But The Day of the Dead isn't a morbid time at all. It's a festive occasion, a time for happiness and music and feasting. Eager Mexican children wait impatiently for the annual festival, held each year over three days, from October 31 to November 2. You can feel the children's excitement build as the special day nears. The Day of the Dead is a time to celebrate the continuity of life.
Families visit the graves of dead relatives.
Johnston weaves of all those activities into The Day of the Dead . And she adds to the flavor and the fun of the book by using of a sprinkling of Spanish terms that are integral to the occasion. Jeanette Winter's simple illustrations in colorful pastels and warm earth tones convey the children's excitement and beautifully reflect the Mexican culture. Border illustrations teach about the important elements of the celebration and are great fun to talk about as the story unfolds. Tony Johnston's closing notes share with readers some simple facts about The Day of the Dead, and of the importance this special day holds for many Mexicans.