The Ofrenda That We Built

by Jolene Gutiérrez, Shaian Gutiérrez, Gabby Zapata (illustrator)

Learn about and celebrate the Day of the Dead! With warmth and energy, this spirited picture book is a joyful ode to family traditions and the memory of loved ones who have passed but whom we continue to remember.It is Día de Muertos—the Day of the Dead—and the family ofrenda is at the center of the celebration! Inspired by the popular nursery rhyme “The House That Jack Built,” The Ofrenda That We Built invites readers to join in the building of a colorful ofrenda, a home altar full of symbols and meaning, one special element at a time.This is truly an intergenerational holiday with deep familial love at its heart. Readers will recognize these moving and universal themes in the hands-on activity of building an ofrenda together, an accessible way of learning more about other cultures and celebrations. Told in warm and welcoming rhyme, with beautiful, immersive illustrations, this is a delight for readers of all backgrounds to enjoy when the holiday arrives each autumn or any time of year that calls for remembrance and connection with loved ones.LA FAMILIA IS Every element of the ofrenda speaks to a tradition of togetherness and the enduring importance of community. Combining the poignancy of the past with love in the present, those celebrating Día de Muertos also make a promise to be a part of one another’s futures. CELEBRATES THE CIRCLE OF Like Pixar’s Coco, this is a joyful celebration of Día de Muertos, which encourages us to see death as a natural and necessary part of the circle of life to embrace rather than to fear. With an emphasis on remembering the lives of our loved ones with joy, this holiday makes room for both collective grief and collective celebration—a powerful (and always timely) perspective on the nature of being alive that will resonate with children and adults alike.SPIRITED READ Pairing poetic text full of repetition, rhyme, and evocative description with bright, engaging illustrations, this story is just right for group and lap-reads, sure to appeal to booksellers, teachers, and librarians as well as parents and caregivers.Perfect who celebrates or wants to know more about Día de MuertosParents, grandparents, and caregivers looking for unique fall books for kidsFans of multicultural picture booksGift-givers seeking heartfelt picture books about family and celebration

Genres: Picture Books, Holiday, Childrens, Family, Latinx, Fiction, Death

48 pages, Hardcover

Published August 6, 2024

About the author

Jolene Gutiérrez grew up on a farm in northeastern Colorado, surrounded by animals, plants, and history. Now, she lives with her family and a variety of animals in a suburb of Denver, Colorado. She is an award-winning neurodivergent teacher librarian and has been working with neurodivergent learners at Denver Academy since 1995. She’s a wife of 25+ years and mama to two young adults, three dogs, two cats, and an ever-rotating variety of other rescue animals. Jolene is an active member of SCBWI and The Authors Guild, part of the KidLitCollective and Picture Book Gold groups, and a co-creator of #KidlitZombieWeek. Jolene is represented by agent Kaitlyn Sanchez of Bradford Literary. She’s a contributor to If I Could Choose a Best Day: Poems of Possibility (2025) and the author of Unbreakable: A Japanese American Family in an American Incarceration Camp (2026), Mamiachi and Me (2025), The Ofrenda That We Built (2024), Too Much! (2023), the Stars of Latin Pop series (2021), Bionic Beasts: Saving Animal Lives with Artificial Flippers, Legs, and Beaks (2020), and Mac and Cheese and the Personal Space Invader (2020).

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful introduction to Día de los Muertos. You are taken into a home as each aspect of this celebration is explained. This would be a great book to read with a small child so that they can understand the meaning behind this important cultural celebration. If a family celebrates this holiday this could be a fine 'gateway' book for small children.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ofrenda That We Built is a modern-day rewrite of the nursery rhyme This Is the House That Jack Built, but about an ofrenda instead of a house. With vibrant illustrations and a sing-songy flow, we learn how this family (and many other families as well) sets up their ofrenda (an altar for the dead) on Dia de Muertos. It's absolutely lovely as a celebration of the Dia de Muertos and Mexican culture, while also being a great general book about remembering those who are gone. The end of the book includes author and illustrator notes with photographs, a guide to celebrating the holiday, a step-by-step guide on setting up an ofrenda, and a detailed glossary of the ofrenda components. Definitely recommended!

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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, along 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.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the opening half-title page, showing a little girl and her mother eagerly hastening their way through a field of marigolds, the reader is invited to share in this celebration of the Mexican holiday of Día de Muertos. I wasn’t familiar with the term “ofrenda” or with the elaborate and love-filled preparations involved in creating this kind of family altar, but I was immediately swept into the joy of building something beautiful to honor the memory of deceased family members. The rollicking, rhyming text uses a “House That Jack Built” structure to accumulate details of the decorations, food, and music that are part of this ceremony, and the colorful illustrations amplify the upbeat mood. Well-researched source notes provide helpful additional information about the history and significance of Día de Muertos in Mexican and Mexican American culture. The takeaway message here is that “Death is a part of life.” I now feel inspired to accept the invitation to find my own joyous way to remember my own loved ones. A welcoming and inclusive offering for all.

[Candace Spizzirri · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE OFRENDA THAT WE BUILT is a beautiful, lyrical book by Jolene Gutiérrez and Shaian Gutiérrez and Shaian Gutierrez. In this celebration of Dia de Los Muertes (Day of the Dead), family members who have passed are remembered and celebrated. Together the family pays tribute by building an ofrenda with items such as candles, cut paper, sugar skulls, and sweet bread.

I love the cumulative story structure and the engaging rhyming text. The illustrations by Gabby Zapata are colorful, detailed, and expressive. Back matter includes how to make your own ofrenda, elements of an ofrenda, and a note from both authors and the illustrator. Heartwarming and joyful! Recommended for schools, libraries, and homes.

[SeasonsOfKidLit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blurb: The Ofrenda That We Built, by mother and daughter team Jolene Gutiérrez and Shaian Gutiérrez, illustrated by Gabby Zapata, and published by Chronicle Books, is a heartfelt read about honoring loved ones! Inspired by nursery rhyme “The House That Jack Built,” The Ofrenda That We Built follows a family that builds an ofrenda for a recently passed loved one.

#SeasonsOfKidLit says: Jolene and Shaian’s energetic text paired with Zapata’s colorful and illuminating text is a beautiful read. Readers will love following along each step of the way as a family honors their abuelo and builds an ofrenda just for him. With an intergenerational holiday message, The Ofrenda That we Built is a go-to read for any season.

[Alison McGauley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This vibrantly illustrated picture book introduces children to ofrendas through fun and rhyming text that follows the pattern of the nursery rhyme, “This is the house that Jack built.” Warm and welcoming words and illustrations perfectly pair together to share family traditions, celebrations, and love surrounding the Day of the Dead.

[Therearenobadbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books to explain the Ofrenda and Dia dos Muertos. It even shows how to build one at the end step by step. Lots of vocabulary and amazing art. I will be recommending this one a lot. 
Horizontal format makes beautiful detailed double pages. Lots of information also at the end making it even more cozy and "familiar". 

[Bonnie Kelso]

A cheerful rhyming story done in cumulative style, celebrating loved ones that have passed on. The illustrations are perfectly suited.

[Andrea Wang · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gorgeously-illustrated, joyful story about Día de Muertos. This vibrant book is an important addition to “mirror, window, and sliding glass door“ books.

[Ellen Leventhal · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who has always been interested in different cultural traditions, I was excited to read this book. Although I was familiar with Dia de Los Muertos, I did not know about the elaborate preparations for building the ofrenda, an altar to honor deceased family members. This lovely cumulative book (think "The House that Jack Built") by Jolene Gutierrez and her daughter, Shaian, beautifully illustrated by Gabby Zapata, pulls the reader in immediately with its lively rhyming text and description of a joyous celebration while building the ofrenda. The detailed backmatter includes a glossary and additional information that adds a layer to this story. I highly recommend it for all classrooms and home libraries.

[Angela De Groot · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful and warm way to cherish our loved ones that have passed on. This rhyming picture book in the stylings of “The House That Jack Built” shares a loving family’s tradition of honoring their departed loved ones through the tradition of building an ofrenda. It’s a celebration of those we have lost and a joyful remembrance of what they meant to us. Rather than being sad about those we have lost, we can celebrate the joyful times we had together. The end pages include touching Authors & Illustrator Notes, information about Día de Muertos, and How To Make Your Own Ofrenda. Colorful and cheerful illustrations complement the lyrical text.

[Jill S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes you come across a book that feels like a gift to readers and THE OFRENDA THAT WE BUILT is one of those. In the back matter, author Jolene Gutiérrez writes that “this holiday teaches us to honor our lost loved ones while also joyfully celebrating their lives” and this book does all that. As a reader, you feel both the spirit of “honoring” and “celebrating” in the text and illustrations. There’s something so heartfelt in the words and pictures. Thank you to mother-daughter writing team Jolene and Shaian Gutiérrez and illustrator Gabby Zapata for this gift!

[Hannah Lorenzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must-have, both for children who celebrate Día de Los Muertos and for children learning about holidays from different cultures. With its bright, engaging illustrations and its rhythm and rhyme that kids will be sure to join in on, this book is as informative as it is just plain fun to read! At the end of the book, kid-friendly instructions show how to make an ofrenda. As an elementary school teacher, I’d say that this is a perfect resource for any teacher that is teaching about Día de Los Muertos in class. I am positive this will be a “read it again, Mommy!” book in our house!

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Día de Muertos—the Day of the Dead— is celebrated in this lively picture book as a family event based on Mexican traditions. Includes steps for making an ofrenda (an altar) with special decorations and food to honor those lost. A treat for kids 3-5!

[Laura Roettiger · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ofrenda That We Built, cowritten by mother-daughter team Jolene and Shaian Gutiérrez is a lovely tribute to the traditions of Día de los Muertos but it's so much more than that. The writing is gorgeous and while it follows the cumulative pattern of "The House that Jack Built" it is not predictable in any way. The rhymes are fresh, the rhythm is musical, and the preparation to honor loved ones shares meaning in each verse. Beautiful illustrations by Gabby Zapata add to each step of building the Ofrenda. It is clear this book was written from a place of love and loss, and the heart comes through on each page.
The back matter is complete with a glossary, how to build an ofrenda, and a personal note from all three creators on their experience with building ofrendas and what their significance. Truly a great addition to any home, library, or classroom bookshelf.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

New book alert! Love this addition to my collection.

[Judy Ripke · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent introduction to the traditions of Day of the Dead.

[Binxie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This colorful picture book is a thorough and engaging look at the traditions of Dia de Muertos. Done in the style of This Is the House that Jack Built, it has a great rhythm with illustrations that increase the enjoyment of its readers.

[Maja Hampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the art and the word pattern of this story. I also learned a lot about what and ofrenda is and all that goes into it. Loved this book!

[Tracey Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated story that is fun to read aloud.

[Elizabeth E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love learning about different cultures and this picture book about the Day of the Dead does not disappoint. Each element of the ofrenda is introduced one at a time in a fun cumulative format. My favorite element is the decorated sugar skulls that both honor lost loved ones while celebrating the joy of life.

[Karen Kline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in the style of "This is the house that Jack built," but highlights the Hispanic cultural celebration of Dia De Los Muertos and items used to create an ofrenda or a commemorative spot and celebration of dead relatives. Could be a nice October classroom book to discuss. Kids could bring items or photos of loved ones to share if they want. A lovely reminder to share stories of loved ones who have died and set a tone of respect.

Each author and the illustrator share at the end extensive back matter of photos and narrative explaining their own ways of remembering their loved ones who have died and their cultural pathways to understanding their mixed race heritages.

[Stephanie Gibeault · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gorgeous picture book about remembering those we have lost. It introduces children to the Day of the Dead, a joyful celebration of loved ones who have passed. The art is bright and colorful, and the cumulative structure of this rhyming story perfectly suits the building of an ofrenda one piece at a time. The meaning of each element is explained in the main text and elaborated on in the excellent back matter. The back matter also includes instructions for making your own ofrenda as well as notes from the authors and illustrator about their personal experiences with the holiday.

[Alizah Kamran]

The book is about the holiday, Dia de Muertos- day of the dead. This book’s purpose is show readers the importance of Dia de Muertos and the traditions of creating a ofrenda to honor the dead. It aims for an understanding of heritage and showing the importance of remembering. Key themes are cultural heritage, meneort and remembrance, and family and community. The book can be used in the classroom because of the awareness children will get with this book, the literacy, and also the book’s creativity are all great resources for the classroom.

[Selena Ayala · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Ofrenda That We Built" teaches the reader about the celebration and traditions of Day of the Dead or Día de los Muertos. Readers learn about building an ofrenda, and how to decorate it. They also learn the significance of the ofrenda. Themes in this book are tradition, culture, and connection. I would keep this book in my library because I think it is a great introduction to learning about Día de los Muertos. I would read this book to first or second graders and create a classroom ofrenda to go along with the book.

[Tiffiney McKee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ofrenda That We Built is a delightful book which informs children and adults alike about the celebration of Dia de Muertos. The illustrations are beautiful, bright, and cheerful, and the words are lovely and poetic. At the end of the book more information is given about Dia de Muertos to help families celebrate. This book shows cultural pride and helps explain why Dia de Muertos is a joyous occasion.

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet, vibrant Day of the Dead story that dances with color and culture on each page. It introduces the holiday for both its celebrants and those who are learning, with lots of vocab words.

Veg*n families note: References to meat tamales. However, as noted in the endnotes, tamales can be made with a variety of ingredients, including veggies and fruits. You may be inspired to make your own!

[Alejandra Vasquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great for the ages six to eight. The themes include connection and memory. I picked this book because I can share with my students my culture. I want this in my class because I can have others relate and the rest learn what are some traditions we do.

[Kathy Temean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how this book is helping to open children's minds to a different culture. The vivid colors and the lively rhyming text will keep children's eyes glued to each page. I don't think the reader needs to be Mexican to love this book.

When my parents died, I went through all their things to find pictures and letters from their dead relatives and was able to put together a book going back to the mid-1800s in Ireland, and followed every branch of the family and shared each of their stories.

It was a labor of love, just like this book was for Jolene and her daughter. I had a family reunion and gave each family a book to pass down to their children. As long as someone passes it on and continues, then the people before you still live. I think this is what Jolene's Ofrenda does for her family.

I love the back matter that teaches us to honor our lost loved ones while also celebrating their lives. I think that is the beauty of America, that we can take things from other cultures and add bits and pieces into our own way of doing things, and in the end, we have created something new and richer than what we had on our own.

I hope this tradition will spread around the world, and families will be richer because of reading The Ofrenda That We Built. Parents and teachers will want to share this book with the children and family members.  I am also happy that this book was nominated for the first round of the SCBWI Crystal Kite Awards.