Horn Book
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

When Senor Calevera (a skeleton representing Death) comes calling on Grandma Beetle, she forestalls him by performing a series of tasks that result in her own birthday party. Senor Calevera has so much fun that he decides to return for Grandma Beetle another day. The rhythmic text incorporates Spanish and English numbers up to ten, and the textured acrylic and mixed-media illustrations show a not-too-scary Senor Calevera. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.

Kirkus
Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Winking and nodding as she goes, a Latino grandmother will charm readers as she charms Death Himself in this original counting-cum-trickster tale. When skeletal SeÑor Calavera appears at the door, Grandma Beetle bids him wait while she sweeps ONE house ("UNO"), makes TWO pots of tea ("DOS"), grinds THREE pounds of corn for tortillas ("TRES"), and so on, culminating in a festive birthday party at which SeÑor Calavera finds himself guest number TEN ("DIEZ"). As Grandma, round and brown, with sparkles in her eyes and gray hair both, bustles about, the expression on SeÑor Calavera's sugar-skull face grows more and more hilariously impatient—but by party's end, he's departed, leaving a thank-you note promising to be back for Grandma Beetle's next birthday. Lit with dancing lines and warm colors, Morales's illustrations enhance the appeal of this winning story even further. (Picture book. 6-8) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.