Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras

Discover the story behind Jos Guadalupe Posada's iconic D a de Muertos skeletons in this fascinating picture book from award-winning creator Duncan Tonatiuh

A Robert F. Sibert Award Winner, Pura Belpr Illustrator Honor Book, and ALA/ALSC Notable Children's Book

Funny Bones tells the story of how calaveras came to be. The amusing figures are the creation of Mexican artist Jos Guadalupe (Lupe) Posada (1852-1913). Lupe learned the art of printing at a young age and soon had his own shop. In a country that was not known for freedom of speech, he drew political cartoons, much to the amusement of the local population but not that of the politicians. He continued to draw cartoons, but he is best known today for his calavera drawings. They have become synonymous with Mexico's D a de Muertos festival.

Calaveras are skeletons performing all sorts of activities, both everyday and festive: dancing in the streets, playing instruments in a band, pedaling bicycles, promenading in the park, and even sweeping the sidewalks. They are not intended to be frightening, but rather to celebrate the joy of living as well as provide humorous observations about people.

Award-winning author and illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh relates the pivotal moments of Lupe's life and explains the different artistic processes he used. Juxtaposing his own artwork with Lupe's, Tonatiuh brings to light the remarkable life and work of a man beloved by many but whose name has remained in obscurity.

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
Published: 08/25/2015
ISBN: 9781419716478
Pages: 40
Weight: 1.16lbs
Size: 11.10h x 9.20w x 0.50d
Award: Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award - Winner
Award: Orbis Pictus Award - Honor Book
Award: Pura Belpre Award - Honor Book
Award: Kirkus Prize - Finalist

Review Citations: Kirkus Reviews 06/15/2015
Booklist 07/01/2015 pg. 52
Publishers Weekly 07/20/2015
School Library Journal 09/01/2015 pg. 183
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 10/01/2015
Horn Book Magazine 11/01/2015 pg. 108
New York Times Book Review 11/08/2015 pg. 27
Kirkus Best Middle Grade Books 11/15/2015 pg. 89
PW Children's Starred Reviews 12/02/2015 pg. 46
Booklist Ed Choice Youth 01/01/2016 pg. 12
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2016 - Outstanding, Noteworthy In Style

Accelerated Reader Quiz #/Name: 178804 / Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras
Reading Level: 5.1 / Interest Level: Lower Grade / Point Value: 0.5