FUNNY BONES: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras- a book review for Children's Literature 5360

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Tonatiuh, Duncan. 2015. FUNNY BONES Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras. New York, NY: Abrams Books.  ISBN 1419716478

PLOT SUMMARY

FUNNY BONES is the biography of Jose Guadalupe Posada, known as Lupe to his friends and family.  To the rest of the world, he is known only through his fantastic skeletons (calaveras) that he created to celebrate Dia de los Muertos. Tonatiuh introduces the reader to Posada right away as the most famous Calaveras artist, then he begins the story with Posada as a young boy learning about art.  The story follows Posada throughout his life and career, from his political cartoons to his calaveras.  From living in a small town to living in Mexico City.  From beginning to end, and beyond, Tonatiuh follows Posada’s artistic adventure completely by adding in a “how-to” for many of the artistic styles Posada used throughout his lifetime.  

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

One fascinating element of this biography is that Tonatiuh does not “dumb down” the story for his young readers.  He uses real terminology for art processes (lithography, engraving, etc.) that many adults don’t even understand, but he includes step by step pictures that show the process of how these processes are done to support his reader in understanding.  He also “keeps it real” and discusses adult issues, like political cartoons, and the fact that Posada had to leave town because his political cartoons put him and his family in danger.  This is all done in such a way that it respects the reader and helps them to understand complex issues.  

Tonatiuh’s illustrations are bright and cartoonish; they are inviting for the young reader.  One very creative addition to the biography are that the actual illustrations created by Posada are incorporated into Tonatiuh’s work, which adds an element of intrigue and evidence that this tale is true.

Tohatiuh adds questions towards the end of the biography that get the reader thinking about the purpose Posada had in mind when he created his art.  He also has included an index, glossary, bibliography, art credits, and an author’s note.  This information all supports his narrative and gives direction for further learning about Posada.

 AWARDS AND REVIEWS

• Pura Belpre Honor Book
• Sibert Medal Winner
• The New York Time’s Best Illustrated Children’s Book Award Winner
• International Latino Book Award Finalist
• Kirkus Review- “Tonatiuh further marks himself as a major nonfiction talent with this artistically beautiful and factually accessible offering that effectively blends artistic and political content for young readers.”
• STARRED REVIEW, Booklist- “Playful but informative, this picture book offers a fascinating introduction to the artist and his work.”

CONNECTIONS

• Students can use this biography as an introduction or connection during a study of Dia de los Muertos.
• Students study one of the forms of art mentioned in this book and practice making art following the same method that Posada did.
• In a political science or social studies classroom, this biography would be an excellent way to introduce the power of political cartoons and political dissidents.
• Continue to study Posada’s other art through online art galleries.

Pictures taken from: http://www.abramsbooks.com/product/funny-bones_9781419716478/