Skeletown: Sí. ¡No! (Spanish Edition)

Set in a Día de Muertos-inspired world and using only two words--Sí and No--this playful book from Montijo uses the concept of opposites to explore social dynamics. Thick-lined black, white, and electric orange illustrations with screenprinting textures show two mischievous little skeletons moving throughout their day in Skeletown, picking out a gift, attending a birthday party, and riding a bike. But each activity reveals two takes: an initial image of one skeleton on the floor with a greeting card ("Sí") is followed by a page turn that reveals the same scene as taking place in a shop, with cards spread all around ("No"). Eating a slice of vs. an entire cake, hitting a piñata vs. a beehive, and riding a bike vs. taking on a dangerous stunt are only a few of the many raucous events the busy skeletons get into, alone and with others. Good-natured, bustling cartooning reveals lots to laugh about in a friendly concept book that's overwhelmingly a "Sí." Ages 4-8. (Aug.)

PreS-Gr 3--An illustrated story that can be read in either English or Spanish, this picture book creates an interactive experience. Two words appear on the pages: "Sí" and "¡No!" Readers have to discover why the illustrations merit a "Sí" or deserve a "¡No!" in each of the scenarios presented. The title page offers a clue to what the remaining pages will present: A skeleton boy rides his bike to the store and parks it in front of the door. He says, "Sí," while a skeleton girl says "¡No!" Readers follow the direction in which she points to see a small sign indicating "no bikes" affixed to the wall of the store. From there, the book illustrates various scenarios, including writing invitations to a party, how to treat decorations, how to select a gift, how to behave at a party, how to play safely with friends, how to treat nature, and how to take good care of one's things. Montijo leaves room for children to respond to the problems presented with their own solutions. Illustrations are red, black, and white, and repetition of images allows readers to play "I Spy" with the differences by identifying patterns and what does not fit. This book compares to those in the "Penelope Rex" series, in which a character has to learn right from wrong. Here, Montijo's message of how to treat nature and others with kindness and courtesy is presented with subtlety and an eye-catching, limited palette. VERDICT An interactive read-aloud story that helps teach children how to build healthy friendships and other life lessons.--Stephanie Creamer