Just a Minute

Just a Minute

Morales, Y. (2003). Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book. Chronicle Books.

ISBN 0811837580

“Death comes to Grandma Beetle's door in the skeletal form of Señor Calavera (Mr. Skull). "Just a minute," she sweetly explains. "I have just one house to sweep." So Señor Calavera patiently takes a chair and waits, counting off Grandma Beetle's completed tasks in English and Spanish as one chore invariably leads to another. In the end, all of the hard work turns out to be preparation for her birthday party attended by her nine beautiful grandchildren, and Señor Calavera is happily surprised to be counted among the guests. After the celebration, Grandma Beetle is finally ready to join him, but death has departed without her, leaving a note saying that he looks forward to her next year's gathering and a twinkle in Grandma Beetle's eye.”
(Threadgill, 2003, p136)


This colorful trickster tale grips you from the first page. The author expertly navigates the topic of death without being scary or passive. Grandma Beetle is clever and warm. The illustrations are full of expression as she watches Señor Galavera out of the corner of her eye. The spirit of family is strong throughout. As her grandchildren file in, you realize that all the work she was doing was for them to enjoy. The invitation for Señor Galavera to join the party is a perfect break in the tension. The illustrations are beautiful, and the story is a heart-warming surprise.

Book Review Excerpts:

“This story is a delight. Morales's personification of death is never forbidding or scary, but rather a simple matter of fact. This deceptively simple read-aloud treat has as many layers as an onion, and is every bit as savory.”
(Threadgill, 2003, p136)

“Morales (Harvesting Hope) whips up a visually striking book, and funny to boot. Her deep, glowing pastels and stylized human characterizations beautifully conjure the traditions of Latin American muralists, while Señor Calavera's ghoulish, goofy gallantry would make him the comic lead of and Day of the Dead festivity.”
(Publisher’s Weekly, 2003)

Connections:

-This story could be used to support a SEL unit about grief and families.

-Just a Minute is a beautiful way to introduce an exploration of hispanic customs and traditions.

Awards:

Notable Children’s Books, ALSC, 2009

References:

Threadgill, C. (2003). School Library Journal, 49(12), 136-138.


{Just a minute!}. (2003). Publishers Weekly, 2003, 250(48), 55.



This review was created as an assignment for SHSU LSSL 5360.