Alyson Beecher over at Kid Lit Frenzy hosts a Non-fiction Picture Book Challenge and has a roundup every Wednesday. I love the encouragement to explore more non-fiction.
This week I am focusing on Pablo Remembers: The Fiesta of the Day of the Dead by George Ancona.
Goodreads Summary: 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. Also available in a Spanish Language edition, Pablo Recuerda.
My Thoughts: I appreciate George Ancona's ability to transport readers to another place and time. His photographs have a sense of immediacy. They are full of life and they share so much information. His text adds any missing pieces of information we may still need. The body of the book shows how one family prepares for and celebrates the Day of the Dead. The note at the end provides a history of how the fiesta came to be celebrated. I enjoyed learning more about this holiday and look forward to sharing parts of this book with my students.
A Few Fiction Titles for Pairing:
The Dead Family Diaz by P.J. Bracegirdle
Mi Familia Calaca by Cynthia Weill
Felipa and the Day of the Dead by Birte Müller
Rosita y Conchita by Eric Gonzalez and Erich Haeger
Calavera Abecedario: A Day of the Dead Alphabet Book by Jeanette Winter
The Day of the Dead by Bob Barner
Other Resources for Day of the Dead:
Las Calaveras Todas Blacas Son or What is the Day of the Dead? from Latin@s in Kid Lit
Five Great Children's Books to Celebrate Día de los Muertos from Mamiverse
Day of the Dead Lesson Plans and Activities from Mommy Maestra
Update**Facts and Misconceptions About Mexican Día de Muertos from ThinkMexican
