Grandma Beetle is visited by a skeleton named Señor Galavera who informs her that she is to accompany him. Grandma informs him that there are a few tasks she must complete first. She invites Señor Galavera to stick around while she counts of her tasks to be completed and to see the end result of all her hard work.
Illustrations throughout the book are colorful and rich in the Hispanic culture from the tiles in the kitchen, the food on the table, and the candy skull on top of Señor Galavera' s head. The skeletons expression of impatience are funny and grow more dramatic as the story continues. There is a sense of warmth and love in the scenes with Grandma Beetle and her grandchildren. Even if kids do understand the what Señor Galavera represents, they will enjoy this heartwarming story.
The text is also laid out beautifully. The numbers being counted are in bold. The English and Spanish words are in two different fonts to help make the connection that the two words mean the same but associated with the different languages.
"As Grandma, round and brown, with sparkles in her eyes and gray hair both, bustles about, the expression on Señor Calavera’s sugar-skull face grows more and more hilariously impatient—but by party’s end, he’s departed, leaving a thank-you note promising to be back for Grandma Beetle’s next birthday. Lit with dancing lines and warm colors, Morales’s illustrations enhance the appeal of this winning story even further." - Kirkus Review
"Even if children don’t grasp the implications of the skeleton’s visit, they’ll enjoy seeing him join the fun, and when he extends Grandma’s lease on life, the relieved, loving embrace she gives her grandchildren will satisfy young ones at a gut level. Like the text, the rich, lively artwork draws strongly upon Mexican culture, with hints of Diego Rivera in Grandma’s robust form, and the skeleton resembling the whimsical figurines often seen in Day of the Dead folk art. The splendid paintings and spirited storytelling--along with useful math and multicultural elements--augur a long, full life for this original folktale." - Booklist Review
Book Information:
Morales, Y. (2003). JUST A MINUTE: A TRICKSTER TALE AND COUNTING BOOK. San Francisco: Chronicle Books LLC. IBSN 0811837580
Book Activities:
Students can create a counting book using items from their own cultures, using the book as a mentor text. Students can then share with the school, and local community.
What next?
If you liked this tale, read Just in Case by Yuyi Morales!
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