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“In her authorial debut, Aranda…delivers a charming ode to the Latinx Day of the Dead holiday…The importance of family, storytelling, and tradition shines through the text and joyous textured illustrations…The matter-of-fact text contains not a hint of fear or mourning, which might be just the right tone for some children with a recent death in the family, making this a perennial title and not one to relegate to Day of the Dead shelves or displays.”

—School Library Journal

“Aranda explains why the holiday matters as well as the importance of learning about and preserving ancestral memories. Her text contains just enough information to be beneficial to young readers without overwhelming them. The nuances of the connections between ancestors and current generations, and between lost loved ones and living ones, are expertly captured. Above all, the story centers on the joys of family and tradition. Shines a triumphant spotlight on Day of the Dead festivities.”

—Kirkus Reviews

“Aranda shares a story inspired by her own family. . . . Aranda’s warm artwork incorporates bright and cheerful visual metaphors, such as swirling monarch butterflies, which represent the distance guests travel to return home for the party. The family tree in the opening pages and emphasis on family stories underscores the connection to ancestry the holiday celebrates, and the upbeat and happy tone reminds readers that remembering loved ones, even those we miss terribly, can be a source of joy.”

—Booklist

Our Day of the Dead Celebration

Written by Ana Aranda
Illustrated by Ana Aranda
Published by Nancy Paulsen Books

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.

Look for the Spanish version, Nuestra Celebración del Día de Muertos.

Primary ISBN: 9780525514282
Publication Date: September 2022
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Picture Book , Age 03 or older

Community Represented:

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Setting: United States

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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