BARDUGO, Leigh. The Invisible Parade. illus. by John Picacio. 60p. Little, Brown. Aug. 2025. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9780316295703.
Gr 2-5–A heartfelt journey through grief, memory, and celebration. Centered on young Cala, the story unfolds during the Day of the Dead as she grapples with the recent loss of her grandfather. What begins as a somber walk through her family’s offerings and traditions transforms into a magical and emotional voyage, guided by four symbolic horsemen. Each encounter offers Cala a profound moral lesson—not just about death, but about what it means to live, to feel, and to remember. Bardugo weaves family ritual, food, and decor into a narrative that highlights the essential role of community and tradition in the healing process. The use of motifs such as skeletons lends authenticity and beauty to Cala’s inner and outer worlds, reinforcing the message that celebration and sorrow are often entwined. Illustrations elevate the story further. With richly saturated colors (so much so in some scenes that text readability may be a challenge for newer readers) and expressive detail, the artwork captures the complexity of Cala’s emotions, from loneliness to connection. Shadows and bursts of color visually echo her transformation, emphasizing that while grief can feel isolating, love and memory tether us to the living and the departed alike. VERDICT A touching and visually stunning picture book that honors the depth of loss while celebrating the enduring power of family, tradition, and remembrance.–Jessica Calaway

BELT, Gabriela Orozco. Day of the Dead ABC/Día de Muertos ABC. illus. by Estelí Meza. 32p. (Holiday ABCs: Bk. 3). duopress. Aug. 2025. Tr $12.99. ISBN 9781464228391. BL
K-Gr 2–This bilingual alphabet book features the traditions associated with paying tribute to ancestors on Día de Muertos, alternating between Spanish and English words to share a compendium of facts about the holiday. Details that make this holiday special, such as decor, food and drink, traditional activities, and beliefs are included. Digital illustrations incorporate iconic sugar skulls, cempasúchil flowers, ofrendas, and paper garlands, while reinforcing the text’s message that this holiday centered around honoring the dead is a joyful time. While information about the holiday’s roots in Mexico is not provided, the book nonetheless offers a comprehensive depiction of Día de los Muertos that goes beyond the basics. VERDICT A good resource to learn more about Día de Muertos, recommended for all collections.–Nora Clancy

JÁUREGUI DE LA TORRE, Andrea. The Día de los Muertos Story: Celebrating the Never-Ending Bonds of Family. illus. by Laura González. 32p. (Holiday Celebration). becker&mayer! kids. Aug. 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781577155010.
Gr 1-3–Día de los Muertos is celebrated in many places and has roots reaching back thousands of years. Beginning with the Aztec civilization, the act of honoring people who have passed away has been an important part of Mexican culture. With the arrival of European settlers, some traditional Aztec religious components were blended with Catholic beliefs to become the event that is recognized in present day. Thanks to the migration of humans over time, the Día de los Muertos tradition now reaches far and wide into various communities that continue to remember and honor the dead. This informative picture book recounts the multidimensional history of the development of the Día de los Muertos celebration over time. Lengthy blocks of text allow the narrative to provide great detail for readers, and colorful, child-friendly illustrations enhance younger readers’ comprehension of the story. Whether readers celebrate Día de los Muertos or not, this book includes a wealth of details and history that may be unknown to many people. Back matter distills the time line presented in the book for readers to consider, and a detailed note explains how Día de los Muertos is celebrated in the author’s life. VERDICT Informative and colorful, this picture book provides a thorough and detailed explanation of Día de los Muertos for readers of all ages.–Mary Lanni

JOURS, Jaque. Día de Muertos. illus. by Alejandra Ruiz. 48p. Quarto/words & pictures. (Celebrations & Festivals). Sept. 2025. Tr $14.99. ISBN 9781836000914.
K-Gr 3–Told from the perspective of a young Latinx boy named Poncho, this first-person narrative takes readers through the purpose, preparations, symbolism, festivities, and food of the Latinx holiday Día de Muertos. A personal touch brings the story to life as Poncho prepares to add his recently deceased abuelo Rubén to his family’s ofrenda. The story is followed by several pages of in-depth information about the history, regional variations, and symbolism of the holiday, as well as a recipe for pan de muerto, instructions for making papel picado, and how to dress up like La Catrina or El Catrín. A quiz completes the book. The text of the story is pleasant and accessible to children with the slight exception of appropriate Spanish vocabulary sprinkled consistently throughout, which nonspeakers can easily learn to pronounce with guidance. Artwork is vibrant, appealing, and well-fitted to the text, as it adds detail to the story without overwhelming readers. Spreads highlight the progress of the characters’ festive preparations. Illustrations extend to the informational pages in the back, which are distinguished by colorful geometric borders and accompanied by relevant photographs. VERDICT An excellent resource for bringing the holiday to life.–Virginia Pine

PARRA, John. This Moment Is Special: A Día de Muertos Story (Day of the Dead). illus. by John Parra. 40p. S. & S./Paula Wiseman. Jul. 2025. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9781665948241.
K-Gr 3–A heartfelt journey through the eyes of a young child preparing for a Day of the Dead celebration who finds beauty and meaning in everyday moments. Whether tending a garden, studying, reading, or playing, each activity becomes a quiet tribute to cherished loved ones. Parra’s storytelling is both gentle and profound, with each spread offering a few sentences in English, culminating in a poignant phrase repeated in Spanish. This thoughtful repetition reinforces the book’s central theme: the importance of slowing down, appreciating the present, and holding close the people we love. The illustrations, rendered in Parra’s signature worn-texture technique and a soothing palette of cool tones, radiate warmth and nostalgia. There’s a quiet joy woven into the pages, mirroring the deep familial bonds at the heart of this book. VERDICT A beautiful and reflective read, perfect for celebrating Día de Muertos or simply savoring life’s precious moments. Purchase to enrich holiday collections.–Cassie Veselovsky