JUST A MINUTE: A TRICKSTER TALE AND COUNTING BOOK by Yuyi Morales

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Morales, Yuyi. 2003. JUST A MINUTE!: A TRICKSTER TALE AND COUNTING BOOK. Ill by Yuyi Morales. San Francisco, CA: Chronicle. ISBN  0811837580.

PLOT SUMMARY

A most unexpected visitor arrives for Grandma Beetle’s birthday, Señor Calavera in the form of a handsome skeleton. He comes to inform her that it is time for her to go away with him. Grandma Beetle slyly puts him off by listing off things she must do that will take “just a minute.” By counting from one to ten using both English and Spanish numbers, Grandma Beetle is able to distract Death from whisking her away. By the end of the tale, Grandma Beetle counts Señor Calvera as a guest at her party, and they have such fun that the skeleton man decides to leave without her. He leaves a note informing her he had a “scream[ing]” good time, and would surely return next year for her next birthday.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

In this clever trickster tale, Grandma Beetle outwits Death, known as Señor Calavera in a fun and entertaining counting game that introduces Spanish numbers in place of English ones. Morales incorporates learning numbers and a language in a fun-loving reading of Mexican tradition of family and celebration. Who can resist the idea of evading death? The hilarious references to traditional Spanish items, like corn tortillas and piñatas, makes children break out in fits of giggles as Señor Calavera becomes more and more annoyed by the constant evasions to leave.

The vivacious images of the characters and objects used to count make turning the page that much more exciting. Yuyi Morales illustrates the rich tradition of a Mexican culture in a presentation of playful teasing in sparkling visions and whimsical figures that dance along the pages. Colorful items set against a skewed background fashion a melodic vision of Spanish music in a birthday celebration. Grandma Beetle’s sly looks paired with the obvious exasperation of the handsome skeleton create the feeling joy both in the celebration of life and the acceptance of death at the end; although she is able to provide him with such an enjoyable time he leaves without her.

The images and sentiments are universal, and ultimately something children of all cultures can relate to.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

2004 winner of the Pura Belpre Medal for Illustration
2004 California Book Award Silver Medal for Juvenile Fiction
2004 Notable Books for Children, Younger Readers
2003 Parent's Choice Award Winner, Approved
2004 Golden Kite Honor Book, Picture Book Illustration

"Strong colors in reds, browns and dark blues with a sprinkling of starlight add to the mystical effect. Lovely.” -Published by Kirkus Reviews

"Like the text, the rich, lively artwork draws strongly upon Mexican culture, with hints of Diego Rivera in Grandma's robust form, and the skeleton resembling the whimsical figurines often seen in Day of the Dead folk art. Along with their useful math and multicultural elements, the splendid art and spiritual storytelling auger a long, full life for this original folktale." - Booklist, starred review

"Winking and nodding as she goes, a Latino grandmother will charm readers as she charms Death Himself in this original counting-cum-trickster tale..." Kirkus Reviews

CONNECTIONS

*This would a great book for continuing the learning of the Spanish language. Children would enjoy counting more items using Spanish numbers. Teachers or librarians can bring other cultural items for counting to complete the feeling of Mexican tradition.

Other stories about Mexican tradition/cultural folklore:

Morales, Yuyi. JUST IN CAES: A TRICKSTER TALE AND SPANISH ALPHABET BOOK ISBN 1596433299

Tafolla, Carmen. WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A PALETA?  ISBN 1582462216

Montes, Marisa. LOS GATOS BLACK ON HALLOWEEN. ISBN 0805074295

Mora, Pat. BOOK FIESTA!: CELEBRATE  CHILDREN’S DAY/BOOK DAY; CELEBREMOS EL DIA DE LOS NINOS/EL DIA DE LOS LIBROS. ISBN 0061288772

Flor, Dona. A TALL TALE ABOUT A GIANT WOMAN WITH A GREAT BIG HEART. ISBN 0375823379