Cover of Gustavo the Shy Ghost. Pink background, orange guitars and skulls and designs are surrounding the middle graphic of Gustavo, who is floating in front of a record player, a skeleton, a skull, a guitar and other fall decor. Gustavo is smiling and looks very friendly.

Celebrating the Day of the Dead

Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) is a holiday that is celebrated in Mexico on November 1 and 2. It is a special occasion where friends and family honor passed loved ones. Some traditions include hanging hand-cut paper banners, making colorful paper flowers, decorating sugar skulls and displaying it all together to make an ofrenda (altar). To read and learn more about Day of the Dead check out the following titles.

Cover of Gustavo the Shy Ghost. Pink background, orange guitars and skulls and designs are surrounding the middle graphic of Gustavo, who is floating in front of a record player, a skeleton, a skull, a guitar and other fall decor. Gustavo is smiling and looks very friendly.

Gustavo by Flavia Z. Drago

“Gustavo, the Shy Ghost” by Flavia Z. Drago is a charming tale about a timid ghost who learns to overcome his fears and embrace his unique qualities to make friends.

 

 

 

Cover of Dia de Muertos Numeros. There are two children at the bottom of the cover, looking up at an ofrenda. The ofrenda has candles, a mask and other decorations. The background of the cover is purple, with a bone and flower border.

Día de Muertos: Números: A Day of the Dead Counting by Duncan Tonatiuh

“Día de Muertos: Números: A Day of the Dead Counting” by Duncan Tonatiuh is a bilingual picture book that introduces young readers to the vibrant and cultural traditions of Day of the Dead through numbers.

 

 

Cover of Skeletown Si. No! Cover is red with a scalloped edge. There are two skeleton children on the cover. One is upside down at the top, and the other is right-side-up at the bottom. It looks a bit like a playing card.

Skeletown : Sí. ¡No! by Rhode Montijo

“Skeletown: Sí. ¡No!” by Rhode Montijo is a funny book set in a town inhabited by skeletons who celebrate life in unexpected ways.

 

 

Cover of Celebrate the Day of the Dead. The cover is black with a bit of blue in the center bottom. There is a couple wearing the Day of the Dead makeup. There are sugar skulls, flowers, guitars, candles, maracas and birds on the cover around the border.

Celebrate the Day of the Dead! by Diane de Anda

“Celebrate the Day of the Dead!” by Diane de Anda explores the traditions and cultural significance of this Mexican holiday with characters Cristina and Carlos.

 

 

Cover of Our Day of the Dead Celebration. The top of the cover is pink with flowers, and the bottom is purple and blue with flowers. There are two girls holding hands with two skeletons, walking across the middle bottom of the cover.

Our Day of the Dead Celebration by Ana Aranda

“Our Day of the Dead Celebration” by Ana Aranda is a book that follows Mar’s family gathering, in which readers learn about their favorite dishes, games, and, most importantly, stories.

Ana Aguirre is a Library Assistant at Mebane Public Library. You can reach her at aaguirre@alamancelibraries.org.