When I first wrote my children’s picture book Rio Grande Valley ABC and began my intense studies of the Rio Grande Valley and Northern Mexico, I discovered the Day of the Dead. Here are two fine coffee-table books about the Day of the Dead filled with the origins, the history, personal stories, traditions, photographs, motifs, and crafts that are sure to make the Day of the Dead weekend come alive and give you plenty of ideas for decorations of your own home and altar.

The first book is Day of the Dead: A Passion for Life. It focuses on the celebration in the State of Michoacan. The text and photos are by Mary J. Andrade and the book is published by La Oferta Publishing Company.  The book illustrates that only in Mexico is Life honored through Death.

The second book is Day of the Dead: Art, inspiration, and Counter Culture by Ross Thorne and published by Flame Tree Publishing. David Lozeau provides a very interesting foreword. The artwork and photographs are amazing. The back cover features a beautiful quote by Frida Kahlo, “I hope the end is joyful and I hope never to return.”