Beto and The Bone Dance by Gina Freschet

With the caveat that adult readers be prepared to correct this misinformation, I recommend this one to picture-book readers looking for Day of the Dead stories. Although they coincide, and are both tangentially related to All Hallow's Eve, I think this statement is factually incorrect - Halloween and the Day of the Dead are very different holidays - and I think this could be confusing for children. My only criticism of the book is the statement, early on, that the Day of the Dead is called Halloween in many places. Young readers will undoubtedly empathize with Beto's determination to add something personal, something of his own, to the family remembrance of his grandmother. Pairing an engaging and ultimately heartwarming story with brightly-colored, light-infused illustrations, Beto and the Bone Dance is a lovely celebration of Día de los muertos, emphasizing its importance as a moment of connection with deceased loved ones. Then, during the nighttime celebration in the cemetery, he falls asleep and dreams he is dancing with his grandmother, awakening with an idea of what he can do. Everything he thinks of seems to have already been provided by his aunt and uncle and cousins. First, he and his father craft an altar at home in honor of Betos recently departed grandmother, filled with the things she loved in life. Today is Betos favorite holiday - the Day of the Dead. He wonders what he can add, either to the ofrenda or to his abuela's grave site, that will represent his own connection to her. Beto and the Bone Dance by Gina Freschet Hardcover, 32 pages See Other Available Editions Description A fantastic encounter on the Day of the Dead. Beto is excited for the upcoming Day of the Dead celebrations, helping his father to prepare their ofrenda (altar) to honor his recently deceased grandmother.

Beto and The Bone Dance by Gina Freschet