Just A Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book

Traditional Tale- JUST A MINUTE: A TRICKSTER TALE AND COUNTING BOOK

Bibliographic Data

Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book by Yuyi Morales

Chronicle Books ©2003

ISBN: 9780811837583

Brief Plot Summary

What happens when death comes to visit Grandma Beetle? She makes him a cup of tea and cleverly delays her departing with him. On her birthday she creates such a fun experience for Señor Calavera that he promises to celebrate her birthday next year with Grandmas Beetle and her family.

Critical Analysis

Grandma Beetle tricks Death when he comes knocking. In the story, Grandma Beetle outwits Señor Calavera. He came for her on her birthday to take her to the afterlife but she states "just a minute" and takes us on a whirlwind of activity. The book is in Spanish and English that celebrates Mexican culture.  The story is rhythmic, like a song, and repeats lines. there is a bit of fantasy since Señor Calavera is not from the world.

(Diego Rivera's The Kid)

This folktale is rich with Mexican culture. The Calavera is a skull that symbolizes death. Day of the Dead celebrations features this symbol when celebrating those ancestors who have passed on. Rivera’s The Kid features the Calavera with "real" people and other symbols of Mexican culture. The art is full of color and life. The folktale offers many illustrations in much the same style.  Morales includes papel picado, peppers, and skulls.

The Spanish language is present in the book as well. Counting numbers is explored by readers in Spanish and allows a rhythm for readers to follow. The patterns help the readers to tap to the story through counting.

In this story, the Calavera does not scare Grandma Beetle and he ends up helping her in her chores. Death comes in and is clueless about how to celebrate. He is a light-hearted character that adds humor to the tale.

Awards &Review Excerpts

“The splendid paintings and spirited storytelling--along with useful math and multicultural elements--augur a long, full life for this original folktale.” - Jennifer Mattson (Booklist, Dec. 1, 2003 (Vol. 100, No. 7).

“Yuyi Morales's original trickster tale highlights numerous Mexican cultural traditions. The vibrant acrylic and mixed-media illustrations are a perfect accompaniment to the lively and humorous story.”  - CCBC (Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices, 2004)

Connections

This story can be used to teach the symbology of Mexican culture. Create art during story-time and each person can create it and paste it to a class collage creating a Day of the Dead mural. 

Helping students count in Spanish and spell in Spanish while playing Loteria(Bingo) can be used with an older audience.