Bibliography
Morales, Yuyi. 2003. Just A Minute A Trickster Tale and Counting Books. Chronicle Books. ISBN 9780811837583
Plot Summary
In this trickster tale and basic counting story, it's time for Grandma Beetle's birthday party. Grandma Beetle receives a knock on the door and the special something is skeleton Senor Galvera. Senor Galvera tells Grandma that it's time for her to go away with him. Grandma Beetle defers handsome Senor Galvera by asking him to wait so that she can do a few household duties. The small things start from sweeping ONE house, to boiling TWO pots of tea, to making THREE pounds of corn for tortillas. Senor Galvera becomes impatient and no longer wants to wait but by that time it's time for Grandma's party to start. Senor Galvera had an awesome time at the party, and when he left Grandma Beetle found a letter written by him stating that he would return next year at the same time.
Critical Analysis
A counting game to outwit death is a pretty clever! Three simple words "Just A Minute" tricks death into not taking her away. This book is an awesome starter for learning Spanish numbers as it relates to English numbers. The art and storyline are a perfect combination in this counting book. The reader does not have to know the meaning of the story to enjoy it and that makes this a good read. Perhaps content-wise, young readers might not have a clear concept of death, which may be intense and scary if not properly related to them. But as a teaching moment, this would be a great talking point of how death can be perceived and even celebrated in other cultures.
Skeleton Senor Galvera is very detailed from his innocent flower eyes to his fashionable fedora hat. If death had a face this is what I would want it to look like. This skeleton's features are very nonthreatening, this is not your ordinary skeleton that you would see during Halloween. This multi-culture gem displays figures that are reminiscent of Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) artwork. On the last page the illustration of Grandma Beetle winking implies that she has cheated death.
Reviews Excerpts/Awards
Kirkus Reviews, "Lit with dancing lines and warm colors, Morale's illustrations enhance the appeal of this winning story even further."
Publisher's Weekly, "Her deep, glowing pastels and stylized human characterizations beautifully conjure the traditions of Latin American muralists..."
School Library Journal, "This deceptively simple read-aloud treat has as many layers as an onion, and is every bit as savory."
Booklist, "Along with their useful math and multicultural elements, the splendid art and spirited storytelling auger a long, full life for this original folktale."
Pura Belpre Medal Book Illustrator Award
Tomas Rivera Mexican American Children's Book Award
ALA Notable Books for Children (2004)
Golden Kite Honor (2003)
Americas Book Award for Children's & Young Adult Literature (2003)
Connections
-Read the sequel Just In Case by Yuyi Morales.
-Learn about Mexico – its celebrations, foods, fiesta piñata designs, beautiful pottery designs, and storytelling customs.
-Compare Morales's illustrations with the designs that come from traditional and folk art of Mexico.
-Write about how Senor Galvera felt after leaving Grandma Beetle's party, knowing that she didn't come with him.
-Mix in Math and have students to come up with how long Senor Galvera stayed at Grandma Beetle's house while she did her household duties.
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