Just in Case: A Trickster Tale and Spanish Alphabet Book

Gr 1-3 - Señor Calavera, a dapper skeleton wearing a fedora and striped tie, receives an invitation to Grandma Beetle's birthday party. Zelmiro the Ghost reminds him that he needs to take a present and suggests that "the best present to give a friend is the thing she would love the most." The silent Señor Calavera collects gifts alphabetically, including an accordion ("una acordeón") to make music for her, a jaguar to protect her ("un jaguar"), and 15 more years to add to her life ("quince años"). As these thoughtful gifts fill his bicycle basket to overflowing, the shimmering ghost encourages him to keep looking. When the skeleton loses control of his bike on the very hill where Zelmiro was buried, all the beautiful gifts are ruined. Grandma Beetle is blowing out her candles when the Señor finally arrives with the perfect tributeGrandpa Zelmiro, who is a ghost no longer. Luminous, jewel-tone spreads chronicle the collection of gifts and pay homage to a rich Mexican culture. A comic book ("una historieta") cleverly recalls Señor Calavera's first meeting with Grandma Beetle in "Just a Minute" (Chronicle, 2003). The floating, semitransparent form of Zelmiro the Ghost becomes the solidly human form of Grandpa Zelmiro, who lovingly embraces his wife. Part ghost story and part alphabet book, this trickster tale transcends both. Librarians will want to share it for the beautiful language, the spirited artwork, and the rightness of the ending. - Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Just In Case

NCTE Notable Child. Bks in Lang. A,
American Library Association Notable Children's Books,
Pura Belpré Illustrator Award,
NCTE Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts,
Northern California Book Award Master List,
ALA Notable Children's Books,
Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year,
Pura Belpré Author Honor,
CCBC Choice (Cooperative Children's Book Center - Univ. of WI),
Americas Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature, Winner,
Américas Award - Winner

"Richly hued and filled with action, the illustrations capture the tale's humor and Latin flavor perfectly, leading on to an entirely logical, hilarious and heartwarming surprise at the end. As gifted an artist as she is a storyteller, Morales is in top form here." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"A perfect read aloud picture book for a birthday party celebration, grandmother's day, el dia de los muertos or any time of the year. Highly recommended." —Reforma

"[A] breezily told tale, rich in Spanish vocabulary and Mexican atmosphere. The alphabetically ordered collected presents are cleverly integrated into the double pages, each with a different color background. Each spread includes amusing details to study in the fantasy-like but clearly painted illustrations." -Children's Literature

"Part ghost story and part alphabet book, this trickster tale transcends both. Librarians will want to share it for the beautiful language, the spirited artwork, and the rightness of the ending." -School Library Journal