Module 5: Funny Bones

Summary:
This is the story of how the calaveras (skeletons doing everyday tasks or participating in festive activities) that are associated with the Day of the Dead came to be. Lupe Posada is the artist who created them and this book provides background into his life as an artist and the history of calaveras. Tonatiuh's illustrations earned this book the Pura Bulpre Honor award. It was also the winner of the Sibert Award for most distinguished informational book of 2015.

Reference:

Tonatiuh, D. (2015). Funny bones: Posada and his Day of the Dead calaveras. New York, NY: Abrams Books for Young Learners.

Impressions:
I completely understand how Tonatiuh's illustrations helped this book win the Pura Belpre Honor award. The choice of details and colors create a festive look that coincides with the Day of the Dead celebrations described in the book. Posada's story is very interesting and is not one that is commonly told. Tonatiuh did a great job of creating a picture book that is informative and easy to follow for younger children. Posada's use of political cartoons to express opinions is outlined in the second half of the book. Many of Posada's calaveras are shown with the question, "Was Posada saying that..." and pose a question for young readers that allows children to think about some of points Posada was trying to make with his artwork. This was a clever way of opening up those discussions for young readers.


Professional Review:
"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. Posada, who loved to draw as a child, later discovered printmaking, the art form that would shape his career. He learned lithography, engraving, and etching, three techniques that are succinctly explained here and illustrated through cartoonlike panels of drawings. As an adult, then known as Don Lupe, Posada’s images of calaveras amused the public by poking fun at politicians. In the second half of the book, every other page reproduces a Posada print and asks a question, such as, “Was Don Lupe saying that . . . even powerful leaders one day become calaveras?” The use of questions works well, encouraging readers to engage with the art, while the clearly written narrative continues on the facing pages. Appearing throughout the book, Tonatiuh’s illustrations are digital collages notable for their controlled energy, vibrant colors, and a wonderfully rhythmic arrangement of forms on the page. The final scene, a witty, updated version of grinning calaveras, depicts them as young people today. Playful but informative, this picture book offers a fascinating introduction to the artist and his work."

Phelan, C. (2015). [Review of the book Funny bones: Posada and his Day of the Dead calaveras]. Booklist, 111(21), 52.

Library Uses:
After reading Funny Bones, invite students to create their own calaveras masks. Gather paper plates, markers, popsicle sticks, and scissors. Show students how to cut the skull shape out of the plate. Next, have students add eyes and nose and then decorate their creations. Last, add a popsicle stick that students can use to hold up the mask.