Friday, February 22, 2008

Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Game by Yuyi Morales


Morales, Yuyi. Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Game. San Francisco: Chronicle Books LLG, 2003.

Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Game is a fun read for all ages. As Grandma Beetle is visited by Senor Calavera who beckons her to “come along,” she will keep telling him just a minute because there is something she needs to do. As she continues to do each chore that is linked from numbers one to ten, the skeleton just continues to wait. Morales use the numbers in both Spanish and English which is a great way to teach young readers how to spell in both ways, and simply adds to this wonderful book. Now, as she reaches number nine, there are nine children that show up for Grandma’s birthday party, but guess who is surprised to find out they are number ten. When Grandma Beetle is finally ready to go, she soon finds a note with a surprising ending that will have everyone smiling from ear to ear. The illustrations throughout the book are bright, full pages using colors like orange and pink that just grabs the eye. The skeleton, Senor Calavera, on each page is a treat alone to look at with his expressions and body language. This book is a true deserver of the Pura Belpre Award/Honor and I feel a must read for all ages.

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