$19.95, hardcover, 48 pages, full color, map of Mexico, glossary of Spanish terms, 1998, ISBN 1-881896-19-6, LC 98-27409

1999 Independent Publisher Book Award

By Zoe Harris and Suzanne Williams, Illustrated by Yolanda Garfias Woo

Piñatas, mariachis, and marigolds . . . Mexico's colorful festivals are exciting and serious, familiar and unique, blending the cultures of her ancient people and of Spain, creating new traditions for modern times. Here is a year of special Mexican celebrations, from December 12, the festival of Guadalupe, through Christmas, Carnaval, Corpus Christi, Independence Day, and the Day of the Dead. The story of the Mexican people from Olmec times to Delano provides the background, while crafts, recipes for holiday treats, legends, and spectacular illustrations help convey the richness of their traditions. For ages 9 - 13.

Zoe Harris is a multicultural educator who lives in Marin County, California. This is her first book. Suzanne Williams is the author of Made in China: Ideas and Inventions from Ancient China. She is an educator and lives in Nevada.

Illustrator Yolanda Garfias Woo was raised in Mexico and the United States. She has exhibited her work in Europe and the United States. As an anthropologist, Ms. Woo works in Mexico every year and lives in San Francisco.


Reviewers comment on Piñatas & Smiling Skeletons:

**Selected as outstanding** "An excellent resource for teachers or parents who seek background information for discussing or celebrating Mexican holidays."
------Parent Council, Spring/Summer 1999

"Colorfully illustrated in a vibrant folkloric style that captures the very essence of ancient hieroglyphs and modern retablos. Holiday recipes and lyrics to popular songs that are key to these celebrations make this fascinating collection particularly informative. An ideal book on the history, legends, artwork, and food intrinsic to the ritualistic festivities of modern Mexico."
------School Library Journal, April 1999

"Written for young readers, the colorfully illustrated guide to Mexican holidays is the latest in a series that began with books on Chinese and Filipino celebrations. . . . Illustrated in confetti colors by anthropologist Yolanda Garfias Woo, the book introduces a year's worth of masked parades, mock battles, and feathered snakegods, with instructions on making paper flowers, tamales, and hollow eggs to break over innocent people's heads."
------Express Books, December 25, 1998

"Authors explain to young readers and adults alike the story behind each festival, including recipes for appropriate holiday treats and tips for celebrating the holiday."
------Los Angeles Times, January 24, 1999

"Highly recommended . . ."
------Lorraine Garcia-Nakata, Mexican Museum

"A rich mix of storytelling, historical background, easy-to-follow arts and crafts activities, appealing recipes, and a glossary that celebrates bilingualism."
------Jean A. Ramirez, Supervisor, SF Unified School District Language Academy

"Filled with colorful illustrations, interesting facts, and entertaining stories that will perk any child's (or adult's) imagination. Creative sidebars give ideas for crafts and traditional foods that kids can make with adult supervision."
----Independent Publisher

"Por fin! (Finally!) Here's a fact-filled book filled with interesting information that helps children better understand the many events, traditions, and customs celebrated by Mexican and Mexican-American children everywhere. . . . Kudos to the authors , who also recognize the presence of Mexican populations in the United States and urge readers to look in their communities for ways to participate in celebrations of cultural heritage in the United States. In addition, the book encourages young readers to look around them for clues to the presence of Mexico in their everyday lives, be it in the food they eat or the words they speak. . . . It is also the best example of children's book illustration that balances the depictions of Mexican children in traditional as well as modern, everyday dress."
----MultiCultural Review


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