Page Turner Tuesday: Funny Bones by Duncan Tonatiuh

Happy Tuesday! For this week’s Page Turner Tuesday, we’re diving into the colorful world of Mexican culture, art, and history with Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras by Duncan Tonatiuh. This award-winning picture book biography tells the fascinating story of José Guadalupe Posada, the artist behind the famous calaveras—the humorous skeleton drawings that have become iconic symbols of Mexico’s Día de los Muertos celebrations.

Funny Bones introduces us to José Guadalupe Posada, or Don Lupe, an artist born in the mid-1800s. He wasn’t just a painter; he was a master of printmaking, using his art to comment on society, politics, and everyday life. His calaveras—skeletons doing all sorts of human activities—were meant to be funny, but they also carried deeper meanings about life, death, and equality. Tonatiuh’s blend of lively illustrations and Posada’s original work brings the history and humor of these iconic skeletons to life.

Cover art for Funny Bones by Duncan Tonatiuh

You can find Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras in e-book and audiobook format in the IDEA by ICfL collection via the Libby or Sora app.

Why you’ll love it:

  • Funny Bones is perfect for middle-grade readers who are curious about art and history. The book explains how Posada’s art was created and why it became so important in Mexican culture.
  • The combination of Posada’s original calaveras and Tonatiuh’s illustrations adds a unique visual twist, making the story both educational and engaging.
  • It’s a great way to learn about Día de los Muertos, one of Mexico’s most celebrated holidays, and how it honors both the living and the dead in a festive, colorful way.