This Moment Is Special: A Día de Muertos Story (Day of the Dead)

Parra celebrates the ephemeral in this comforting observance of Día de los Muertos. The artist’s signature-style acrylic on board illustrations open with a child, hands and face painted like a calaca, sitting in soft moonlight before dawn: “Today holds a special promise. Una promesa especial.” As the day starts, the youth joins family for a tamale, avocado, and egg breakfast; hurries to school on a bus that reads Oaxaca; studies and adds to a painted portrait of Abuela; and, back at home, plays with friends, reads, and more. Finally, the full day leads to a marigold-festooned gathering where individuals, portrayed with white-painted or brown skin, interact, some holding images of loved ones. Each spread makes the most of the moment, reflecting in English and italicized Spanish on every occurrence and the child’s perception of it, and aptly underlining themes of intergenerational connection, mindfulness, and remembrance: “I am here now, for all of life’s special moments./ I carry love in my heart, and/ I remember./ Yo recuerdo.” An author’s note concludes. Ages 4–8. (July)