Scan barcode
kitsuneheart's review
5.0
Senor Calavera has come to fetch Grandma Beetle, and she's ready to go, only she has a few small chores to do, if he'd be so kind to wait as she counts them off.
I'm not normally very impressed with counting books or multi-language books, as it can be hard to teach something and maintain a good story. Morales has sought to teach two separate things in this book--counting and a little bit of Spanish--and has done so with commendable skill. Story quality has not been sacrificed in any way, leaving readers with an educational book which is also entertaining.
The artwork is interesting, with the humans given very round, almost cartoonish faces, but alongside very detailed eyes. Not so much as to be unsettling, but enough to create a definite unique style. There's also a definite stylistic influence from Mexican culture in the artwork.
A must for public libraries, but give it a check out from there before buying for a private home. They'll only need to learn to count to ten for so long, so might as well go for more long-term books.
I'm not normally very impressed with counting books or multi-language books, as it can be hard to teach something and maintain a good story. Morales has sought to teach two separate things in this book--counting and a little bit of Spanish--and has done so with commendable skill. Story quality has not been sacrificed in any way, leaving readers with an educational book which is also entertaining.
The artwork is interesting, with the humans given very round, almost cartoonish faces, but alongside very detailed eyes. Not so much as to be unsettling, but enough to create a definite unique style. There's also a definite stylistic influence from Mexican culture in the artwork.
A must for public libraries, but give it a check out from there before buying for a private home. They'll only need to learn to count to ten for so long, so might as well go for more long-term books.
crystal_reading's review
5.0
I loved this fun tale of trickery. The woman is sneaky as she wears out Señor Calavera. It would do well paired with Keeper of Soles as that also is a case of tricking death. I love Yuyi Morales' vibrant artwork and the playfulness of both the text especially the illustrations. I'm eager to share this book with my students. I know they will enjoy counting in Spanish as we read.
pagesofpins's review
4.0
Beautiful illustrations! Senor Calavera (Mr Skull, a common symbol of death) comes to Grandma Beetle's house to lead her away. She says she will go as soon as she does one thing, and so the Spanish/English countdown begins. Needless to say, Senor Calavera decides to leave Grandma Beetle alive at the end of the day.
turrean's review
5.0
Perfect! Senor Calavera, a dapper skeleton, has arrived to escort Grandma Beetle to the afterlife. But Grandma has a trick or two to keep him waiting...
The illustrations are done in a rich, glowing palette. The increasing consternation of the skeleton is perfectly executed!
The illustrations are done in a rich, glowing palette. The increasing consternation of the skeleton is perfectly executed!
mjfmjfmjf's review
3.0
Another picture in which I like the idea better than the execution. The text was lame. And it got away from appreciating the art. I was also hoping for a lot more spanish than just the numbers repeated next to the english numbers. And the skeleton coming to take the Grandma away on her birthday was creepy, perhaps the skeleton sitting at the table with the grandchildren was creepier. Not a bad book, but I was hoping for better.
optimaggie's review
4.0
This book was the perfect book for us to read right now. We are studying the author, it is a book that contains some Spanish, and the skeleton as death gave it the right vibe for Halloween. And I love a good trickster tale.
5elementknitr's review
5.0
Senior Calavares is fast becoming one of my all-time favorite kids' book characters!
little_silver's review against another edition
4.0
This is a great little crossover book: part counting book, part folk tale! Love the warm illustrations.... and can I just say that Grandma Beetle is #hairgoals for my granny-hood!
mslibrarynerd's review
4.0
A very fun counting book where a cute grandma outwits senor calavera in order to prepare for and celebrate her birthday. Bright colors and playful perspectives give this book a joyful quality.