The Day of the Dead / El día de los muertos
By Bob Barner
The Story
Two children prepare for el Día de los Muertos, making sugar skulls and special bread, then scatter marigold petals to guide their ancestors home for a night of singing, dancing, and remembering.
Why It's Special
For families sharing Día de los Muertos traditions with a young child, this bilingual celebration turns remembering loved ones into something warm and joyful rather than something to fear.
- Big idea: Honoring those who came before us can be an act of celebration, not sorrow.
- Vibes: Warm, festive, and reverent, with bright collage colors and a lyrical, bilingual rhythm.
Perfect For Kids Who
- are learning about different cultural traditions
- enjoy bright, bold collage art
- are working on understanding family and memory
- respond well to bilingual Spanish and English text
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & tradition: What did the children make as offerings for their ancestors?
- Imagination: Why do you think the children spread marigold petals to guide the dead home?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think the children felt while singing and dancing to remember their family?
- Real-life connection: Is there someone in your family you like to remember and talk about?
- Language & culture: Can you say any of the Spanish words from the story, like 'los muertos'?
