Traditional Literature: Just A Minute

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Morales, Yuyi, Trans.  2003.  JUST A MINUTE: A TRICKSTER TALE AND COUNTING BOOK Ill. by Yuyi Morales.  San Francisco:  Chronicle Books. ISBN  0811864839

PLOT SUMMARY

JUST A MINUTE begins with a knock on the door. When Grandma Beetle answers, she discovers Señor Calavera. Señor Calavera is ready to take Grandma Beetle away with him but she is not ready to go. Grandma Beetle has some things to accomplish and makes Señor Calavera wait until she is done. After each task is complete Señor Calavera is made to wait “just a minute” as Grandma Beetle completes the task. Finally, when Grandma Beetle is done and all nine of her grandchildren arrive, we discover it is her birthday and Señor Calavera is the tenth guest. Señor Calavera is so impressed with Grandma Beetles party, he leaves a note saying he will be back for the next!

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

JUST A MINUTE is a well-done trickster tale in which Grandma Beetle tries to outwit death, Señor Calavera. The drama of this tale is defined by its bold and bright illustrations that perfectly define traditional Mexican culture. The images showcase piñatas, papel picado and traditional Mexican foods. Suspense is added to the story by the repeated phrase “Just a minute!” as we realize Grandma Beetle is trying to trick death from taking her away.  As Señor Calavera is made to wait by Grandma Beetle his expressions change regularly and show his confusion and frustration at the situation. This wonderful story showcases the importance of family and cultural celebration in Mexico. The use of Spanish words also helps readers become immersed in the culture of the story.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

KIRKUS REVIEWS: “Winking and nodding as she goes, a Latino grandmother will charm readers as she charms Death Himself in this original counting-cum-trickster tale.”

BOOKLIST: “The splendid paintings and spirited storytelling--along with useful math and multicultural elements--augur a long, full life for this original folktale.”

CONNECTIONS

*This story would be an excellent supplement to the study of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) or any study of Mexico. It could also be used to teach differences in Halloween style celebrations.

* Américas Award for Children’s and Young Adult Literature, sponsored by the national Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs (CLASP)

* Golden Kite Honor Book, Picture Book Illustration

*Other stories by Yuyi Morales:

Morales, Yuyi. VIVA FRIDA. ISBN 1596436034

Morales, Yuyi. NINO WRESTLES THE WORLD. ISBN 1250062705

Morales, Yuyi. JUST IN CASE: A TRICKSTER TALE AND SPANISH ALPHABET BOOK. ISBN 1596433299