Desert Hawk Books

 

A Gift for Abuelita:
Celebrating the Day of the Dead
Un regalo para Abuelita: En celebración del Dia del los Muertos

by Nancy Luenn;
illustrations by Robert Chapman

 

 

 

What do my hands say? Pla-pla-pla!
What does the pan say? Sah-sah-sah!
What does my mouth say? Da-da-da!

The magic of love and the rituals surrounding the Day of the Dead, a memorial day celebrated in many Mexican-American communities, are woven together in this heartwarming family story.

Rosita and her grandmother are inseparable. Whether Abuelita is teaching Rosita about gardening or creating a game out of making tortillas, Rosita always feels the warmth of her love. When Abuelita dies, Rosita misses her so much that nothing the family says can comfort her. Finally, Grandfather tells Rosita that she can show Abuelita how much she misses her by making a gift for when Abuelita's spirit visits them on the Day of the Dead. All of the family is busy weaving, cooking, and gardening to prepare their gifts for the coming celebration. But what can Rosita make that will show Abuelita how much she still means to her?

Here is an affectionate picture book of gentle poignance revealing a child's sense of loss and the healing power of remembrance.

Nancy Luenn lives in Yakima, WA.

Robert Chapman lives in Tempe, AZ.