Just a Minute

Charmingly narrated by author and illustrator Yuyi Morales, this trickster tale and counting story is based on the 2003 Parents' Choice award-winning and ALA Notable picture book. When Death, in the non-scary form of skeletal Señor Calavera (in a “Conversation with the Author” segment, Morales explains that the character was designed with the popular candy “sugar skulls” in mind), comes calling for Grandma Beetle, she tells him it will be “just a minute” until she finishes her birthday party tasks. Señor Calavera is initially exasperated by the postponement, especially as the chores stack up: one (uno) house to sweep, three (tres) pounds of corn to make into tortillas, five (cinco) cheeses to melt, seven (siete) piñatas to fill, nine (nueve) grandchildren ready to whoop it up, etc. However, after such fun, will Señor Calavera still collect the lady of the hour? Featuring a number review onscreen in both English and Spanish, the colorful Just a Minute (inspired by the Day of the Dead) is recommended. Aud: K, P. (J. Williams-Wood)