Customer Reviews

Clatter Bash!: A Day of the Dead Celebration (Multilingual Edition)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

My 3 1/2 year old found this at the library and was very excited by the cover: "Mommy, can we get this skeleton book?" I, being a former goth-y 80's metalhead, encourage the love of the macabre in my young children, strange as it may seem, so we took it home and both my daughters LOVED reading it and looking at the colorful illustrations, but especially my younger one (who found it). We read it over and over again, and she had EVERY word memorized by the 3rd day. I knew returning it to the library would be a problem, so I ordered it from Amazon so she would have her own copy. The cutest thing is listening to her say the Spanish words in the text. At the end, she yells out "El Dia de los Muertos!" and claps her hands. I can't say that EVERY kid would love it, but mine definitely do, and I love reading it with them.

I must say that I didn't really understand this story until I read the description of the Day of the Dead on the last two pages of the book. When I reread the story knowing the background of this Mexican belief, I was able to better enjoy the story for what it was. The author/illustrator throws weird words together such as, "Buenos noches, story time, shiver-jitter, gee" and illustrates them with expressive lively skeletons. Young children would probably like the sounds of the silly words on each page, but I didn't. I did appreciate the small amount of education I received about this holiday, again from the last two pages, about the dead loving the lives they had, kids included. If you decide to purchase this book, read and understand the concepts, truths and beliefs on these last two informative pages so that you and the child you read it to/with can understand this tradition.

In Mexico, The Day of the Dead or El Día de los Muertos is a holiday to pay homage to friends and family members who have died. Keep's book, CLATTER BASH! A DAY OF THE DEAD CELEBRATION breaks this holiday down to an easy to understand level with festive illustrations that are non-threatening. Who knew skeletons could bring a smile?

In the back, parents and educators will find a more detailed explanation about what happens in Mexico during The Day of the Dead. Spanish words are sprinkled throughout the book, making this a great introduction to the language.

A great introduction to a great tradition. An entertaining and educational take on the Day of the Dead. Clatter Bash! translates the true feeling of this very important Mexican holiday in that it is a celebration of life and not a somber, mournful thing. Clatter Bash! has helped my daughter have a healthy view of death (she is 6), and it has helped her cope with and understand the passing of her grandfather.
Kids will be fascinated by the colorful illustrations and lively text. Read it through once just for fun. Then read the informative author's note in the back for some great insight into the holiday. With that explanation in hand the book takes on new meaning and gets better with every reading.

All the excitement and reverie generated from preparation to partying on Day of the Dead is captured in the lively and fun illustrations! The pictures absolutely set the tone for fun and adventure as preparations are made for the observance of this holiday!