Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras - Duncan Tonatiuh

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Tonatiuh, D. (2015). Funny bones: Posada and his Day of the Dead calaveras. New York, NY: Abrams Books for Young Readers. ISBN 9781419716478

PLOT SUMMARY

Tonatiuh uses a blend of flat imagery and the Calaveras to tell the story of Jose Guadalupe Posada (1852 – 1913). Later referred to as Don Lupe, this tells of his life and how the many events factored into the creation of the, now famous, Calaveras depictions. We also are gifted a view of how his artistry evolved with the new technology of that time period.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Culture plays a huge role in this book. In Mexican culture, every year on November 1st, people flock to the cemeteries to sit with loved ones who have passed and share stories, offerings and life. When Don Lupe first started drawing, he showed his political views in newspapers. After politicians found it to be less than humorous, he moved on opening his own print shop. During the Dia de Muertos celebrations, many wanted prints of the Calaveras to take with them. Using many of his Calaveras, he paired them with funny poems. Later, he mixed his political views and his Calaveras. Throughout this reading, we see some interpretations that may hold some truth. Everyone will one day become a Calaveras, a skull, no matter if you are rich or poor, kind hearted or cruel; the same ending waits for us all.

The plot and setting help set a firm timeline in our minds. We are able to travel Mexico with Don Lupe and get a feel for the world during this time. From everyday life, political struggles, revolutions and family, we are painted a picture in which Don Lupe becomes real to the reader. We want him to call out greedy politicians, want him to find his feet after the flood, want him to show truths of the revolution and to inspire the world to be kind to all. Whether you are a Catrina or some poor schmuck, kindness should radiate in every action. After all, his message is clear; we all end our journeys wearing the same face.

REVIEW EXCERPTS

“Tonatiuh skillfully blends his own distinctive style of digital collage and hand drawings not only to highlight events in Posada’s life, but also to add whimsical elements by introducing contemporary Calaveras.” - Kirkus Reviews June 6th, 2015

“Juxtaposing his own art with that of Lupe’s, author Duncan Tonatiuh brings to light the remarkable life and work of a man whose art is beloved by many but whose name has remained in obscurity.” - Goodreads

CONNECTIONS 

*Research project for the different ways art can be made. Could also do an in-depth look at one of the techniques used in this book.

*Using the style of this writing, choose a family member and create a biography using events from their everyday lives to tell a comprehensive story.