Birte Müller

Felipa misses her Abuelita, or grandmother, in this simple holiday tale from the Andes, searching everywhere for her departed soul - in the fields and the cemetery, on the mountains - until her father explains that souls cannot be visited in this way, that they live in their own world, except when they return to us, on the Day of the Dead. When the long awaited day finally comes, Felipa joins her family and neighbors in the celebration: enjoying the special dough cookies, helping to clean and decorate the graves, and feeling, for the first time since her death, close to her beloved Abuelita.

Felipa and the Day of the Dead is an outgrowth of German author Birte Müller's research into the observance of the Day of the Dead in Bolivia, and reference to the Andes makes it clear that the story is set in that part of the world. The narrative itself is quite simple, which makes it ideal for younger children, but also means that few culturally specific details and terms are used. It's a shame that Müller didn't give more details, in her brief afterword. What are the dough cookies, shaped like people, called? What other specifically Bolivian customs are practiced on this day? Given that many readers might be unaware that the Day of the Dead isn't just a Mexican holiday - I know I was - further information would have been very welcome.

Still, for what it is, this is an engaging holiday story, and is recommended to anyone looking for picture-books about the Day of the Dead, and its celebration in South America.… (altro)

In Birte Muller's funny story, Farley has a little gas problem. His parents take him to the doctor, who says that it will pass, but unfortunately it keeps passing. Poor Farley. He experiences embarrassment at school and at home because his gas just won't stop! But one day his tummy swells up so big that a breeze floats him away, high into the sky! Once Farley comes down he feels much better. Although this story may cause some parents to cringe, I think that children will enjoy the humor. It might not be for everybody, but no one can deny that it's pretty funny.

For more books by Birte Muller, visit: http://www.allbookstores.com/author/Birte_Muller.html… (altro)