Bibliographic Data
Just a
Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book by
Yuyi Morales
Chronicle Books ©2003
ISBN: 9780811837583
Brief
Plot Summary
Although not directly
said, Señor Calavera is death and he is at Grandma Beetle’s house to claim her.
But today is a special day, her birthday. She stalls him by preparing for her
special day through a bilingual counting narrative. By the end the humorously
patient Señor Calavera has had so much fun with her and her family he leaves
her be promising to celebrate Grandma Beetle's next birthday with her.
Critical
Analysis
A trickster tale is a kind
of folktale. These kinds of stories feature a protagonist outwitting another
character; in this case it is Grandma Beetle. The other character will usually
be evil or have bad intentions. In this story it is Señor Calavera because he
intends to take Grandma Beetle to the afterlife. Besides being a trickster
tale, this story is a cumulative tale because it repeats lines like, “Just a
minute” and predictably counts to ten. Other characteristics of folktales in
this story are rhythmic language, formulaic format (counting and repeating
lines), and magic (the character Señor Calavera is not of our world). Folktales
also feature global messages and happy endings. In this story Grandma Beetle is
left alone by Señor Calavera to live her life.
(Diego Rivera's The Kid)
This trickster tale is abundant with Mexican culture. The calavera is a long time traditional symbol in Mexican art and is often used in Day of the Dead celebrations. Diego Rivera’s The Kid features the calavera amongst a crowd of people who appear realistic and amid symbols of Mexico. Much of this type of art is colorful and full of life. Just a Minute is no exception exhibiting many of the same qualities as Diego’s piece. In Morales’ art we find many symbols of culture: picado banners, food, piñatas, hanging peppers, etc.
(Hanging peppers behind Grandma Beetle)
Another way this story exhibits Mexican culture is by exploring the Spanish language via the concept of counting. It translates in a highly visible and embellished font and keeps the story going in a predictable pace. In traditional tales there is always a recurring pattern. In this story we find that it manifests in repetitive stalling and counting.
(Numbers in embellished fonts and Grandma Beetle watching Señor Calavera)
In this story the calavera does not strike fear in Grandma Beetle and he turns out to be very accommodating. This calavera is different. It is as if he has never experienced life. He does not know how to celebrate. He is also goofy. At one point he wears an apron to help out. Since this is a trickster tale Grandpa Beetle dutifully outwits the calavera. You will notice that she always has her eyes on him.
(Señor Calavera wearing an apron)
Review Excerpt(s)
“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)
“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 any Day of the Dead festivity.” –Publishers
Weekly
Connections
Use this story in an
art-themed storytime. Discuss mural art in Mexico and common symbols used in
it. Have each person contribute a symbol and glue it to a large butcher paper “mural.”
Following this book,
count together in Spanish and hold up your fingers. Then play bingo using
numbers or other concepts in Spanish.
Use this book in
storytime about cultures of the world. Try using bilingual counting books in
many languages. Create a challenge to count to ten in as many languages as
possible.
Use this title in a
cultural program celebrating Day of the Dead. Share traditions and customs of
the holiday.
Lesson Plans from
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee: https://www4.uwm.edu/clacs/aa/book/pdf/minute.pdf
Yuyi Morales explains Señor Calavera:
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