Parents' Guide to

Just in Case: A Trickster Tale and Spanish Alphabet Book

Book Yuyi Morales Picture Book 2008
Just in Case: A Trickster Tale and Spanish Alphabet Book Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

By Dawn Friedman , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 5+

Friendly Day of the Dead skeleton knows his ABCs.

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Why Age 5+?

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What's the Story?

Senor Calavera wants to go to his friend Grandma Beetle's birthday party but he's forgotten to get her a gift! With help from ghostly Zelmiro, he gathers an alphabetical list of special presents, but how will he know if they are what Grandma Beetle really wants?

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

Kids will like the repetitive sway of this traditionally minded trickster tale and they'll love the happy ending. There's lots to talk about for families who want to dig in and discuss cultural ideas about death, but kids can also just read it for the fun of it. It may just be the most lighthearted look at death you'll find for the picture book set.

Rich, colorful, award-winning illustrations give added depth to a story that might otherwise run a little long for kids with short attention spans. It's worth reading for the pictures alone, which are carefully drafted and full of fine details.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Day of the Dead festivities. Learn more about the Day of the Dead and talk about how it's different from the other traditions around death.

  • Kids can retell the story using their own ABC list.

  • For the letter Q, Senor Calavera chooses "Quince anos" and the illustration is a girl in a fancy party dress. If your children aren't familiar with Quinceaneras -- the Mexican coming of age ritual for teenage girls -- head to the library to learn more.

  • Senor Calavera is worried about missing the pinatas at the party! Kids might want to make their own out of paper mache and balloons. Look online for pinata instructions.

  • If kids don't know how to pronounce Senor Calvera, give them a hand: "seh NYOUR caw la VER ah!"

Book Details

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