National Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long celebration of Hispanic and Latino Americans’ history, culture, and contributions to the United States. It takes place from September 15 to October 15 each year. The month recognizes the contributions of Hispanic Americans to the United States, including their art, advocacy work, and traditional foods. It also honors the trailblazing individuals who fought for equity and progress in their communities. This week I’ll be sharing several children’s books from Hispanic authors. Click HERE to see all the books.
THE OFRENDA THAT WE BUILT
By: Jolene Gutiérrez and Shaian Gutiérrez
Illustrated by: Gabby Zapata
Published: August 6, 2024
Publisher: Chronicle Kids
Fiction
An ofrenda is an altar of mementos and offerings for departed spirits. In Mexico, an ofrenda is a way for families to honor their ancestors who have passed away. Author Jolene Gutiérrez has collaborated with her daughter Shaian on their first-ever children’s book that teaches about the Dia de Muertos, the Day of the Dead, and building an ofrenda.
In the style of the favorite story, “The House that Jack Built”, Gutiérrez shares the building of an ofrenda for their ancestors. From the embroidered cloth to the cutout papel to the candles to the sugared skulls to the music and food, all these things make up an ofrenda.
Because of the repetitive nature of the story, your child will soon be able to join you in reading along. Each of the items of the ofrenda has a meaning and helps the family remember their loved ones. Photos of their loved ones, favorite foods, and music are part of the celebration. The whole family gets involved in creating the ofrenda. In this particular story, the ofrenda is to remember the young girl’s abuelo, her grandfather.
The vibrant colors and illustrations of a Day of the Dead celebration will be something your children will want to create as well. The end of the book includes notes from authors Jolene and Shaian and illustrator Gabby. Their notes include photos of their ofrendas and families. The history of Dia de Muertos and instructions on making your own ofrenda are included with explanations of the elements of an ofrenda.
Reading this just nine months after my own father’s passing makes me want to create my own ofrenda. Finding ways to celebrate him and keep his memory alive is a wonderful way to honor him.
Jolene Gutiérrez grew up on a farm, surrounded by animals, plants, and history. She is an award-winning teacher-librarian and has been working with neurodivergent learners at Denver Academy since 1995. She lives with her family in Denver, Colorado, and is the author of several books for children. This is Jolene’s first co-written book, and she’s overjoyed that she was able to create it with her daughter, Shaian. You can find out more by visiting her website, HERE.
Shaian Gutiérrez’s family is from Jalostotitlán, Jalisco in Mexico, and she loves to show her appreciation for her Mexican roots through her work, whether it’s writing, creating art, or cooking. In 2022, she graduated from Colorado College with a double major in art and Hispanic studies, earning a distinction in Spanish after presenting two theses and winning a grant to create art abroad about Mexican collective identity.
Gabby Zapata is an artist from Los Angeles, California, of Mexican and Colombian descent. She is a character designer and visual development artist for both feature animation and television. She has worked for various studios, including Disney, Paramount, Nickelodeon, Pixar, and DreamWorks. You can find out more by visiting her website, HERE.
To purchase a copy of THE OFRENDA THAT WE BUILT, click HERE.
Other books about remembering a grandparent:
Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to make a purchase through the above links, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase.
Check out my review policy, HERE.
Posted Under Book Review, Children's books, Day of the Dead, Gabby Zapata, Hispanic, Jolene Gutiérrez, Mexico, Shaian Gutiérrez