Sí. ¡No!

Skeletown #1

by Rhode Montijo

"Skeleton-like characters inspired by Dia de los Muertos engage in "good" and "bad" behavior in a humorous exploration of opposites"--

Genres: Picture Books, Halloween, Spanish Literature, Humor, Childrens, Friendship, Storytime

40 pages, Hardcover

Published August 1, 2023

Reviews

[Stay Fetters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skeletown is where I want to be! ♥♥

The funniest little picture book with only two words. Love it.

[Victoria Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I freaking LOVE this book. The only text is "si," or "no," but children will laugh at the hilarious visual stories, AND learn two of their favorite words en español. Super fun illustrations inked in a simple black, white and neon orange pallet. The perfect dia de los muertos gift for small children (and a great convo opener about why skeletons aren't scary)!

If anyone's listening -- I'd love to see this as a board book!

[Mc · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only book I’ve ever read with only two words. Cute, and I love the illustrations!

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Using only two words, this book relies on engaging visuals to tell the story. Two skeleton kids engage in various antics that are described via Dia de Muertos aesthetic images. Only using white, black, and a vibrant neon orange is eye catching. A great concept book with natural biligualism.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rad book about a town full of chibi calaveritas making good decisions ("sí!")... that are immediately reversed into a bad decision ("no!") once the picture pans out. Ie, a little skull kid gives his little skull friend a balloon ("sí!"), and then mischieviously giggles as she floats away with all the balloons ("no!")

It's great fun! Pairs well with other few word books, would love to read this alongside David Shannon's No, David! or Chris Raschka's Yo! Yes?. The humor of a postive/negative situation reversal is very funny and reminds me of one of my absolute favorite books as a child, Remy Charlip's Fortunately

The illustrations in this were top notch. Love the minimalist design and high-contrast colors. I feel like it's rare to see a book this colorful and was impressed at the bold, popping neon-orange. Can't wait to read more by Rhode Montijo

PS: wonder if this is a homage to the Good Idea/Bad Idea sketches in the animaniacs? Delightfully similar vibes

[Nicole Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first in a new series of Spanish-forward book, this book tells a whole new story with only Si and No. I really loved this book. I loved the Día de los Muertos characters and the bright three-color illustrations. I also was impressed with how much story you could tell with just two words and that said story could have a lesson at the end. As a mom, I really related to the NO! sections. Great fun and I look forward to more books from Skeletown

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Skully and Skelly live in Skeletown. In this simple picture book they have several adventures - both good and bad - and manage to communicate a lot just by saying "Si" and "No!" All of the illustrations are in black and white with lots of neon orange accents. A quick, fun picture book that would be very fun near Halloween and Dia de los muertos, or anytime of year!

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The illustrations are definitely very bright and fun but I didn't like the story. It uses 2 words to describe the antics of 2 skeletons making different choices throughout the day. The book just didn't engage me.

[Angela De Groot · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun story told with only two words and lots of vibrant art. In this imaginary world inspired by Día de los Muertos, readers will find that while “No” is often a reprimand, sometimes “No” means “we can fix this.” I’ll be looking out for future installments in this Skeletown series.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only two words the whole book - Si and no! Fun illustrations depicting different things, shows us that the whole story or different contexts can make a situation really different! Good sense of humor and illustrations are in black, white, and orange.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

An adorable picture book that serves as both an introduction to Spanish and a primer on manners. :)

Rhode Montijo does it again!

[Sharen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vibrant color and adorable artwork. A clever story that will be easy to follow for kids but was also fun to read as an adult. I’m looking forward to the next books in the Skeletown series!

[Eujean2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore these illustrations!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable illustrations!

Would make a great prompt for writing your own short story with limited words. This book only has two repeating words in it.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely adorable and funny!

[Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't always sure what I was saying Sí or ¡No! to but the art is so vibrant and fun, I don't really care!

[Y.Poston]

a delightful two word story

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Preschool and school-age

[Katie Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant in its simplicity and animated illustrations. Only two words, si and no, but man do the visuals make this entertaining! The color palette is really vibrant and fun too.

[Christine Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute!

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious! Love how dynamic the book was with only two words!

[Sherrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun book for kids featuring sugar skulls. Kids will love the illustrations.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Si... more please, wait I already found them and have them coming to the library soon. So fun and so beautiful, two words and pretty much two colors. Genius

[Lizzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s the pictures that make this book so great! I loved the style of the illustrations, but I was also laughing at the story then told! Really great.

[Ms. Madalyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literally the only words are "si" and "no," but the illustrations really make the story come to life. Super short and very cute.

[SassieMolassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute, simplistic picture book. I LOVED the illustrations and got a little chuckle out of some of the situations that were a "NO!"

[Pinky LO · Rating 4 out of 5]

octubre

[Earl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fans of A Ball for Daisy and Goofus & Gallant will enjoy this picture book of what to do and not do and also has a sweet story.

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

A brother and a sister skeleton attend a party and ride bicycles.

This picture book features Día de Muertos style skeletons who live in Skeletown, which is inhabited entirely by (calavera) skeletons. The main characters are two child skeletons, Skully and Skelly. Skully engages in energetic mischief as the pair prepare for and then attend a party, followed by a wild bike ride. Throughout the book, Skelly tries to curb Skully's shenanigans, but eventually she reveals a wild streak of her own.

This book is a clever take on yes and no concept books about behavior. The ending also implies the moral: if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

The text consists of only two words: sí (yes) and no (no).

The illustrations are tricolor: black, white, and burnt umber. They are done in a simple bold style with distressed (screened?) textures. I was unable to find information about the medium used to create the artwork.