Our Day of the Dead Celebration
on Goodreads (226)
What’s inside...
The Day of the Dead is a happy day when Mar's family gathers together. There are favorite dishes to enjoy, games to be played, and most importantly, stories to tell. No one in the family is forgotten because this is the day of the year when the dead come to visit the living-and for this holiday it is almost as if they're alive again, as the family takes great joy in celebrating the things that made them special. Mar realizes she is just like her Grandpa Ramón, who kept a journal. And her sister, Paz, plays accordion, just like their great-grandfather. There are so many things that connect them all-and at dinner, Abuelita spins even more stories that make them feel close to the ones they will love forever. Ana Aranda's tender text and vibrant art make the joy felt on this sweet day totally palpable.
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of the Day of the Dead celebration in the book, and why?
How did the characters in the story feel about celebrating Day of the Dead, and how can you tell?
What are some of the ways the family in the book remembers their loved ones?
Can you think of a special memory with someone you miss? How would you celebrate or honor them?
How does the art and decoration in the book help tell the story of the Day of the Dead?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, reinforcing that all feelings are valid.
Discuss the cultural significance of Day of the Dead, emphasizing respect and appreciation for the traditions and practices shown in the book.
Connect themes from the book to your child’s experiences, asking them to relate personal memories of loved ones or special traditions in your own family.
Use the book’s illustrations to help your child visualize and understand the story, asking them to describe what they see and how the colors and symbols make them feel.
After reading, consider crafting a simple ofrenda (offering) together, inspired by the celebrations in the book, to practically connect the story to real life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and respecting cultural diversity
Explanation: The story illustrates the Day of the Dead, a significant cultural festival in Mexican culture, showcasing how families honor and remember their deceased loved ones.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect cultural practices different from their own, promoting inclusivity and empathy in diverse social settings.
Example Lesson: Importance of family and community
Explanation: The book depicts family members coming together to prepare for and celebrate the Day of the Dead, highlighting strong family bonds and communal cooperation.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to value and participate in family gatherings and community events, enhancing their social bonds and sense of belonging.
Example Lesson: Dealing with loss
Explanation: Through the celebration's rituals and conversations, the book gently introduces the concept of death and commemoration, providing a comforting perspective on loss.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand and cope with the loss of a loved one, fostering emotional resilience.
Example Lesson: Creative expression
Explanation: The celebration includes creating altars, cooking traditional foods, and making crafts, showing how creativity is an integral part of the festival.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to explore and express their creativity in various forms, whether through art, cooking, or storytelling.
Example Lesson: Learning about history and traditions
Explanation: The story is interwoven with historical facts and traditional practices associated with the Day of the Dead, providing a rich educational context.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to learn more about their own and others' histories and traditions, enhancing their educational development and cultural awareness.