Elena Borchers

The Remembering Day/El Día de los Muertos is a lovely story about the tradition of the Day of the Dead. In ancient Mexico little Bella and her grandmother, Mamá Alma spend time together and share days of happiness. Mamá Alma teaches Bella about how she remembers her mother and father with small objects that remind her of them. Even though she cannot see her parents because bodies don’t live forever, she knows that they are always with her. Mamá Alma whispers to Bella that she too will always be with her even when Bella can’t see her. She encourages Bella to remember her once a year when the days grow colder and the leaves fall from trees. The story excels on many levels. It is a tender depiction of a loving relationship between a grandparent and grandchild. It emphasizes the endearing way the day is used to remember loved ones. Finally the water colored illustrations evoke the beauty of the time of year when the feast is celebrated. Highly recommended for school and public libraries.