Clatter Bash! (Paperback)

Author Richard Keep illustrates this tribute to the Mexican Day of the Dead celebration (El Dia de los Muertos) with cut-paper collages of dancing skeletons that include hand-made amate bark paper and papel picado (perforated paper). The text bounces rhythmically ( Swirl-twirl/ Cha-cha-cha/ Boom!/ Clatter Bash! ) as the skeletons rise from their graves and dance amidst bursting fireworks. Simple Spanish words are thrown into the mix as they jump into cars and onto bicycles: Putt-putt, Honk-whiz Hola! Hola! Hi! The singing, feasting skeletons are depicted in the non-threatening traditional Mexican style, and at the conclusion of the festivities, they climb back into their coffins until next November. An afterword offers more information about this annual Mexican celebration dedicated to departed relatives. Copyright (C) Muze Inc. 2005. For personal use only. All rights reserved.