Common Sense Media Review
By Mandie Caroll
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Dazzling art in engaging Día de Muertos counting book.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In DÍA DE MUERTOS NÚMEROS: A DAY OF THE DEAD COUNTING BOOK, one by two by three and more, family and friends decorate an ofrenda/altar for the Mexican and diaspora holiday known as Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead. When the ofrenda is complete, the family plays music, eats, drinks, and recalls their deceased loved ones in a colorful, joyful celebration. An author's note provides additional context about the holiday and its traditions.
Is It Any Good?
This visually striking book takes a deceptively simple premise—counting to 10—and elevates it to a gorgeous Día de Muertos holiday story as well. Día de Muertos Números is colorful, gentle, and joyous, accessible for all ages and backgrounds. The double gatefold ending rewards readers with cozy messages of togetherness and remembrance and an explosion of color and celebration. Spanish-speaking readers may notice and appreciate that in this bilingual book, Spanish comes first, before the English translations, a subtle but powerful way to center the culture being shared. Duncan Tonatiuh's mixed-media pictures take inspiration from pre-Columbian art styles, lending another layer of cultural meaning to this clever concept book.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the items counted as they're placed on the ofrenda in Día de Muertos Números. Does your family use any of these items to remember someone who has died in your family or community? If so, which ones, and why are they meaningful?
Do you already know about Día de Muertos? If so, what's your favorite thing about the holiday? If not, what are you curious to learn more about after reading this book?
Talk about the book's art style. How do the pictures show important parts of the holiday and Mexican culture?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Duncan Tonatiuh
- Genre : Counting
- Topics : Holidays ( Día de los Muertos ) , Numbers and Letters
- Character Strengths : Curiosity , Gratitude
- Book type : Non-Fiction
- Publisher : Harry N. Abrams
- Publication date : May 2, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 3 - 5
- Number of pages : 24
- Available on : Nook, Hardback
- Last updated : August 14, 2026
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