Felipa and the Day of the Dead

Felipa is a little Andean girl whose abuelita, grandmother, has recently died. She misses her terribly and has been reassured by her parents that when people die their souls live on forever. But where, Felipa wonders, is Abuelita’s soul and what might she be doing? The girl consults her grandmother’s animals: her donkey, pig, and llama. None has a thing to say. When her mother suggests that Abuelita is with the spirits in the snow-covered mountains, the determined girl walks for hours to get to them. Her father ends up having to retrieve her in the cold darkness.

The following day, Felipa is informed that though people cannot visit souls because they live in their own world, the spirits are able to make a long journey to visit every show more year. The living cook special treats to welcome them—a celebration that carries on for a whole day and a whole night. At first, all the wonderful food is laid on a large table, along with flowers and candles. Then, the following day, the celebration is taken to the cemetery, where graves have been beautifully decorated.

This year Felipa experiences the festival. At Abuelita’s grave, Felipa feels her dear one’s presence. She talks to her grandmother and her parents share memories. Though the little girl is sad at the end of the day, knowing that her grandmother cannot stay, she feels hopeful about reuniting with her on the next Day of the Dead.

An afterword tells us that German author-illustrator Birte Müller studied art in both Mexico and Bolivia and wrote the book to introduce European children to the tradition. I feel her narrative succeeds wonderfully, and I must say that I wish this tradition could be adopted elsewhere. Rituals to remember the loved ones who have left us are so valuable. Having said all this, I have to add that I was not at all keen on Müller’s primitive and pasty-looking paintings. In fact, I found the illustrations quite ugly, and I don’t think they would appeal to young children.

I’d rate the simple, but well-told story a 4, but the art only a 1 or 1.5. Overall, then: 2.5, which I have rounded up. show less

Felipa misses her Abuelita, or grandmother, in this simple holiday tale from the Andes, searching everywhere for her departed soul - in the fields and the cemetery, on the mountains - until her father explains that souls cannot be visited in this way, that they live in their own world, except when they return to us, on the Day of the Dead. When the long awaited day finally comes, Felipa joins her family and neighbors in the celebration: enjoying the special dough cookies, helping to clean and decorate the graves, and feeling, for the first time since her death, close to her beloved Abuelita.

Felipa and the Day of the Dead is an outgrowth of German author Birte Müller's research into the observance of the Day of the Dead in Bolivia, and show more reference to the Andes makes it clear that the story is set in that part of the world. The narrative itself is quite simple, which makes it ideal for younger children, but also means that few culturally specific details and terms are used. It's a shame that Müller didn't give more details, in her brief afterword. What are the dough cookies, shaped like people, called? What other specifically Bolivian customs are practiced on this day? Given that many readers might be unaware that the Day of the Dead isn't just a Mexican holiday - I know I was - further information would have been very welcome.

Still, for what it is, this is an engaging holiday story, and is recommended to anyone looking for picture-books about the Day of the Dead, and its celebration in South America. show less

This children’s book tells the story of Felipa, who lives high up in the Andes Mountains. After her grandmother dies, she looks for her soul everywhere. She wanders so far away, her father has to come find her in a field. Her father assures her that her grandmother’s soul will come to her on Día de los Muertos. Felipa waits eagerly for November to arrive, and celebrates the holiday, and says goodbye to her grandmother until next year. This book has a simple explanation of the holiday for younger readers for them to understand and be able to read on their own. It’s illustrations are expressive, interesting, and provide much visual stimulation. This book doesn’t get into too many details of the customs associated with Día de los show more Muertos, but is a good introduction. show less

Stunning illustrations. Would be great for young kids who've lost a grandparent, as long as you don't mind the insistence on an afterlife.