Book Review: FUNNY BONES: POSADA AND HIS DAY OF THE DEAD CALAVERAS

 Tonatiuh, Dungan. (2015). Funny bones: Posada and his day of the dead calaveras. New York: Abrams Books for Young Readers. (ISBN 978-1-41971-647-8)

PLOT SUMMARY

Does the name Jose Guadalupe (Lupe) Posada ring a bell? Chances are you may not have heard it, but more than likely you have seen his artwork here or there especially nearing November 1-2: Mexico’s Dia De Muertos (Day of the Dead). Author Tonatiuh writes about Jose Guadalupe Posada’s most popular artwork of Calaveras (skeletons) in Funny Bones Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras. Posada born in Mexico, a great artist at young age, began gaining experiencing in different types of art work such as at a print shop where he learned lithography, learned engraving, printing all sorts of certificates, invitations, flyers, and documents. He even dabbled in humorous political artwork, which was not liked by all politicians forcing Posada to move the city of Leon. He married and had one son. At that time he became a very distinguished and respected individual, as he started illustrating for books and became a lithography teacher. A flood caused his family to move to Mexico City, where he opened up another shop. It was at that time along with a fellow co-worker they began to create these meticulous works of arts: calaveras (skeletons). His work is celebrated around the world. The book ends with an author’s note, glossary, bibliography, and art credits.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Even though calaveras (skeletons) are usually associated with death and is a heavy subject to talk about, the way the author depicts and expresses Posadas’s life throughout the book is easy for children to read and understand. The illustrations are deep in color and rich in culture and helps the readers interpret the text. There is art work throughout the book that was created by Posada himself, including the cover of the book.

REVIEW EXCERPT (S)

-Booklist starred (2015) “This exceptional picture-book biography profiles Mexican artist José Guadalupe Posada (1852–1913), who is remembered primarily for his portrayal of calaveras, the droll skeletons prominent in Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations.”

-Horn Book Magazine (2015) “He incorporates amusing, thoughtful exercises for young readers into the narrative, prompting them to interpret the messages behind Posada's artwork.”

-School Library Journal (2015) “The beautifully expressive Day of the Dead-inspired illustrations on heavy paper pages sport borders of bones, grinning skeletons, and Tonatiuh's signature figures shown in profile, influenced by the ancient Mexican art of his ancestors.”

*Pura Belpre Illustrator Honor, 2016

*Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal, 2016

CONNECTIONS

For Spanish class or history class students can make their own Dia De Los Muertos altar or display reading the following books about the topic:

Haeger, Eric. Rosita Y CONCHITA: A RHYMING storybook in English & Spanish. Ill.

by Eric Gonzalez. ISBN 978092715307

Luenn, Nancy. A gift for abuelita: Celebrating the day of the dead. Ill. by Robert

Chapman. ISBN 9780873586887