The Day of the Dead/El dia de los muertos

PreS-Gr 3—A family celebrates the Day of the Dead in typical Latin American style in this video presentation of Bob Barner's lovely bilingual book (Holiday House, 2010.) El dia de los muertos actually lasts several days, starting on Halloween, and centers on just what the name implies—the dead. While to some this might seem macabre, the holiday is actually a joyous time to remember loved ones who have passed on and to recognize the power of family relationships. Viewers are introduced to food, music, dance, customs, and other aspects of the holiday. Limited animation is used on Barner's vibrant collage illustrations, adding movement and flow. Original music with a Latin flair impels the program forward. The text is simple and evocative, creating an emotional connection. The production ends with a quick overview of how the holiday is celebrated. Viewers can choose either English or Spanish narration, aptly and richly provided by Rita Moreno, and the same choice of languages is given for subtitles. While ghosts and skeletons abound in the illustrations, they are never frightening. Those unfamiliar with this holiday will enjoy the chance to learn about it and to compare and contrast it with their own family customs. Children who celebrate the holiday will delight in seeing it so well presented. An excellent addition to school library collections.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary, Federal Way, WA