Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras

Bibliography
Tonatiuh, Duncan, 2015. FUNNY BONES: POSADA AND HIS DAY OF THE DEAD CALAVERAS. New York, NY. ISBN 9781419716478.

Plot Summary
This biography tells the life of José Guadalupe Posada, a Mexican artist famous for his creations of calaveras, yet his name was not well known during his time. The translation of calaveras in Spanish are "skulls", however, Posada has created unique, quirky skeleton drawings often associated with the Day of the Dead. Tonatiuh provides readers with folktale inspired illustrations, Posada's calavera drawings, and the process behind printing techniques such as lithography, engraving, and etching. Readers will be left mesmerized by Tonatiuh's illustrations and unique way of turning Posada's life and art into an interesting picture book biography.

Critical Analysis
Readers are going to appreciate the art and detailed meanings behind them in this biography. Tonatiuh has captured readers attention to learn more about the life of José Guadalupe Posada, a local artist in Mexico during the late 1800's. The biography includes details of Posada's childhood, learning how to print, working and owning a print shop, becoming an illustrator and designer, moving to a new city, and building a family of his own. Along with details of Posada's life journey, readers will be shown steps to printing techniques such as lithography, engraving, and etching. These were techniques Posada had used himself to create his political calavera prints. Posada's calavera prints are included in the book, Tonatiuh presented a question with each print, to give the reader an opportunity to understand it from another point of view. At the end of the book is the author's note, which includes Spanish history and culture, history of El Día de Muertos, Posada's calavera drawings, and how he became an inspiration to fellow well known artists. Overall, a well detailed and engaging biography. 

Review Excerpt(s)
Pura Belpré Award - 2016
The Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal - 2016
New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book of the Year
ALA/ALSC Notable Children's Book
- Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "A picture is worth 1,000 words accurately describes the work of Mexican artist Jose Guadalupe Posada whose is commonly associated with the Day of the Dead calaveras (skeleton) images."
- Starred review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: "Following on his Sibert Honor-winning Separate is Never Equal (2014), 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." 

Connections
- For young readers interested in learning about the life of an artist, embracing Mexican culture. 
- Admirers of calaveras will enjoy a story of its most famous origin. 
- Young, aspiring artists will appreciate the art techniques mentioned and unique story of a famous artist. 
- Similar books recommendations: 
Denise, Anika Aldamuy. PLANTING STORIES: THE LIFE OF LIBRARIAN AND STORYTELLER PURA BELPRÉ. ISBN 9780062748683
Tonatiuh, Duncan. DIEGO RIVERA: HIS WORLD AND OURS. ISBN 9780810997318

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