THREE-TIME PURA BELPRÉ WINNER
Yuyi Morales takes us on a new journey with Señor Calvera, the skeleton from Day of the Dead cele... read full description
reviews
Oct 13, 2009
(NS) Mary
rated it: 
2009 Pura Belpré Illustrator Award Winner
Grades 1-4
This is beautifully written and illustrated story of Señor Calavera (skeleton), who is on his way to Grandma Beetle's birthday party and gets stopped by Zelmiro the Ghost. I think some children might be confused by the skeleton and the ghost and the way the face of the skeleton is painted, unless you are familiar with Mexican culture. Then, the story goes on to go through the Spanish alphabet, naming things that Señor Calaver More...
Grades 1-4
This is beautifully written and illustrated story of Señor Calavera (skeleton), who is on his way to Grandma Beetle's birthday party and gets stopped by Zelmiro the Ghost. I think some children might be confused by the skeleton and the ghost and the way the face of the skeleton is painted, unless you are familiar with Mexican culture. Then, the story goes on to go through the Spanish alphabet, naming things that Señor Calaver More...
Apr 05, 2009
Shel
rated it:
Morales, Y. (2008). Just in Case: A trickster tale and Spanish alphabet book. New York: Roaring Brook Press.
1596433299
While on his way to Grandma Beetle’s birthday party, a ghost informs Senor Calavera that he has forgotten her gift. What follows is a list of possible gifts listed alphabetically—by the Spanish alphabet, with each object being named in Spanish, but with illustrations and English descriptions.
The illustrations are beautiful. With wonderfu More...
1596433299
While on his way to Grandma Beetle’s birthday party, a ghost informs Senor Calavera that he has forgotten her gift. What follows is a list of possible gifts listed alphabetically—by the Spanish alphabet, with each object being named in Spanish, but with illustrations and English descriptions.
The illustrations are beautiful. With wonderfu More...
Feb 03, 2010
Ch_nataliepelaia
rated it:
Winner of the Belpre Author Honor and Pura Belpre Illustrator Award, Just In Case is filled with beautiful illustrations of colorful, bright pictures. The main character is a skeleton, Senor Calavera who is on his way to Grandma Beetle's birthday party. Then a noise from the from the grave, reminds the skeleton that he is forgetting a present to bring to the party. The noise is the ghost of Grandma beetles late husband, Grandpa Zelmiro. Using the Spanish alphabet he shows the skeleton all of
More...
Nov 08, 2011
Johnny
rated it: 
Title: Just In Case, A Trickster Tale and Spanish Alphabet Book
Genre: Children's Spanish alphabet book
Summary: Senor Calavera is one his way to Grandma Beetle's birthday party when he is told by the ghost Zelmiro that he has forgotten to get a loved gift for Grandma Beetle. On the journey to the party, Senor Calavera tries to find a series of gifts from A-Z that Grandma Beetle would love the most.
A. This critique focuses on the beautiful illustrations used in More...
Genre: Children's Spanish alphabet book
Summary: Senor Calavera is one his way to Grandma Beetle's birthday party when he is told by the ghost Zelmiro that he has forgotten to get a loved gift for Grandma Beetle. On the journey to the party, Senor Calavera tries to find a series of gifts from A-Z that Grandma Beetle would love the most.
A. This critique focuses on the beautiful illustrations used in More...
Apr 16, 2010
Lisa
rated it:
I just read Just a Minute!: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book by the same author/illustrator. This is a sequel of sorts to that book.
This is an alphabet book with A through Z highlighted, but the story is what’s most important in this book. The A through Z are done with Spanish words; the rest of the story is told in English.
It’s Grandmother Beetle’s birthday. Again. Señor Calavera wants to bring her gifts that she will love, and he gathers them to bring, each gift start More...
This is an alphabet book with A through Z highlighted, but the story is what’s most important in this book. The A through Z are done with Spanish words; the rest of the story is told in English.
It’s Grandmother Beetle’s birthday. Again. Señor Calavera wants to bring her gifts that she will love, and he gathers them to bring, each gift start More...
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Mar 06, 2011
David
rated it:
Señor Calavera thinks he’s ready to attend Grandma Beetle’s birthday party, but Zelmiro the Ghost reminds him that he must bring her a present. Señor Calavera thus takes readers through the alphabet, including characters not present in the English alphabet, securing gifts for his dear friend. Filling his bicycle to the brim with a host of gifts, Señor Calavera soon discovers the gift that matters most to Grandma Beetle. Beautifully illustrated and exposing readers to a plethora of challenging
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Nov 28, 2011
Matt
rated it:
Literature for a Diverse Society (Latino)
This was my pick for my Latino book for my Diverse Society choice. I thought this was a fun book that was funny, informative, and heart-warming. The book was about a skeleton man who was going to a birthday party for one of his old friends. A ghost appeared to him (who happened to be the old lady's dead husband). He helped the skeleton man colect many things for the old lady that she would like. All the gifts were written in Spanish, then had a More...
This was my pick for my Latino book for my Diverse Society choice. I thought this was a fun book that was funny, informative, and heart-warming. The book was about a skeleton man who was going to a birthday party for one of his old friends. A ghost appeared to him (who happened to be the old lady's dead husband). He helped the skeleton man colect many things for the old lady that she would like. All the gifts were written in Spanish, then had a More...
Feb 07, 2010
Cynthia
rated it: 
This book is much longer than its prequel, Just a Minute. Just in case is the story of Senor Calavera returning to Grandma Beetle's house not to take her away, but to celebrate her next birthday. He collects presents for her that start with every letter of the Spanish alphabet, including "ch" and "ll." In the end, he drops everything and it breaks, so it's a really good thing that her deceased husband was tagging along and that his name starts with "z"!
Thi More...
Thi More...
May 02, 2009
Ningerbil
rated it:
Both a story and a Spanish alphabet book. Great for young children learning both languages (youngsters NOT studying Spanish might get confused, since Spanish has additional letters ("ch" for example, is considered a seperate letter). Senor Calavera realizes it's his good friend Grandma Beetle's birthday-- and has to try to find just the right gift (by going through the alphabet). But when disaster strikes on the way to the party, Calavera and his friend, the ghost Zelmiro must find a s
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May 13, 2009
Debrarian
rated it:
Senor Calavera (Mister Skeleton) has put on cologne, dusted his hat, ironed his best tie, and pumped the tires of his bike. He's ready for Grandma Beetle's birthday party! But Zelmiro the Ghost suggests he may have forgotten something, so Sr. Calavera searches for an appropriate gift for Grandma Beetle, beginning with Acordeon (accordion) and Bigotes ("a mustache because she had none") and making it to Yerbabuena (mint) before something surprising happens...
The alphabet a More...
The alphabet a More...
Jan 30, 2010
Samantha
rated it:
I did not like this book. The illustrations were interesting, but added to the overload of information on every page. There were so many words on each page. I can't tell what age or situation this book would be appropriate for. The plot involves bringing a gift to a birthday party, but there is so much discussion of the plot that the alphabet can't stand out. The letters and spanish words are written in the same font size. There isn't much focus on them at all. The page layout is all over the p
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Jan 29, 2010
L11-Mary
rated it:
This is the first book I have read by, yuyi Morales. Her illustrations are glorious! They added so much to the story. This is an alphabet book with spanish words that both the text and illustrations help you to know the meaning of. It is a cute tale of a grandma who is having a party. The main character wants to bring her something special so he meets a ghost who helps him to find all of these amazing presents. Each present is another letter in the alphabet. You will have to read to see if he is
More...
Feb 17, 2011
Gabrielle
rated it:
I really love the illustrations in this book by Yuyi Morales. They have a very "magical realism" feel to them that reminded me of Dia de los Muertos decorations. I remember seeing a Dia de los Meurtos exhibit at the Mexican museum in Pilsen that is very much like Morales' illustrations.
The story is a trickster tale, and also kind of an alphabet book. Senor Calavera is on his way to a birthday party and needs to find a present, so he goes through all the possibities A-Z. More...
The story is a trickster tale, and also kind of an alphabet book. Senor Calavera is on his way to a birthday party and needs to find a present, so he goes through all the possibities A-Z. More...
Oct 17, 2010
Kelsey
rated it: 
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Dec 19, 2011
Sarah
rated it:
The first time I saw Just in Case: A Trickster Tale and Spanish Alphabet Book by Yuyi Morales at the library, it was on display for El Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). My son likes spirit, monster and trickster stories. It seemed like a perfect fit. So that was my first read through it.
My second read was for the Materials for Children Ages 5 to 8 class I took Spring Semester. I needed a multicultural, award winner. Just in Case won the Governor General’s Literary Awards, Childre More...
My second read was for the Materials for Children Ages 5 to 8 class I took Spring Semester. I needed a multicultural, award winner. Just in Case won the Governor General’s Literary Awards, Childre More...
Apr 30, 2011
Q_Ayana
rated it:
Morales incorporates the theme of death into the story, through authentic use of language and culture. The images correlate with Dia de los Muertos. These illustrations are filled with vivid colors that embrace the Latino culture. Also, the pictures celebrate family and the warmth of sharing with one another. It is excellent to use with younger students due the repetitive text and storytelling format. In addition, it is a counting book, that shares the numbers in both Spanish & English.
Oct 11, 2011
Bethany
rated it:
This book was not your normal alphabet book. It integrated Spanish into the story line. This could be a good tool to use if you have some Spanish speaking children in your classroom. It has Spanish words for each letter of the alphabet and dialogue. The dialogue has some English and Spanish in it as well. The story line is a little dry I thought, but I think the purpose of this book was to help with cultural awareness and diversity in a classroom.
Apr 30, 2009
J-Lynn
rated it:
This is an alphabet book that actually tells a fully developed story. While most of the text is in English, the words that go along with letters of the aplphabet are in Spanish. Also, Spanish letters like "Ch" and "Ll" are included.
With any Yuyi Morales book, the artwork is spectacular. Bright hyper-colors are used throughout the pages and the skeleton at the center of the story is drawn to appear playful and becomes the hero at the end.
With any Yuyi Morales book, the artwork is spectacular. Bright hyper-colors are used throughout the pages and the skeleton at the center of the story is drawn to appear playful and becomes the hero at the end.
Feb 07, 2010
Christine
rated it:
Approximate Interest Level/Reading Level: Early Elementary
Format: Picture Book
Awards: Pura Belpre Award (2009), ALA Notable Books for Children (2009)
Sequel to "Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book." Señor Calavera comes back for Grandma Beetle’s Birthday, getting her one present for every letter of the alphabet. Excellent multicultural literature!
Author’s website: http://www.srcalavera.com
Format: Picture Book
Awards: Pura Belpre Award (2009), ALA Notable Books for Children (2009)
Sequel to "Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book." Señor Calavera comes back for Grandma Beetle’s Birthday, getting her one present for every letter of the alphabet. Excellent multicultural literature!
Author’s website: http://www.srcalavera.com
Mar 12, 2010
Gianna
rated it:
When I look at the artwork of Yuyi Morales I say, "How does she DO it?!" She brings such magic, movement and color to each page in such a fresh and unique way. She weaves this wonderful love story (following Just a Minute) through the alphabet. The kindly ghost of Zelmiro tricks Senor Calavera into doing just the right thing.
Magic, amazing and wonderful. How could you not LOVE this story!
Magic, amazing and wonderful. How could you not LOVE this story!
Jan 11, 2012
Liz
rated it:
Skeleton is in a hurry to get to Grandma Beetle’s Birthday but he does not have a gift for her. Zelmiro the ghost tells skeleton that he should get her the gift she would love the most. Skeleton gets a present for each letter of the Spanish alphabet but then Skeleton crashes and loses all of the presents. Skeleton learns that the best gift of all is just himself.
Mar 19, 2010
Sara
rated it:
Senor Calvera, the angel of death, picks a whole bunch of presents (one for each letter of the alphabet and then some) to take to Grandma Beetle's birthday. Then he wrecks his bike and ruins all the presents. So he takes what Grandma wanted most the whole time anyway - Grandpa Zelmiro... or his ghost, as it may be. I found this Ultra creepy - and not in a scary way.
Mar 19, 2010
Gina
rated it:
Format: Picture Book
Awards: Pura Belpre 2009, ALA Notable Books for Children 2009
Interest Level: Early Elementary
In this charming sequel, Senor Calavera has returned for Grandma Beetle's birthday. He is on his way to the party but he realizes he has nothing to bring her. This time Yuyi Morales combines English ans Spanish words to create this alphabet book. Senor Calaver goes through each letter of the alphabet naming items in Spanish that Grandma Beetle might like. A More...
Awards: Pura Belpre 2009, ALA Notable Books for Children 2009
Interest Level: Early Elementary
In this charming sequel, Senor Calavera has returned for Grandma Beetle's birthday. He is on his way to the party but he realizes he has nothing to bring her. This time Yuyi Morales combines English ans Spanish words to create this alphabet book. Senor Calaver goes through each letter of the alphabet naming items in Spanish that Grandma Beetle might like. A More...
Apr 30, 2011
Tracy
rated it:
I really enjoyed the vibrant colors in the illustrations of this book. I also thought the surprise ending was wonderful and added to sense of family in the book. It was fun to see the different terms used for each letter of the alphabet, as well. It's amazing how much personality this skeleton has.
Feb 11, 2009
Bullcitytaheel
rated it:
Belpre illustrator award; Belpre author honor. Beautiful colors. Spanish alphabet book left me a little cold with a corny "plot". Main character is a skeleton? I wonder if something didn't translate culturally for me. I would have liked this MUCH MUCH better as a straight alphabet book.
May 13, 2011
528_Margaret
rated it:
Pura Belpre Illustrator Award 2009
Pura Belpre Author Honor 2009
An alphabet book with about celebrations. Senor Calavera is planning to attend Grandma Beetle's birthday party. A ghpst Zelmiro reminds Senor Calavera that he doesn't have a present. They go through the alphabet worth of ideas while Zelmiro is asking if that is what Grandma Beetle most wants.
Family theme
Pura Belpre Award
Pura Belpre Homor
Pura Belpre Author Honor 2009
An alphabet book with about celebrations. Senor Calavera is planning to attend Grandma Beetle's birthday party. A ghpst Zelmiro reminds Senor Calavera that he doesn't have a present. They go through the alphabet worth of ideas while Zelmiro is asking if that is what Grandma Beetle most wants.
Family theme
Pura Belpre Award
Pura Belpre Homor
Sep 03, 2011
Jolynn
rated it:
Fun book! It could be an example of a different way to create an alphabet book.
What I enjoyed was the use of "spooky" characters (a ghost and a skeleton) in a playful way. In this world, the supernatural and human worlds are very much connected in a lovely way.
What I enjoyed was the use of "spooky" characters (a ghost and a skeleton) in a playful way. In this world, the supernatural and human worlds are very much connected in a lovely way.
Aug 06, 2011
Paula
rated it:
It is a Mexican trickster tale, with a Spanish alphabet element included.
As Senor Calavera prepares for Grandma Beetle's birthday he finds an alphabetical assortment of unusual presents, but with the help of Zelmiro the Ghost, he finds the best gift of all.
As Senor Calavera prepares for Grandma Beetle's birthday he finds an alphabetical assortment of unusual presents, but with the help of Zelmiro the Ghost, he finds the best gift of all.
Dec 23, 2008
Roxanne Hsu
rated it:
I like it enough for the luscious illustrations. Not sure that the pacing works with the wordy interjection on each spread when the Skeleton gets prompted to get more and more gifts. I do like that there are some surprising items on the list. :)
Mar 25, 2011
Joy
rated it:
Cute alphabet book + trickster tale. Senor Calavera tries to pick out presents for Grandma Beetle's birthday but disaster strikes along the way, but things work out after all thanks to Zelmiro the Ghost. Gorgeous, colorful illustrations.
