The Dead Family Diaz

The Dead Family Diaz
Written by P.J. Bracegirdle
Illustrated by Poly Bernatene
Dial Books for Young Readers, c2012. Unpaged picture book.

In a fun take on Dia de los Muertos, this book is from the perspective of the Muertos! Estrellita ("little star") and her brother Angelito ("little angel") are getting ready to celebrate the holiday, and Angelito is nervous about seeing a living human. Estrellita tells him the Living are squishy and have big, bulging eyes. On the night of celebration, Angelito finds himself in the Land of the Living and befriends a real boy named Pablo. Both boys are surprised to discover each others' real identity! I like this book and its very cute touches, such as "huevos muertos" for breakfast! The illustrations are vibrant and spirited, and the story would be great as a holiday read-aloud.

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