Book Review: I Am the Sun

I Am the Sun, written by Janessa Parker and illustrated by Beverly Blacksheep, is a heartfelt look into Diné/Navajo culture

The illustrations are deeply saturated and colorful and look like they were drawn with markers. They are a vital part of the story because they show the daily activities of the people as described in the story and also their connection with nature.

As the narrator goes through the day, they see craftspeople doing their work, women cooking fry bread and weaving. They ride their horse and do a traditional dance that reminds them of what’s truly important:

I dance for healing.
I dance for remembrance.
I dance for freedom.
I dance for the future.
I dance for the Diné!

The story speaks to the importance of the natural world and how things like sheep and turquoise are gifts to the people who use them with respect. It calls on readers to learn about Native cultures and pass along stories and traditions.

The author was inspired to learn more about Diné culture after her father died and she had children and wanted to make sure that they knew the traditions and stories of their people.

The book includes Diné vocabulary and there’s a glossary and pronunciation guide at the front to help readers with those words that might be unfamiliar.

This book would be a nice addition to a classroom bookshelf or to your at-home collection of books about different cultures. Whether you are Diné or Native or not, reading the stories of Indigenous people (and others) helps us understand what is important to other people and what their lives are like.

Kids should also enjoy the art style and the bright colors and might be inspired to try drawing their own stories in a similar way.

About the book: 32 pages, hardcover paper over boards. Published 2025 by Bushel & Peck Books. Suggested retail price $18.99.

Explaining Dia de Los Muertos to kids can be difficult because most of us don’t generally talk about death or what happens when we die a lot with our kids. But Dia de los Muertos is actually a happy, not scary occasion that allows us to remember loved ones, share stories and come together as a community.

While it is mostly celebrated by people of Mexican heritage, the day has become more well known thanks to movies and other media representations. And there are some great children’s books to help explain and allow you to celebrate the holiday if you want.

Dia de Muertos by Jaque Jours, illustrated by Alejandra Ruiz (48 pages, hardcover, published 2025 by words & pictures, suggested retail price $14.99) tells the story of a family getting their ofrenda (altar for the dead) ready and how they remember people who have died through decorations, food and sharing stories.

It covers the classic decorations and rituals of Dia de los Muertos including using cempasúchil (in English we call them marigolds) and papel picado (cut paper banners), pan de muerto and la catrina, the elaborately dressed, skull faced women that are a common site at Dia de los Muertos gatherings.

The back of the book explores how the day is celebrated throughout Mexico as well as the meanings of different symbols. There’s a recipe for pan de muerto, a tutorial for making papel picado and tips for doing makeup to look like like la catrina/el catrin.

Want to try more traditional foods? The Dia de Los Muertos Cookbook is a companion to The Dia de Los Muertos Story, both of which are by Andrea Jáuregui de la Torre and illustrated by Laura González (52 pages, hardcover paper over boards, published 2026 by becker & meyer kids!, suggested retail price $19.99).

The book opens with some discussion of the meaning of Dia de los Muertos and why food is an important part of the day. The recipes included are easy enough for kids to make with minimal help, and all based on food memories from her childhood.

There are recipes for hibiscus iced tea, Mexican corn and salsa, tortillas, molletes (open faced sandwiches with beans and cheese), jicama fries and sugar skulls to name a few.

Other activities in the book include papel picado, coffee filter marigolds, making your own playlist and making an ofrenda.

Together these books give young readers insight into this holiday that might be new or confusing to them, while also giving you a chance to get in the kitchen together and make your own Dia de los Muertos memories.

Have you read?

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