Bibliography
Tonatiuh, D. (2015). Funny bones: Posada and his day of the dead calaveras. Abrams Books for Young Readers.
Plot Summary
The award-winning nonfiction book, Funny Bones, was created by author & illustrator, Duncan Tonatiuh. The life of Mexican artist Jose’ Guadalupe Posada (1952-1913) is told through the use of Posada’s art - Calaveras. As a young boy, Posada learned the art of printing using a multitude of techniques. This became the beginning of a lifelong career that would make him famous post-mortem. Today, Posada’s calavera art is collected and on display in many museums. His artwork has become so famous that it is associated with el Dia de Muertos activities and decorations.
Critical Analysis
Award-winning author and illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh brings to life the famous calavera artist, Jose’ Guadalupe Posada (1952-1913). Through the use of vibrant, original artistry and the display of Posada’s work, the author chronicles the life of the artist and his humble beginnings. Readers can easily follow along and understand Spanish wording included within the text due to definitions provided along with the content. Tonatiuh takes the time to engage the reader and think critically about what message Posada was trying to create when generating his pieces of art. A glossary is also provided at the end of the book for reference as well. Additional information is provided at the end of the book to inform the reader about the history of El Dia de Muertos.
Review Excerpt(s)
"Playful but informative, this picture book offers a fascinating introduction to the artist and his work."―Booklist
"Tonatiuh skillfully blends his own distinctive style of digital collage and hand drawings not only to highlight events in Posada's life but also to add whimsical elements by introducing contemporary calaveras. He incorporates amusing, thoughtful exercises for young readers into the narrative, prompting them to interpret the messages behind Posada's artwork... 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
"A wealth of biographical and contextual information... it’s a valuable introduction to Posada that will leave readers thinking about the process of creating art and the social impact it can have."―Publishers Weekly
A New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books of 2015
A Robert F. Sibert Award Winner
A Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor Book
An ALA/ALSC Notable Children's Book
Connections
For additional activities related to the book:
Students will use KWL Chart to support their learning throughout the study of Day of the Dead. KWL Charts are graphic organizers that are used to organize information about a topic. Students are to determine what they already Know about a topic, what they Want to know, and in the end, what they Learned. Depending on the level of support provided by the teacher, this activity is adaptable for grades K-8.
Students will learn about the Mexican artist Jose Guadalupe Posada and mimic a printmaking technique that Posada used. Students will create original pieces depicting a skeleton doing daily activities.
Students will be able to identify, understand, and recall the meaning of words that are read in text. Students will use a graphic organizer map to visually display the meaning-based connections between a word and related concepts or words.
**Activities listed above were found in “An Educator’s Guide to Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras” Produced by CLAS Vanderbilt & Compiled by Lisa Finelli
https://as.vanderbilt.edu/clas-resources/media/Final%20Funny%20Bones%20Educator%20Guide.pdf
Other recommended books if you liked this one:
- Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family's Fight for Desegregation by Duncan Tonatiuh
- Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom by Carole Boston Weatherford
- Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez by Kathleen Krull
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