Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras

A New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books of the Year
A Robert F. Sibert Award Winner
A Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor Book
An ALA/ALSC Notable Children's Book
STARRED REVIEW *"Playful but informative . . . a fascinating introduction to the artist and his work." ―Booklist
STARRED REVIEW *"Artistically beautiful and factually accessible . . . effectively blends artistic and political content for young readers." ―Kirkus Reviews

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

Funny Bones tells the story of how calaveras came to be. The amusing figures are the creation of Mexican artist José 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 to the politicians.

While he continued to draw cartoons, he is best known today for his calavera drawings. They have become synonymous with Mexico's Día 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 and provide humorous observations about people. Author and illustrator 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.

Author: Duncan Tonatiuh
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
Published: 08/25/2015
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.16lbs
Size: 11.10h x 9.20w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9781419716478
Audience: Ages 9-12

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


Award: Orbis Pictus Award - Honor Book
Award: Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award - Winner
Award: Kirkus Prize - Finalist
Award: Pura Belpre Award - Honor Book


Review Citation(s):
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

About the Author
Duncan Tonatiuh was born in Mexico City and grew up in San Miguel de Allende, in the historical state of Guanajuato, Mexico. Duncan Tonatiuh studied writing and illustration at Parsons The New School for Design in New York City. His illustrations are inspired by the ancient Mixtec art. Duncan's first book, Dear Primo: A Letter to my Cousin, won a Pura Belpré Illustration Honor; Diego Rivera: His World and Ours won the Pura Belpré Illustration Award and the Tomás Rivera Mexican American Children's Book Award; Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote: A Migrant's Tale was featured on the front cover of USA Today, received a Pura Belpré Illustration Honor for illustration and narrative and the Tomás Rivera Mexican American Children Book Award; Separate is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and her Family's Fight for Desegregation, received a Pura Belpré Illustration Honor, a Robert F. Sibert honor for best informational book, and the Tomás Rivera Mexican American Children Book Award; Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras was named a New York Times Best Illustrated Boook, won the Robert F. Sibert award for best informational book, earned a Pura Belpre Illustration Honor, and the Tomas Rivera Mexican American Children Book Award. Duncan currently lives in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, with his wife and child.