Staff Pick
Award-winning author Duncan Tonatiuh writes and illustrates the life of José Guadalupe Posada, the artist and political cartoonist who popularized Day of the Dead calaveras in the 1900s.
Tonatiuh shows us how Posada made his art using step-by-step illustrations of lithographs,
woodcarvings, and relief prints, while asking readers questions that delve into the intention of
the artist’s work. A fascinating biography perfect for ages seven and up. Recommended By Kim T., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
Funny Bones tells the story of how the amusing calaverasandmdash;skeletons performing various everyday or festive activitiesandmdash;came to be. They are the creation of Mexican artist Josandeacute; Guadalupe (Lupe) Posada (1852andndash;1913). In a country that was not known for freedom of speech, he first drew political cartoons, much to the amusement of the local population but not the politicians. He continued to draw cartoons throughout much of his life, but he is best known today for his calavera drawings. They have become synonymous with Mexicoandrsquo;s Dandiacute;a de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festival. Juxtaposing his own art with that of Lupeandrsquo;s, author Duncan Tonatiuh brings to light the remarkable life and work of a man whose art is beloved by many but whose name has remained in obscurity.
The book includes an authorandrsquo;s note, bibliography, glossary, and index.
Review
STARRED REVIEW
andquot;Playful but informative, this picture book offers a fascinating introduction to the artist and his work.andquot;
Synopsis
A Sibert Award Winner, Pura Belpre (Illustrator) Honor Book, New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books of 2015 and International Latino Book Award Finalist
Funny Bones tells the story of how the amusing calaveras--skeletons performing various everyday or festive activities--came to be. They are the creation of Mexican artist Jose Guadalupe (Lupe) Posada (1852-1913). In a country that was not known for freedom of speech, he first drew political cartoons, much to the amusement of the local population but not the politicians. He continued to draw cartoons throughout much of his life, but he is best known today for his calavera drawings. They have become synonymous with Mexico's Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festival. Juxtaposing his own art with that of Lupe's, author Duncan Tonatiuh brings to light the remarkable life and work of a man whose art is beloved by many but whose name has remained in obscurity.
The book includes an author's note, bibliography, glossary, and index.
Synopsis
Discover the story behind Jos Guadalupe Posada's iconic D a de Muertos skeletons in this fascinating picture book from award-winning creator Duncan Tonatiuh A Robert F. Sibert Award Winner, Pura Belpr Illustrator Honor Book, and ALA/ALSC Notable Children's Book
Funny Bones tells the story of how calaveras came to be. The amusing figures are the creation of Mexican artist Jos Guadalupe (Lupe) Posada (1852-1913). Lupe learned the art of printing at a young age and soon had his own shop. In a country that was not known for freedom of speech, he drew political cartoons, much to the amusement of the local population but not that of the politicians. He continued to draw cartoons, but he is best known today for his calavera drawings. They have become synonymous with Mexico's D a de Muertos festival.
Calaveras are skeletons performing all sorts of activities, both everyday and festive: dancing in the streets, playing instruments in a band, pedaling bicycles, promenading in the park, and even sweeping the sidewalks. They are not intended to be frightening, but rather to celebrate the joy of living as well as provide humorous observations about people.
Award-winning author and illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh relates the pivotal moments of Lupe's life and explains the different artistic processes he used. Juxtaposing his own artwork with Lupe's, Tonatiuh brings to light the remarkable life and work of a man beloved by many but whose name has remained in obscurity.
Synopsis
A New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books of 2015 A Robert F. Sibert Award Winner
A Pura Belpr Illustrator Honor Book An ALA/ALSC Notable Children's Book Discover the story behind Jos Guadalupe Posada's iconic D a de Muertos skeletons in this fascinating picture book from award-winning creator Duncan Tonatiuh
Funny Bones tells the story of how calaveras came to be. The amusing figures are the creation of Mexican artist Jos Guadalupe (Lupe) Posada (1852-1913). Lupe learned the art of printing at a young age and soon had his own shop. In a country that was not known for freedom of speech, he drew political cartoons, much to the amusement of the local population but not that of the politicians. He continued to draw cartoons, but he is best known today for his calavera drawings. They have become synonymous with Mexico's D a de Muertos festival.
Calaveras are skeletons performing all sorts of activities, both everyday and festive: dancing in the streets, playing instruments in a band, pedaling bicycles, promenading in the park, and even sweeping the sidewalks. They are not intended to be frightening, but rather to celebrate the joy of living as well as provide humorous observations about people.
Award-winning author and illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh relates the pivotal moments of Lupe's life and explains the different artistic processes he used. Juxtaposing his own artwork with Lupe's, Tonatiuh brings to light the remarkable life and work of a man beloved by many but whose name has remained in obscurity.
Synopsis
A New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books of the Year A Robert F. Sibert Award Winner A Pura Belpr Illustrator Honor Book An ALA/ALSC Notable Children's Book STARRED REVIEW *"Playful but informative . . . a fascinating introduction to the artist and his work." ―Booklist STARRED REVIEW *"Artistically beautiful and factually accessible . . . effectively blends artistic and political content for young readers." ―Kirkus Reviews Discover the story behind Jos Guadalupe Posada's iconic D a de Muertos skeletons in this fascinating picture book from award-winning creator Duncan Tonatiuh.
Funny Bones tells the story of how calaveras came to be. The amusing figures are the creation of Mexican artist Jos Guadalupe (Lupe) Posada (1852-1913). Lupe learned the art of printing at a young age and soon had his own shop. In a country that was not known for freedom of speech, he drew political cartoons, much to the amusement of the local population but not to the politicians.
While he continued to draw cartoons, he is best known today for his calavera drawings. They have become synonymous with Mexico's D a de Muertos festival. Calaveras are skeletons performing all sorts of activities, both everyday and festive: dancing in the streets, playing instruments in a band, pedaling bicycles, promenading in the park, and even sweeping the sidewalks.
They are not intended to be frightening, but rather to celebrate the joy of living and provide humorous observations about people. Author and illustrator Tonatiuh relates the pivotal moments of Lupe's life and explains the different artistic processes he used.
Juxtaposing his own artwork with Lupe's, Tonatiuh brings to light the remarkable life and work of a man beloved by many but whose name has remained in obscurity.
Synopsis
Discover the story behind Jos Guadalupe Posada's iconic D a de Muertos skeletons in this fascinating picture book from award-winning creator Duncan Tonatiuh. A New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book of the Year
A Robert F. Sibert Medal Winner
A Pura Belpr Illustrator Honor Book
An ALA/ALSC Notable Children's Book
Funny Bones tells the story of how calaveras came to be. The amusing figures are the creation of Mexican artist Jos Guadalupe (Lupe) Posada (1852-1913). Lupe learned the art of printing at a young age and soon had his own shop. In a country that was not known for freedom of speech, he drew political cartoons, much to the amusement of the local population but not to the politicians.
While he continued to draw cartoons, he is best known today for his calavera drawings. They have become synonymous with Mexico's D a de Muertos festival. Calaveras are skeletons performing all sorts of activities, both everyday and festive: dancing in the streets, playing instruments in a band, pedaling bicycles, promenading in the park, and even sweeping the sidewalks.
They are not intended to be frightening, but rather to celebrate the joy of living and provide humorous observations about people. Author and illustrator Tonatiuh relates the pivotal moments of Lupe's life and explains the different artistic processes he used.
Juxtaposing his own artwork with Lupe's, Tonatiuh brings to light the remarkable life and work of a man beloved by many but whose name has remained in obscurity.
"Playful but informative . . . a fascinating introduction to the artist and his work." ―Booklist (Starred Review)
"Artistically beautiful and factually accessible . . . effectively blends artistic and political content for young readers." ―Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)
Synopsis
From first-time Mexican author and illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh comes the story of two cousins, one in America and one in Mexico, and how their daily lives are different yet similar. Charlie takes the subway to school; Carlitos rides his bike. Charlie plays in fallen leaves; Carlitos plays among the local cacti.
Dear Primo covers the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of two very different childhoods, while also emphasizing how alike Charlie and Carlitos are at heart. Spanish words are scattered among the English text, providing a wonderful way to introduce the language and culture of Mexico to young children. Inspired by the ancient art of the Mixtecs and other cultures of Mexico, Tonatiuh incorporates their stylized forms into his own artwork.
FandPand#160;Level:and#160;M
FandPand#160;Genre:and#160;RF
About the Author
Duncan Tonatiuh was born in Mexico City and grew up in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. He graduated from Parsons the New School for Design, where he studied writing and illustration. He divides his time between Mexico and New York City. This is his first picture book.