Day of the Dead Activity Book by Karl Jones

SUGAR SKULLS & GRAVEYARD CAKES FOR
DAY OF THE DEAD

Day of the Dead Activity Book (Price Stern Sloan, $9.99, Ages 6-9), written by Karl Jones and illustrated by Steve Simpson is reviewed today by Rita Zobayan.

Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead is a primarily Mexican holiday. Celebrated on November 1 and 2 as a way to remember loved ones who have passed away, Dia de los Muertos has many traditions. The Day of the Dead Activity Book written by Karl Jones and illustrated by Steve Simpson provides information and activities to learn more about this ancient celebration. Readers will learn about the history of the holiday, including the influence of the Spanish conquistadores and the Catholic Church. What is an ofrenda or papel picado? Read and find out!

Activities include recipes for sugar skulls and graveyard cake, and instructions for face painting and making paper planes, papel picado, press-out face masks, and paper marigolds. In addition there is a theme-related word find, a crossword puzzle, and a maze. There are six press-out pieces to build your own shrine, four press-out figures, and two press-out masks. The fun doesn’t stop there: two pages full of Day of the Dead stickers finish off the book.

The art work is colorful. The skulls, prevalent in the celebration of the holiday, might be initially a little startling for younger readers, but Steve Simpson does a wonderful job of making them friendly. The Day of the Dead Activity Book is an active introduction to a holiday celebrated by millions.