Thematic Lists

Gustavo is good at doing all sorts of ghostly things: walking through walls, making objects fly, and glowing in the dark. And he loves almost nothing more than playing beautiful music on his violin. But Gustavo is shy, and some things are harder for him to do, like getting in a line to buy eye scream or making friends with other monsters. Whenever he tries getting close to them, he realizes they just can't see him. Now that the Day of the Dead is fast approaching, what can he do to make them notice him and to share with them something he loves? With fancifully detailed artwork and visual humor, debut picture-book creator Flavia Z. Drago's vivid illustrations tell a sweet and gently offbeat story of loneliness, bravery, and friendship that is sure to be a treat for little ghouls and goblins everywhere.

At the end of October each year, it's time to celebrate an ancient tradition: Día de los Muertos! With vibrant illustrations by Golden Globe-winning Mexican illustrator Jorge Gutierrez, this festive board book teaches that Día de los Muertos honors ancestors and loved ones who have passed. From sugar skulls to papel picado, this is a holiday that truly commemorates the cycle of life.

This book is based on the song "Los Esqueletos Salen de la Tumba" (The Skeletons Come Out of the Tomb) . With Mexican-inspired black and white hand drawn art, it is a festive Halloween and Day of the Dead celebration. Inspired by beautiful calavera art by José Guadalupe Posada. Follow the little skeletons as they go about their surprising and intriguing day while counting down from 1 PM to midnight.

Inspired by one of the most recognized symbols of Dia De Muertos or Day of the Dead, a holiday that celebrates life and remembers the dearly departed, this book will introduce little ones to emotional expressions and their first English and Spanish words.

El Día de Muertos, Day of the Dead, is here--a holiday for celebrating the lives of departed family and friends. Altars are decorated with sugar skulls and marigolds. Tamales and sweets are ready to eat. Soon it will be time for picnics, music, and a costume parade! Come join in these joyful and vibrant festivities that are a tradition in Mexico, the United States, and throughout Latin America.

A child and their family observe the customs of Día de los Angelitos, one of the ritual celebrations of Día de Muertos, to celebrate the life of their beloved dog who passed away. They build a thoughtful ofrenda to help lead the pet's soul home and help the little one process their grief in this moving reminder that loved ones are never really gone if we take the time to remember them.

Funny Bones tells the story of how the amusing calaveras--skeletons performing various everyday or festive activities--came to be. They are the creation of Mexican artist José Guadalupe (Lupe) Posada (1852-1913). In a country that was not known for freedom of speech, he first drew political cartoons, much to the amusement of the local population but not the politicians. He continued to draw cartoons throughout much of his life, but he is best known today for his calavera drawings. They have become synonymous with Mexico's Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festival. Juxtaposing his own art with that of Lupe's, author Duncan Tonatiuh brings to light the remarkable life and work of a man whose art is beloved by many but whose name has remained in obscurity. The book includes an author's note, bibliography, glossary, and index.

Explores Halloween and Day of the Dead traditions from around the world, including All Saint's and All Soul's Days, the Day of the Dead, and other celebrations for the dead.

Daniela is preparing for the Day of the Dead--the first one since her grandpa died. She makes an ofrenda with Grandpa's favorite things and toy skeletons. Her family has a party to remember Grandpa.

Do your readers want to make their own skeleton pet? Skeletons and skulls are very important to Day of the Dead. Readers follow storyteller Randel McGee as he explores Day of the Dead. Readers will learn to make a skull mask, paper marigolds, and even a skeleton candy basket.

It's Halloween but Cristina is very sad and doesn't feel like putting on a costume and going trick-or-treating because she's lost her toy bunny. During the celebration of the Day of the Dead, her parents teach her about a unique way to deal with the pain for the loss of a loved one. Contains an informative section about Halloween and the Day of the Dead.

Rhyming text presents traditions used to celebrate the Day of the Dead. Graveyard skeletons shake, rattle, and roll in this spirited Day of the Dead celebration featuring bold and colorful cut-paper illustrations. A two-page illustrated afterword gives factual information about el Dia de los Muertos, the reverent but fun celebration honoring relatives who have passed on, and the special rituals, images, foods, and customs associated with this joyful Mexican celebration

Describes the Day of the Dead, or el Día de los Muertos, a holiday celebrated in Mexico from October 31 to November 2

Above a small town in Mexico, the sun rises like a great marigold, and one family begins preparations for an annual celebration, El día de los muertos, the Day of the Dead. Soon they will go out into the night, join their neighbors, and walk to the graveyard to welcome the spirits of their loved ones home again. Framed by decorative borders and peppered with Spanish words, Day of the Dead is a glorious introduction to a fascinating celebration. A note at the end of the book provides factual information about the holiday.

After her beloved grandmother dies, Rosita hopes to be reunited with Abuelita as she prepares a gift to give her when her family celebrates the Day of the Dead.

This touching and beautifully written bilingual book tells how a Mexican boy and his mother honor the spirit of the boy's favorite uncle on the Day of the Dead.

Describes the activities associated with the Mexican holiday known as the Day of the Dead.

From October 31 to November 2, people in Mexico celebrate the festival of el Dia de Los Muertos, the Day of the Dead. This photodocumentary follows Pablo and his family as they prepare to honor the memory of Pablo's grandmother.

Every year Don Pedro and his family make paper-mache skeletons, or calavera, for Mexico's Day of the Dead holiday, and every letter of the alphabet gets its own unique bones.

Catrina and her family are moving to the coast of Northern California because her little sister, Maya, is sick. Cat isn't happy about leaving her friends for Bahía de la Luna, but Maya has cystic fibrosis and will benefit from the cool, salty air that blows in from the sea. As the girls explore their new home, a neighbor lets them in on a secret: There are ghosts in Bahía de la Luna. Maya is determined to meet one, but Cat wants nothing to do with them. As the time of year when ghosts reunite with their loved ones approaches, Cat must figure out how to put aside her fears for her sister's sake -- and her own.

With more than 80 activities in each book, these valuable resources will enrich your curriculum. For each activity, literature links promote reading, while Internet links encourage the best use of technology. Individual and team projects for K-5 classrooms, connected to NCTE standards.
Includes an activity for Día de los Muertos

With the increased emphasis on incorporating STEM activities in children's curriculum at ever earlier ages, often neglected are opportunities to explore subjects outside the sciences, or simply to give children the time and space to use their imagination. 25 Projects for Global Explorers will spark their interest in history, geography, events, and landmarks around the world, and nourish their creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking skills. Designed for kids aged 5-10, and flexible enough to use in either storytimes or classroom settings, the projects here use representative picture books as tools for learning about different places and people; take kids' imaginations on journeys to a variety of U.S. landmarks, such as Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in Alaska, Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and Lei Day Festival in Hawaii; introduce more than a dozen fascinating places, traditions, and cultures from across the world, including the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil, the Day of the Dead in Mexico, the Ziggurat of Ancient Mesopotamia in Iraq, and the San People, formerly known as the Bushmen of South Africa; and include hands-on activities for teaching children what makes each topic special, materials lists, programming tips, and additional resources. The projects inside this book will reinforce learning, encourage experimentation, and bolster children's appreciation for the world.
Includes an activity entitled "Day of the Dead"

With the arrival of the conquistadors, many ancient Mesoamerican rituals were absorbed into Christian holidays. This program examines a collection of sacred, social, and artistic traditions the survived European assimilation and now compose one of Mexico's most important annual festivals.

Helps viewers hold a mirror to their own culture" (container). Includes footage of Mexico's Day of the Dead celebration, a Balinese funeral, street life in New Delhi, and compares these to cultural norms in modern American society.
We believe many of our cultural beliefs are simply the most 'natural' or 'best' way to behave and so everyone should behave that way; therein lies the roots of prejudice. Travel by video to Mexico for a Day of the Dead celebration, witness a funeral in Bali, explore food in Hong Kong, and see street life in New Delhi to learn more about our 'invisible' culture.