Review: I Remember Abuelito: A Day of the Dead Story / Yo Recuerdo a Abuelito: Un cuento del Día de los Muertos
Title: I Remember
Abuelito: A Day of the Dead Story / Yo Recuerdo a Abuelito: Un cuento del Día
de los Muertos
Author: Janice
Levy
Illustrator: Loretta
Lopez
Translator:Miguel Arisa
Publisher: Albert
Whitman & Company (bilingual edition)
Year: 2007
Paperback: 32 pages
Ages: 4 – 8
IBSN:
978-0807535172
Summary
Narrated from the point of view of a girl whose
family is ready to celebrate the Day of the Dead, this is a heartwarming story
about remembering loved ones who have passed away. Her Abuelito died a few
months ago and the girl asks her Mamá how his spirit will visit them during the
celebration. Mamá explains that she will feel him in her heart.
They go to the market to buy pan de muerto (bread of the dead) and calaveras de azúcar (sugar skulls). The
girl thinks and remembers her Abuelito. They used to play hide-and-seek and
sometimes he couldn't find her. She wonders if his spirit might get lost. Mamá
tells her that his spirit is like the butterflies, which come to their town
every year.
Outside their house, Her Papá and Tía lay a
path of marigold petals for Abuelito's spirit to find his way home. Afterwards,
Tía helps her to decorate the altar, in which a photograph of Abuelito stands.
She asks her Tía if his spirit forgets to come. Tía explains that the candle's
light will remind him of his way back home. The girl looks out the window. Suddenly,
she sees something wonderful. Hundreds of butterflies fly through the sky.
The family also goes to the cemetery and sprinkles
marigold petals. The girl lays some of her Abuelito's favorite things on his
grave. The family embraces. The girl feels a breeze and sees a butterfly
resting on a petal near her feet. At night, Mamá tucks her into bed and she
dreams of her Abuelito.
Comments
This is a really touching story in which young
children learn about loss and remembrance. They also learn about honoring their
ancestors. In this case, the story is about how people from Mexico and parts of
Central and South American remember their loved ones during the Day of the
Dead.
The text is both in Spanish and English, which
is very helpful for bilingual families and those who want to learn about other
countries' celebrations.
The illustrations are traditional, bright,
colorful, and a bit sad. I thought that the butterflies represented hope and
the beauty of what might be after we die.
Parents, educators, and librarians prepare
yourselves to answer a lot of questions when you read this story to your kids
or a group of children. My daughter asked several questions about the Day of
the Dead, traditions, and loss.
Comments
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