“José drew skulls that were doing all sorts of things. They were eating, dancing, and riding bicycles. They were called calaveras.”
“José drew skulls that were doing all sorts of things. They were eating, dancing, and riding bicycles. They were called calaveras.”
I would use Funny Bones in my classroom to teach students about art, culture, and history together. It‘s a great way to explore Día de los Muertos traditions and how art can tell stories or share messages. Students could create their own calavera drawings inspired by the book or write about what their art represents, connecting creativity with cultural understanding.
pickIn Funny Bones by Duncan Tonatiuh, the information is presented clearly and directly through both text and illustration. The author‘s mix of biography and cultural history makes it easy for readers especially children to understand how José Guadalupe Posada created his famous calaveras. The style is engaging, and the vivid, folk-art-inspired illustrations bring the story to life in an interesting and memorable way.
“Skeletons riding bicycles.. skeletons wearing fancy hats“
I would use this to introduce the holiday, Day of the Dead, and use it as a cultural text in my classroom.
pickFunny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras is clear and easy to understand. The text is appropriate for kids, and the style is engaging. The language is vivid, helping readers imagine Posada‘s lively artwork and learn about the Day of the Dead.
“They weeded and repainted the gravestones of their loved ones. They brought food and told stories about them. Sometimes they hired musicians to play their loved ones' favorite songs.“
I could use this book in my classroom by having students create their own calaveras. I could also connect this book to Dia de los Muertos traditions and Mexican history.
pickThe style engages readers through its mix of storytelling, history, and striking illustrations inspired by Mexican art. The language is vivid and lively, using clear descriptions and Spanish words that bring Posada‘s world to life while making his art and cultural impact both fun and meaningful to explore.
Today is Dia De Los Muertos, Day Of The Dead, All Souls Day.
A Celebration when our loved ones who have journeyed on into the afterlife come to gather with their livings.
Ghosts and Spirits can visit us any day of they year, but Dia De Los Muertos is like a reunion.
This is a gathering of ghosts...children, family members, friends, ancestors, our animal babies, all of our loved ones.
To all Littens who celebrate, cheers to Magical Nostalgia.
