Día de Muertos: Números: A Day of the Dead Counting Book

PreS-Gr 1–Tonatiuh has created a wonderful counting book that is visually appealing and educational. Day of the Dead is a holiday celebrated in Mexico, the United States, and Latin American countries for honoring the dead through music, food, and traditions. This bilingual counting book counts from one to 10, with each page highlighting a number and a food (tamales, panes de muerto) or items (incense, candles) that are placed on an altar. Readers will not only practice counting but also take in the illustrations that Tonatiuh is notable for, based on Mixtec codex. They blend the look of textures and style reminiscent of the past, making this book feel authentic to the subject. An author’s note at the end includes a brief description of the holiday. People of various ages and abilities, including a child using a wheelchair, are portrayed in the book. Written in Spanish and English, it presents many opportunities for readers to learn about the holiday and its rich traditions, as well as to learn counting.