John Parra is an award-winning illustrator, designer, author, and educator. For his children's illustration work he has received three American Library Association Pura Belpré Honors. His books include Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos, written by Monica Brown, which earned a New York Times Best Illustrated Book designation; Green Is a Chile Pepper, written by Roseanne Thong, which received the Américas Book Award; Spanish Is the Language of My Family, written by Michael Genhart, which received seven starred reviews and the Tomás Rivera Mexican American Children's Book Award; Hey, Wall, written by Susan Verde; The Power of Her Pen, written by Lesa Cline-Ransome; and his authorial debut Growing an Artist, which was the recipient of the Christopher Award and the Américas Award. Learn more at JohnParraArt.com.

* Parra celebrates the ephemeral in this comforting observance of Día de los Muertos.... Each spread makes the most of the moment, reflecting in English and italicized Spanish on every occurrence and the child's perception of it, and aptly underlining themes of intergenerational connection, mindfulness, and remembrance.--Publishers Weekly, (starred review) "6/9/25"

A beautiful and reflective read, perfect for celebrating Día de Muertos or simply savoring life's precious moments. Purchase to enrich holiday collections. --School Library Journal "6/1/25"

Parra's book veers away from a basic lesson on Dia de los Muertos, and instead offers a story featuring the tiny, seemingly insignificant moments that acts more as reflection on how small tasks and minute joys make up a day, and collectively, a life.--BCCB "July 2025"

[A] tender tale that embraces life's small and monumental moments alike.... Strikingly affectionate.--Kirkus "5/1/25"

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. --School Library Journal "6/1/25"

Publisher: Bound to Stay Bound Books

Pub date: 2025-07-15

Length: 34 pages