A New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books of the Year
A Robert F. Sibert Award Winner
A Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor Book
An ALA/ALSC Notable Children's Book
STARRED REVIEW *"Playful but informative . . . a fascinating
introduction to the artist and his work." ―Booklist
STARRED REVIEW *"Artistically beautiful and factually accessible . .
. effectively blends artistic and political content for young readers."
―Kirkus Reviews
Discover the story behind José Guadalupe Posada's iconic Día de Muertos
skeletons in this fascinating picture book from award-winning creator
Duncan Tonatiuh.
Funny Bones tells the story of how calaveras came to be. The amusing
figures are the creation of Mexican artist José Guadalupe (Lupe) Posada
(1852-1913). Lupe learned the art of printing at a young age and soon
had his own shop. In a country that was not known for freedom of speech,
he drew political cartoons, much to the amusement of the local
population but not to the politicians.
While he continued to draw cartoons, he is best known today for his
calavera drawings. They have become synonymous with Mexico's Día de
Muertos festival. Calaveras are skeletons performing all sorts of
activities, both everyday and festive: dancing in the streets, playing
instruments in a band, pedaling bicycles, promenading in the park, and
even sweeping the sidewalks.
They are not intended to be frightening, but rather to celebrate the joy
of living and provide humorous observations about people. Author and
illustrator Tonatiuh relates the pivotal moments of Lupe's life and
explains the different artistic processes he used.
Juxtaposing his own artwork with Lupe's, Tonatiuh brings to light the
remarkable life and work of a man beloved by many but whose name has
remained in obscurity.
