Review of JUST A MINUTE: A TRICKSTER TALE AND COUNTING BOOK

Bibliography:

Morales, Yuyi. 2003. Just a minute: A trickster tale and counting book. Illustrated by author. San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books, LLC. ISBN 0811837580

Review:

The skeleton, Señor Calavera, arrives at Grandma Beetle’s house to take her to the next life. Grandma Beetle, however, has a few tasks to complete before she can leave. Señor Calavera counts along in Spanish and English as Grandma Beetle finishes each of her tasks. When Grandma’s grandchildren arrive for her birthday party, Señor Calavera has so much fun that he leaves without taking Grandma Beetle and promises to return to enjoy the celebration again next year. In this version of a traditional trickster tale, Yuyi Morales combines a humorous story with a counting book in a manner that entertains and teaches at the same time. Just a Minute is meant to be read aloud. Young children will enjoy participating in the story as they repeat the phrase Grandma Beetle uses to avoid leaving with Señor Calavera: “Just a minute, Señor Calavera, I will go with you right away, I have just one (two, three, etc.)” things to do. In addition, readers are given the opportunity to count out the various objects on each page as they are introduced to the numbers one through ten in both English and Spanish. They will delight in Señor Calavera’s antics as he waits patiently at first, then decides to help Grandma Beetle, and finally becomes so frustrated by Grandma’s endless tasks that he “lost count (of the platters of food on the table . . . because) he was too busy stomping on the floor.” His antics don’t upset Grandma who continues to work. It’s not until the last page of the book, when Grandma winks conspiratorially at the reader that the reader will know Grandma had planned this trick all along! Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book, the 2004 Pura Belpre Award winner, provides a glimpse in to Mexican culture with its emphasis on celebrations centered on family, friends, and food. Morales’ brightly colored acrylic and mixed media illustrations reflect Mexican heritage by bringing readers in to Grandma’s stucco-walled home decorated with its painted tiles and tin artwork and allowing them to watch her prepare tortillas, tamales and other traditional dishes. In addition, the author/illustrator’s depiction of Señor Calavera reflects the hand-crafted skeletons that are an integral part of Mexico’s Dia de los Muertos. After hearing Just a Minute, children will beg adults to read the book again and again and again! And, adults will be encouraged to seek out other books that introduce cultures from around the world.