The Ofrenda That We Built

Adhering to the structure of “This Is the House That Jack Built,” mother-daughter authors Gutiérrez compose a warmly rendered rhyming poem, in English and Spanish, about a family preparing for Día de los Muertos. Beginning with “This is the ofrenda that we built,” sing-song lines highlight traditional elements of the holiday, including an embroidered cloth, hand-cut papel picado, candles, sugar skulls, and more, each introduced with gentle context (“This is copal, made out of sap,/ that urges each spirit to wake from their nap”). By the time tamales, sweet bread, and photographs grace the ofrenda, the book makes it clear how the family’s combined efforts—fittingly reminiscent of the book’s cumulative format—honor a beloved ancestor. Bright digital illustrations by Zapata impart joy through the actions of the Latinx-cued family in this inviting work. Creators’ notes, contextualizing information, and how-to instructions conclude. Ages 3–5. (Aug.)