Abuelita's Gift: A Día de Muertos Story by Mariana Ríos Ramírez, Sara Palacios
Published by Alfred A. Knopf on 9/10/24
ISBN: 0593568362
Genres: Holiday
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

In this beautifully illustrated picture book, Julieta is trying to figure out how to honor and celebrate her grandmother on Día de Muertos.  None of her ideas are working and on November 1, she still doesn’t have the perfect gift for her family’s ofrenda.  Finally, after looking through boxes of old photos, Julieta comes up with a special way to capture her grandmother’s joyful spirit.  Julieta dances like she did with her grandmother and feels her presence, realizing the bond they share will always be there when she dances.  The author’s note explains a little bit about the traditions of Día de Muertos and how they might differ family by family.  The text of the story incorporates Spanish words and the glossary at the end gives the meanings for these words. There is also a colorful illustration of an ofrenda and an explanation on the adjacent page of all of the different elements of the ofrenda.  This book would be an excellent addition to any children’s collection.  The story shows how families can remember loved ones who have died, with joy instead of sadness.  The illustrations are vibrant and really capture this festive time of year in Mexican culture. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library