Common Sense Media Review
By Regan McMahon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fun, rhythmic, bilingual Day of the Dead romp.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
LITTLE SKELETONS/ESQUELETITOS: COUNTDOWN TO MIDNIGHT shows a skeleton coming out of his grave to join other skeletons -- human and animal --to eat, dance, and play in a graveyard between 1 a.m. and midnight. They find delicious food put out for them, as is the Day of the Dead custom, including rice, fruit, and cake. There's no actual mention of the holiday, but there are visual references, like the traditional cut-paper banner, papel picado.
Is It Any Good?
This lively board book is a celebration of a religious/cultural holiday that pictures cheerful skeletons having fun together. It's clearly a Day of the Dead story, but the holiday isn't mentioned. It also works as a counting book, starting at 1 (in the morning) and ending at 12 (midnight). Kids will enjoy the rhythmic verse and cute illustrations, and they may learn to tell time by manipulating the movable hands of the clock. Not to mention words and phrases in Spanish and English!
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why skeletons come out of their graves in Little Skeletons/Esqueletitos: Countdown to Midnight. How much do you know about the Day of the Dead holiday? Do you celebrate it with your family?
Why is it important to know about your roots and celebrate the culture your family comes from? Name a special holiday that your family celebrates. Are there traditional songs you've learned from your family? What are your favorites?
Did you see Coco? What does that movie have to say about the Day of the Dead and skeletons?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Susie Jaramillo
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Holidays
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Encantos
- Publication date : August 8, 2018
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 5 - 7
- Number of pages : 22
- Available on : Hardback
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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