El Día de los Muertos is a holiday celebrated in Mexico and other Latin American countries between November 1st and 2nd. It’s believed that the spirits of loved ones come back to visit the living. The occasion, which has roots in indigenous Mesoamerican traditions, is meant to honor the memory of the deceased and embrace death. While many adults look forward to the Day of the Dead, the concept behind it can be difficult for children to grasp, especially when they believe death is meant to be feared. However, a children’s book titled A Marvelous Mexican Misunderstanding sets out to change that.
A Marvelous Mexican Misunderstanding is a Worldwide Buddies publication. The company specializes in picture books and toys for children that teach them about diversity and the different cultures of the world. This story exposes young minds to Mexican culture and a significant tradition, the Day of the Dead. It’s written by the company’s founder, Evi Triantafyllides, who has a passion for storytelling and raising cultural awareness.
As a Mexican American, I grew up recognizing the importance of Día de los Muertos and have always appreciated the symbolism and aesthetics surrounding it. It was amusing getting to read about the holiday through the lens of a child. The story centers on a little boy named Adri who just moved to Mexico with his family. He’s panicking because the Day of the Dead is nearing and for some reason, with no help from his sister, he thinks it means he’s going to die. As we follow this character’s journey, the narrative showcases Mexican traditions connected to the occasion, such as Pan de Muerto, skull face painting, and calaveras.
One of the truly magical moments in the story happens when his family visits Janitzio, an island in Michoacán, Mexico, known for its beautiful Día de los Muertos festivities. Illustrator Nefeli Malekou depicts this in a mesmerizing way with a fold-out page that expands the scene for readers. Set against a pitch black night sky, stars and lights glow as visitors pay homage to those who’ve passed.
Speaking of illustrations, Nefeli Malekou does a wonderful job with the imagery. The vibrant drawings capture the essence of the holiday and of Mexico. It’s such an eye-catching book that will keep any child’s attention.
The story sets out to quell children’s fear of a holiday that celebrates death and by the end, accomplishes that goal. I think A Marvelous Mexican Misunderstanding is a great way for parents, adult family members, and teachers to introduce kids to the Day of the Dead and show them something new about Mexico. Even as a grown-up reading this, I enjoyed the youthful innocence of the tale. It’s a reminder that even in death, there is much to cherish.
Where to Stalk
A Marvelous Mexican Misunderstanding
Worldwide Buddies official website
Vamp Jenn's Corner 
I’m glad there is such a book.
Because in Canada at least there is a great misunderstanding among most Canadians as to what Dia de los Muertos entails in terms of Mexican culture.
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That’s interesting to hear. I didn’t know that.
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Yes, many Canadians don’t know much about Dia de Los Muertos.
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There is a tremendous death cult in Mexico and Central America. I happened to be in Mexico City at the end of October – beginning of November some twenty years ago and the cemeteries looked like Christmas trees with food placed upon de tombs (that mysteriously disappeared, probably eaten by some poor people). And Good Friday is another one: forget about Eastern: the day of cruxification is the main day to go binge drinking and celebrating. Has probably something to do with their Maya heritage that was also a death cultus. No wonder that many people work for many years to be able to pay for their funeral.
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The Day of the Dead is an important celebration in Mexico, so I’m not surprised it would look festive. As for the last half of your comment, I’m not sure what Easter and binge drinking have to do with my review. I think you’re missing the point of the book I’m talking about in this blog post. My blog is not a place to speak negatively of cultural traditions.
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My comment was not meant to speak negatively, but based upon my observations when I was living for a couple of Years in Central America and Mexico. It was just weird to see everyone going nuts on Good Friday while the rest of the Christian world is observing a day of mourning and commemoration of Jesus’ suffering and execution, and just ignoring the day of his resurrection.
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I suggest you choose your words more carefully then because your observations did not come across as positive to me. Or please refrain from commenting, especially if it doesn’t pertain to the blog post.
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Good Friday and Halloween are thematically connected in central American culture: they’re both festivals that carry death as a central motive and both are widely celebrated in Mexican and central American culture. And if you have problem with the fact that I reported that they turn both into bacchanals, well so be it.
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And this blog post is a review about a children’s book on the Day of the Dead. You’re continuing to leave irrelevant comments, which was my issue in the first place. Why would it be appropriate to bring up alcohol and festivities on a blog post that’s promoting a book for kids? Just know that future comments from you will be moderated or blocked or stop following my blog.
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