Calavera Abecedario: A Day of the Dead Alphabet Book [Paperback]

Jeanette Winter (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Every year Don Pedro and his family make papier-mâché skeletons, or calaveras, for Mexico's Day of the Dead fiesta. From the Angel and Doctor to the Mariachi and Unicornio, there's a special calavera for each letter of the alphabet. Come dance with them!

Includes a glossary of Spanish words and an author's note.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 4–A title that features jaunty illustrations inspired by Mexican folk art and a short story about preparations for the Day of the Dead that includes within it an alphabet book based on the Spanish alphabet. The heart of the book is the artwork: vivid pastel clothing and scenery set against shiny black backgrounds and complemented by the bright white of the skeletons that form an integral part of the Mexican and Mexican-American celebrations. Skeletal characters in the alphabet portion of the book include ángel (angel) and bruja (witch), Kahlo (as in Frida, about whom Winter has written), and zapatero (shoemaker). While the glossary is helpful, the illustrations offer plenty of clues as to what each word means. The story that surrounds the alphabet concerns the family of Don Pedro, three generations of which join in the yearlong making of the papier-mâché skeletons for the fiestas in early November. An author's note includes information about the real Don Pedro, whose life inspired her book. This is a lovely book that approaches the Day of the Dead from an unusual angle, reflecting not only the close family ties common to Mexican life but also the non-"devilish" nature of the celebrations.–Coop Renner, Hillside Elementary, El Paso, TX
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist

K-Gr. 3. Winter's continuing fascination with Mexican culture is evident in this alphabet book featuring el Dia de los Muertos--the Day of the Dead. The book opens as Don Pedro and his sons make papier-mache skeletons, Calaveras, on a rooftop in Mexico City. When the calaveras are ready, each one acts out a word in Spanish that begins with a letter of the alphabet: E for enfermera (nurse); H for huevera (egg seller); V for vaquero (cowboy). The Spanish language has no W, so that page depicts a skeleton pushing the letter off the edge of the picture. A glossary concludes, and an author's note pays tribute to a famous cala vera maker, Don Pedro Linares. Borders in sun-soaked colors contrast with black backgrounds that dramatically set off the white skeletons. Although readers looking for specific information about the fiesta won't find it here (for that they'll need to turn to Winter's 1997 book with author Tony Johnston, Day of the Dead) this striking celebration of an intriguing tradition will be welcomed by teachers, librarians, and Mexican American families, as well as by kids everywhere. Julie Cummins
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Sandpiper (September 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0152059067
• ISBN-13: 978-0152059064
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 8 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #729,792 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #17 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Explore the World > Mexico
  • #62 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Holidays & Festivals > Religious
  • #73 in Books > Children's Books > Travel & Cultures > Explore the World > Mexico

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrifico!, January 4, 2007

By 

A. Del Rosso (APO, AE United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Calavera Abecedario: A Day of the Dead Alphabet Book (Hardcover)

This book is wonderfully illustrated, and kids love it. It has a great deal of re-read value for kids because the illustrations are so detailed. The Spanish is easy and many of the words listed are very similar to their English counterparts. El Dia de los Muertos is fun anytime of the year, and this book is a visual treat...

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lively fun, February 9, 2009

By 

J S Schweibish (Westhampton Beach, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Calavera Abecedario: A Day of the Dead Alphabet Book (Paperback)

This is sweet little ABC book (although they wimped out, not finding anything for the letter Z, I think it was...) about a family who create festive skeletons for the Day of the Dead festivities each year. Each page alphabetically exhibits various individuals, all seeming to dance across the pages - a fun way to learn the alphabet and about certain professions and hobbies. Obviously a book with southwest US/Mexican flavor, maybe not to everyone's taste, but just what I was looking for - sweet & spicy visual inspiration.

4.0 out of 5 stars muy bien, January 18, 2012

By 

ValerieNH - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Calavera Abecedario: A Day of the Dead Alphabet Book (Paperback)

I recommend this book for kids because it has pretty pictures. It family oriented and it teaches you the history of día de los muertos. Calavera abcedario is a fun read for all ages. Good way to understand the Latin culture.