
Written & illustrated by Ana Aranda
A family celebrates the Day of the Dead, bridging past and present with stories and traditions.
On the Day of the Dead, Mar's family gathers to celebrate with food, games, and stories. As the living and the spirits of the departed come together, Mar discovers connections to her ancestors, like her journal-keeping Grandpa Ramón. Her sister, Paz, plays the accordion, echoing their great-grandfather's legacy. With each tale spun by Abuelita, the family feels the presence of those they cherish, making the past come alive. What secrets and bonds will be revealed as they honor their loved ones in this heartfelt celebration?
A family honors their living and dead relatives as they celebrate this holiday with shared food and stories. The Day of the Dead is a happy day when Mar’s family gathers together. There are favorite dishes to enjoy, games to be played, and most importantly, stories to tell. No one in the family is forgotten because this is the day of the year when the dead come to visit the living–and for this holiday it is almost as if they’re alive again, as the family takes great joy in celebrating the things that made them special. Mar realizes she is just like her Grandpa Ramón, who kept a journal. And her sister, Paz, plays accordian, just like their great-grandfather. There are so many things that connect them all–and at dinner, Abuelita spins even more stories that make them feel close to the ones they will love forever. Ana Aranda’s tender text and vibrant art make the joy felt on this sweet day totally palpable.
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