shared by the boy and his ancestor underscores the value and enduring emotional resonance of familial connections. Illustrations rendered in a limited palette of bold black, reds, oranges, and blues add to the story\u2019s charm; visible marker and watercolor strokes add an intimate, hand-created feel to the pages. Like Disney\u2019s Coco or Janet and Allan Ahlberg\u2019s \u201cFunnybones\u201d series, this whimsical story depicts the afterlife as a charming celebration. Although readers who are sensitive to depictions of skeletons and death may not warm to this title, it strikes a reassuring tone for those who are curious about their departed family members. VERDICT This humorous and touching title is a solid addition to picture book collections and an especially delightful pick for Halloween or D\u00eda de los Muertos themed storytimes.<\/p>\n
Gr 1 Up\u2013This book is a vibrant celebration of Mexican culture, food, and \u00acfamily traditions centered around D\u00eda de los Muertos. Recipes, cultural history, and festive traditions are combined into an engaging and accessible volume for readers of all ages. The illustrations and photography are one of the book\u2019s greatest strengths. Bright colors, beautifully decorated altars, sugar skulls, marigolds, candles, and finished dishes bring the holiday to life. The visuals help readers understand the symbolism and joy associated with this important cultural celebration while making the recipes especially inviting. The cookbook features traditional foods commonly prepared during D\u00eda de los Muertos, along with background information. Readers will discover fun facts about offerings placed on ofrendas, the significance of marigolds, and the ways families honor loved ones through food and remembrance. Its successful blend of cooking, cultural education, and storytelling provides meaningful context that deepens appreciation for the traditions behind each dish. VERDICT Recommended for public and school libraries serving families, food enthusiasts, and readers interested in cultural traditions.<\/p>\n