Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Little Lobo and friends celebrate Halloween and Día de los Muertos in this addition to the World of ¡Vamos! series from Raúl the Third. An opening speech bubble kicks off the dual conceit: "Today's Halloween! See you tomorrow!" As Little Lobo (dressed up as "La Rata") leads a group trick-or-treating, the friends share frightening stories. Conscious of having secured enough candy, the friends next "help our older neighbors with their gifts for tomorrow's guests," gathering items to display the next day. And on Día de los Muertos, the entire neighborhood convenes to tidy cemetery plots, remember those who have passed, and decorate community altars--and "a happiness fills the air as la comunidad celebrates the lives of those who lived." Humorous details, bright hues by colorist Elaine Bay, and English and Spanish conversations make for a lively dual celebration. A Spanish-English glossary concludes. Ages 4--8. (July)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 2--A delightful journey through two vibrant cultural celebrations. Readers are treated to a colorful exploration of Halloween and Día de los Muertos, each with its own unique traditions and significance. Raúl the Third masterfully incorporates Spanish phrases throughout the narrative, making it accessible for readers to pick up new words through context clues. Little Lobo y sus amigos transition seamlessly from trick-or-treating on Halloween night to preparing ofrendas for Día de los Muertos, offering a rich tapestry of cultural experiences. The illustrations burst with energy and charm, bringing to life the spirit of both holidays with vivid detail. From the spooky delights of Halloween to the heartfelt remembrances of Día de los Muertos, every page is a feast for the eyes. Humorous moments pepper the story, providing entertainment for both children and adults. For instance, Kooky quips about his neighbors in the cemetery being sound sleepers, adding a playful touch to the narrative. A glossary proves helpful for readers encountering unfamiliar words and enhances understanding and appreciation of the text. VERDICT A must-read. This one offers a joyful celebration of culture, tradition, and the spirit of these beloved holidays.--Jessica Clark
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Review by Horn Book Review
Little Lobo, Bernabe, and friends, some dressed as other characters from the series, go trick-or-treating on Halloween night, a time when "neighborhood streets creep and crawl with extravagant weirdness -- a who's who of wonderment." Eventually, and with their candy conveyances filled-to-overflowing, the group shifts gears, helping elders prepare for the next day's start of Dia de los Muertos. With Kooky Dooky, whose corn-palace home is adjacent to the cemetery, acting as host for the next two nights, the entire community comes together to pay tribute, through offerings and memories, to those they have lost. Tears are shed, but "happiness fills the air as la comunidad celebrates the lives of those who lived." As usual in this vibrant fictional world, there are near-infinite details, references, and jokes to notice on every bursting-with-life spread; every Halloween costume, every altar and ofrenda. Spanish is naturally incorporated into the main text, illustrations, dialogue, sound effects, and labels. A glossary and a Dia de los Muertos activity (unseen) are appended. Elissa GershowitzSeptember/October 2024 p.57 (c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
