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Clatter Bash!: A Day of the Dead Celebration
Get ready for a rollicking Day of the Dead celebration! Graveyard skeletons shake, rattle, and roll as a Mexican family marks the annual Day of the Dead holiday.
★ "[A] zesty look at a special night." ―School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW
At dusk on the holiday known as Day of the Dead, a Mexican family has set out fiesta offerings in the graveyard in hopes that departed loved ones may return to visit. The playful skeletons rise from their graves to celebrate with gusto. All night long, they sing, dance, dine, tell stories, and play games. As morning approaches, they give thanks to the stars for their night of fun, tidy up after themselves, and leave no trace of their "clatter bash" behind as they return to their coffins until next year's Day of the Dead.
Author-illustrator Richard Keep's rollicking rhyme―sprinkled with Spanish words―captures the bone-rattling sounds and fun of the evening. An illustrated afterword gives information about the customs associated with el D�a de los Muertos, a Mexican celebration of honoring relatives who have passed on.
Awards:
Children's Choices ―International Reading Association/Children's Book Council
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People ―National Council for the Social Studies/Children's Book Council
★ "[A] zesty look at a special night." ―School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW
At dusk on the holiday known as Day of the Dead, a Mexican family has set out fiesta offerings in the graveyard in hopes that departed loved ones may return to visit. The playful skeletons rise from their graves to celebrate with gusto. All night long, they sing, dance, dine, tell stories, and play games. As morning approaches, they give thanks to the stars for their night of fun, tidy up after themselves, and leave no trace of their "clatter bash" behind as they return to their coffins until next year's Day of the Dead.
Author-illustrator Richard Keep's rollicking rhyme―sprinkled with Spanish words―captures the bone-rattling sounds and fun of the evening. An illustrated afterword gives information about the customs associated with el D�a de los Muertos, a Mexican celebration of honoring relatives who have passed on.
Awards:
Children's Choices ―International Reading Association/Children's Book Council
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People ―National Council for the Social Studies/Children's Book Council
32 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2004
1 person is currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Richard Keep
7 books2 followersRichard Keep first learned to write and illustrate a children's book in Mrs. Mengert's 6th grade art class. His interest in art began as a 50s boomer kid watching the "Winky Dink and You" TV show on Saturday mornings. Sending in fifty cents for the green-tinted plastic sheet to cover the TV screen, he drew on it with 'magic' crayons, connecting the dots to help rescue Winky Dink from certain doom. One day, his dad brought home a fat pack of construction paper with every color. Hundreds of peculiar paper airplanes, masks and wizard hats later, Rick earned his graphic and studio arts teaching creds from the University of Wisconsin.
While teaching in Lake Geneva, WI, Rick began collaborating on books with his wife, children's author/illustrator Linda Lowery. Published by Penguin Random House and Peachtree Publishers, his books demonstrate his two preferred media styles: digital illustration and cut/painted paper collage.
Rick and Linda resided for eight years in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico – a cobbled, colonial enclave for artists and writers, lush with vibrant color and corazón. There, they completed several book projects, most with Mexican themes. San Miguel remains an evergreen source of inspiration for the authors. Rick and Linda currently reside in eastern Tennessee.
While teaching in Lake Geneva, WI, Rick began collaborating on books with his wife, children's author/illustrator Linda Lowery. Published by Penguin Random House and Peachtree Publishers, his books demonstrate his two preferred media styles: digital illustration and cut/painted paper collage.
Rick and Linda resided for eight years in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico – a cobbled, colonial enclave for artists and writers, lush with vibrant color and corazón. There, they completed several book projects, most with Mexican themes. San Miguel remains an evergreen source of inspiration for the authors. Rick and Linda currently reside in eastern Tennessee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 29, 2018
Great for young children and for teaching onomatopoeia, but I’d been hoping for more words and more of a story.
November 2, 2017
A very simple book about the day of the dead. It uses very few words and mostly rhyming sounds to convey the pictures of what Day of the Dead is.
I like the art. Great for very young children
I like the art. Great for very young children
November 2, 2023
Yes, I do aesthetically really like Richard Keep's boldly colourful and expressively fun mixed media illustrations for his Clatter Bash!: A Day of the Dead Celebration, for his 2004 picture book about the Day of the Dead (El Día de los Muertos), the Mexican and Latin American holiday honouring and feting the memory of the departed (and with Keep being both illustrator and author for Clatter Bash!:A Day of the Dead Celebration). And yes, after an initial scene, where people are being shown decorating a graveyard for the holiday, a group of skeletons then rise up from the tombs for their very own fiesta, having a total and boisterous party, featuring song, dance, socialising and food (engagingly depicted by Keep and in my opinion not at all creepy, but only delightfully visually engaging and good fun), and with Clatter Bash!: A Day of the Dead Celebration concluding with an afterword giving more information El Día de los Muertos (but sadly and frustratingly not featuring, not including a list of books and websites with suggestions for further reading, and which rather majorly does annoy me).
However, since Clatter Bash!: A Day of the Dead Celebration is basically only told through Richard Keep's artwork, and because Keep's accompanying text is not only really annoyingly simplistic but actually mostly consists of a bunch of sound words and greetings, for me (and for both my adult self and my inner child), sorry, but the combination of text and images for Clatter Bash!: A Day of the Dead Celebration, I for one do kind of find this not all that successful. Because and definitely, for me, Clatter Bash!: A Day of the Dead Celebration has illustrations wise so very many delightful and also often humorous visual details to offer (and ones that are certainly NOT really ever reflected in and by the featured and much too basic text), that honestly, Clatter Bash!: A Day of the Dead Celebration would actually work considerably better (in my opinion) as a wordless picture book, that the sparse and one-sided words kind of rather drag down Richard Keep's otherwise spectacular artwork, and that as such Clatter Bash!: A Day of the Dead Celebration can only rate as being two stars for me, a high two stars no doubt (as Richard Keeps's artwork has definitely tickled my aesthetic fancy) but definitely not enough for three stars (and also, that Clatter Bash!: A Day of the Dead Celebration would work better with and for children who are already a bit familiar with El Día de los Muertos and not so much as a first time introduction, since Richard Keep's depicted skeleton party is fun to see but does not really tell all that much about the holiday itself, and well, the supplemental information is in my opinion more suited and geared to older children and adults).
However, since Clatter Bash!: A Day of the Dead Celebration is basically only told through Richard Keep's artwork, and because Keep's accompanying text is not only really annoyingly simplistic but actually mostly consists of a bunch of sound words and greetings, for me (and for both my adult self and my inner child), sorry, but the combination of text and images for Clatter Bash!: A Day of the Dead Celebration, I for one do kind of find this not all that successful. Because and definitely, for me, Clatter Bash!: A Day of the Dead Celebration has illustrations wise so very many delightful and also often humorous visual details to offer (and ones that are certainly NOT really ever reflected in and by the featured and much too basic text), that honestly, Clatter Bash!: A Day of the Dead Celebration would actually work considerably better (in my opinion) as a wordless picture book, that the sparse and one-sided words kind of rather drag down Richard Keep's otherwise spectacular artwork, and that as such Clatter Bash!: A Day of the Dead Celebration can only rate as being two stars for me, a high two stars no doubt (as Richard Keeps's artwork has definitely tickled my aesthetic fancy) but definitely not enough for three stars (and also, that Clatter Bash!: A Day of the Dead Celebration would work better with and for children who are already a bit familiar with El Día de los Muertos and not so much as a first time introduction, since Richard Keep's depicted skeleton party is fun to see but does not really tell all that much about the holiday itself, and well, the supplemental information is in my opinion more suited and geared to older children and adults).
October 31, 2020
A simple, rhythmic text, consisting mostly of sound words, is paired with eye-catching mixed media illustrations in this picture-book celebration of the Day of the Dead, the Mexican and Latin American holiday honoring the memory of deceased loved ones. After an initial scene in which people decorate the cemetery, a group of skeletons come out and have their own fiesta, rattling and rolling through a good time. The book concludes with an afterword giving more information about Día de los muertos...
Most of the story in Clatter Bash!: A Day of the Dead Celebration is told through author/artist Richard Keep's striking illustrations, as the text itself is quite minimal. The book begins "Knock-knock! Shhh! Huh? / Rattle-rattle Que? / Creak-crack Up we go! / Big fiesta! Yay!", while the accompanying artwork shows skeletons emerging from their graves and doing plenty of things not described in the text. This will probably work best for younger children, who will enjoy the simple, rhyming text, and the bold artwork, although I don't know that it makes the best introduction to the holiday, unless the adult reader can fill in the information about what is going on, and why. For children already familiar with the holiday however, this will offer (as the title suggests) a fun celebration.
Most of the story in Clatter Bash!: A Day of the Dead Celebration is told through author/artist Richard Keep's striking illustrations, as the text itself is quite minimal. The book begins "Knock-knock! Shhh! Huh? / Rattle-rattle Que? / Creak-crack Up we go! / Big fiesta! Yay!", while the accompanying artwork shows skeletons emerging from their graves and doing plenty of things not described in the text. This will probably work best for younger children, who will enjoy the simple, rhyming text, and the bold artwork, although I don't know that it makes the best introduction to the holiday, unless the adult reader can fill in the information about what is going on, and why. For children already familiar with the holiday however, this will offer (as the title suggests) a fun celebration.
September 15, 2018
Nice use of Spanish words sprinkled through the English text.
There's not a lot of text, though, and what's there tends to be more sounds than plot.
Only good for readers who already know about Day of the Dead.
There's not a lot of text, though, and what's there tends to be more sounds than plot.
Only good for readers who already know about Day of the Dead.
October 15, 2017
Clatter Bash! is a colorful, wonderfully illustrated book. Although the book contains very few words, the illustrations speak for themselves. Death is normally something not celebrated that often scares young children. This book, however, brings a new perspective to light and shows how Spanish speaking countries celebrate death and life. The bright colors of the illustration help to make the book more exciting and less scary. Children can learn a lot from the illustrations in this book and there is even a more in-depth explanation in the back of the book. The explanation discusses what Day of the Dead is and how it is celebrated throughout the world.
October 11, 2010
This is the best children's book about el Dia de los Muertos that I have read.
Fantastically dressed skeletons emerge from their graves to celebrate the Day of the Dead with a parade of onomatopoeia accompanied activities, peppered with Spanish words and phrases. Great illustrations!
A two page explanatory summary the holiday, its symbols, traditions, and importance is included at the back.
Fantastically dressed skeletons emerge from their graves to celebrate the Day of the Dead with a parade of onomatopoeia accompanied activities, peppered with Spanish words and phrases. Great illustrations!
A two page explanatory summary the holiday, its symbols, traditions, and importance is included at the back.
July 14, 2012
The illustrations are bold, colorful, fun and, even though they are skeletons, cheerful too. A lot of the words are sounds like ‘honk-whiz’ and ‘whoosh-sploosh’ that make it fun to read. And the addition of the Spanish words is nice too. There is a very good explanation of the Day of the Dead holiday that tells you why and how it is celebrated that is easily understandable to all ages. It is a fun and informative book.
November 22, 2014
This story will help your little ones understand the Day of the Dead Celebrations in Mexican culture.
The family has left out a festive spread hoping that their deceased family members will rise out of the grave and enjoy the party.
And do they ever!
A great story and I like how there is some added info in the back of the book so that more can be learned about this celebration.
The family has left out a festive spread hoping that their deceased family members will rise out of the grave and enjoy the party.
And do they ever!
A great story and I like how there is some added info in the back of the book so that more can be learned about this celebration.
March 20, 2018
This book was composed of mostly well painted illustrations paired with onomatopoeia's and a few Spanish words in rhyming pairs. It tells the story of Dia de Los Muertos simply for younger readers and those learning about the holiday. In the back is and informational insert giving readers insight on the purpose and history of the holiday.
November 5, 2013
Captures the spirit of the Day of the Dead, so it makes it good for a readaloud. It does not fill in young readers on the history of the holiday, however. They will need that context from the adult introducing it to them.
October 18, 2014
This is a nice mix of fun and information. The repetitive onomatopoeia makes the text bouncy and engaging. There is also a nice anount of information about El Dia de Los Muertos. It is a great intro to the celebration.
June 23, 2011
Another book my daughter loves. I think she already has it memorized. And come on! Dia de los Muertos is fun!
October 5, 2011
A Dia de los Muertos book that's not scary!! The dead come out of their graves and have a big old party - but it's fun and celebratory and not spooky at all.
October 27, 2011
A very easy picture book about El Dia de Los Muertos. The back matter includes more information about the holiday, it's traditions and celebrations.
November 10, 2012
Book about Day of the Dead written in onomatopoeia.
November 12, 2014
A hit when I read it to kids at a day of the dead festival.
November 22, 2014
A good introductory read-aloud for youngers.
October 28, 2015
Bright engaging illustrations and short rhyming text filled with onomatopoeia should be a crowd pleaser at storytime. More information about the holiday found at the end.
November 1, 2018
This story will help your little ones understand the Day of the Dead Celebrations in Mexican culture.
The family has left out a festive spread hoping that their deceased family members will rise out of the grave and enjoy the party.
And do they ever!
A great story; I like how there is, some added info in the back of the book, so that more can be learned about this celebration.
Both girls were simply astonished, when I told them, that the party-goers only come out of their graves once a year!
The family has left out a festive spread hoping that their deceased family members will rise out of the grave and enjoy the party.
And do they ever!
A great story; I like how there is, some added info in the back of the book, so that more can be learned about this celebration.
Both girls were simply astonished, when I told them, that the party-goers only come out of their graves once a year!
December 12, 2018
I loved this book with the incorporation of some Spanish words and the illustrations. This is a great book to utilize in the classroom that supports the learning of another culture/celebration. This book with the inclusion of some Spanish words is helpful to those students that are ELL to become familiar with certain words that are related to their own language and piecing words and parts of sentences together.
September 3, 2019
Wonderful illustrations. Silly text.
December 2, 2021
I didn't really like it because I was hoping for more of a story with a plot or a informational story than few words and sounds. The illustrations are okay though.
November 21, 2024
1. "Clatter Bash! A Day of the Dead Celebration" by Richard Keep is a vibrant picture book tailored for young readers, specifically children aged 4 to 8.
2. The story unfolds with lively illustrations and rhythmic text, capturing the celebratory spirit of the Day of the Dead. The narrative follows a group of playful skeletons (calaveras) as they emerge from their graves to partake in a joyous nocturnal celebration. Through its colorful artwork and dynamic language, the book conveys themes of remembrance, joy, and the cyclical nature of life and death. It emphasizes the importance of honoring loved ones who have passed away, illustrating these concepts in a way that is accessible and non-threatening for children.
3. This book was selected for the library because of its ability to engage young readers in cultural appreciation and understanding. It offers a unique opportunity to discuss cultural diversity and traditions from around the world, which is a valuable lesson in promoting inclusivity. In the classroom, this book can be used as part of a cultural studies lesson. For using this book in my classroom i'd begin by reading the story aloud, allowing students to absorb the rhythmic language and explore the illustrations. Then i'd follow up with a discussion about the Day of the Dead, inviting students to share what they learned and any previous knowledge they might have about the holiday. This can be followed by an art activity where students create their own papel picado (cut-paper decorations) or decorated skeletons.
2. The story unfolds with lively illustrations and rhythmic text, capturing the celebratory spirit of the Day of the Dead. The narrative follows a group of playful skeletons (calaveras) as they emerge from their graves to partake in a joyous nocturnal celebration. Through its colorful artwork and dynamic language, the book conveys themes of remembrance, joy, and the cyclical nature of life and death. It emphasizes the importance of honoring loved ones who have passed away, illustrating these concepts in a way that is accessible and non-threatening for children.
3. This book was selected for the library because of its ability to engage young readers in cultural appreciation and understanding. It offers a unique opportunity to discuss cultural diversity and traditions from around the world, which is a valuable lesson in promoting inclusivity. In the classroom, this book can be used as part of a cultural studies lesson. For using this book in my classroom i'd begin by reading the story aloud, allowing students to absorb the rhythmic language and explore the illustrations. Then i'd follow up with a discussion about the Day of the Dead, inviting students to share what they learned and any previous knowledge they might have about the holiday. This can be followed by an art activity where students create their own papel picado (cut-paper decorations) or decorated skeletons.
October 25, 2021
Intricate montages of cut paper illustrate this simple story of skeletons waking up on "El Dia de los Muertos." Peppered with Spanish phrases, this book reminds young readers that El Dia de los Muertos is a day to poke fun at death and respect the dead. An author's note at the end explains more about the holiday. I think this book would be best for young children who are already familiar with the holiday, otherwise they might be a bit unsettled by all the partying skeletons or "calacas."
November 1, 2022
I’m hesitant to call this a story as the words seem more just random sounds than story. But the pictures do help to give a sense in the most rudimentary ways as to what day of the dead is about. It’s perfect for kids that have a short attention span or are still just reading basic words.
December 20, 2019
Super cute, just wish there was more. I love how much fun this book is!!
September 21, 2022
bed time story. liked the pictures and colors. thought it was cool
October 26, 2022
Holt-Delhi library PJ story time 10-26-2022
September 1, 2016
Quick read with onomatopoeia - great for storytime read aloud with young children.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews