Funny Bones Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras by Duncan Tonatiuh

1. Bibliography

Tonatiuh, Ducan. Funny Bones Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras. New York: Abrams, 2015. ISBN: 9781419716478

2. Plot Summary:

In this biography explicates about the life of a print maker, and artist Jose Guadalupe Posada and his famous Calaveras drawing. With his techniques he used to make a traditional celebration of the Day of the Dead or el Dìa de Muertos, connect to his work.

3. Characters:

Take a walk through the chronological order of Josè Guadalupe Posada. The character development starts with the young life of Posada and people who influenced him to learn about print making. As he continued through his life the author explains how he came to be a well honored artist of Calaveras. His style of expression for events that occurred during his life is represented on several pages through replica drawings, and an explanation of what he was thinking to create the literary Calaveras.

4. Setting:

The Hispanic culture is supported by the setting taken place at different parts of Mexico. In the city of Aguascalientes, the drawing Posada exhibits the Mexican culture with a sombrero. The reader observes the culture with the celebration of el Dìa de Muertos in Mexico City. The author/illustrator captures the specific offerings to honor the dead. The “picado (paper cutouts)” are a main decorations that supports the Mexican culture. These a cut into a Calaveras. The pamphlets of the Calaveras he makes are examples the people he observes in the city. All of these symbols positively reflect the diverse culture.

5. Illustrations:

The rich illustrations representing the Mexican culture with a satire using skeletons or Calaveras. A Calaveras is on every other page. The people drawn all have similar physical characteristics of large eyes, and hands. This creates the feeling that they are all from the same culture. The bold and vivid collages transpires each page and brings in different types of textures. The road has the look of a brick road and uneven, as roads sometimes are this way. Several pages are bordered with bones to support the focus of the Calaveras and el Dìa de Muertos.

6. Theme:

The theme is someday we will be all Calaveras. The author explains the theme by creating a specific symbol for a way to honor the dead. These Calaveras represent the people of Mexico and the actions observed by Posada.

7. Cultural Markers:

 The author is factual when talking about the Mexican Culture. He gives a pronunciations, and a brief definition of words that are in Spanish. The authentic setting reinforces the cultural history of the artist and the Calaveras. He explains the background of why this culture honor their deceased. Historians have researched Posada providing facts that support the culture and customs. Source notes are in the forms of a bibliography and art credits. The author’s notes provides a very detailed explanation of el Dìa de Muertos. Also, included a glossary, and places they one can see Posadas work in the United States. All minority characters are not portrayed equally within their culture. You have politicians that make the main character to move to another town, because of the cartoon they drew making fun of the politicians. This book contains several Spanish words, with the English meaning, “pan de muertos (bread) and Calavera [ca-la-VEH-rah] means skull”. When these words are used in a sentence they continue the story flow. The quality of this book could stand on its own. It explains how one can honor the dead.

8. Connections Teacher and Library Corner:

Students will recreate their own Calaveras poem. They will use the writing process to write a funny poem. This can be about something they observed or make up. Then they will follow the artistic steps to have their Calaveras represent their poem.

9. You Tube:

There is not an official book trailer but there are several student made trailers that are worth checking out. This video is about Duncan Tonatiuh talking about his award winning book and thanking his followers for their support.

10. Review Excerpts:

"Tonatiuh further marks himself as a major nonfiction talent with this artistically beautiful and factually accessible offering that effectively blends artistic and political content for young readers." Kirkus Reviews

"Playful but informative, this picture book offers a fascinating introduction to the artist and his work." Booklist

"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... A stunning work, with great possibilities for lesson plans or tie-ins with Day of the Dead." School Library Journal

11. Children Reviews:

“I really liked seeing the skeletons on the paper. My tia has some of the colorful papers that we celebrate.” Mary age 6

12. Awards and Recognitions:

2015 Robert F. Sibert informational Book Medal

2015 Pura Belprè Honor book

13. Book suggestions By Ducan Tonatiuh

The Princess and the Warrior ISBN: 9781419721304

Diego Rivera: His World and Ours ISBN: 9780810997318

Other books:

Dreamers by Yuyi Morales ISBN: 9780823440559

Dia de Los Muertos by Roseanne Greenfield Thong ISBN: 9780807515662

14: Official Site:

Check out more about Señor Tonatiuh on his official site.

Want more about him? Here is his blog that he actually does.

15. Rating:

My rating is a 5 star. This book wonderfully represents the Mexican culture. This book will engage children of all ages about Calaveras, el Dia de Muertas, and the Mexican artist Posada. The illustrations are detailed and could tell their own story.