Winking and nodding as she goes, a Latino grandmother will charm readers as she charms Death Himself in this original counting-cum-trickster tale. When skeletal Señor Calavera appears at the door, Grandma Beetle bids him wait while she sweeps ONE house (“UNO”), makes TWO pots of tea (“DOS”), grinds THREE pounds of corn for tortillas (“TRES”), and so on, culminating in a festive birthday party at which Señor Calavera finds himself guest number TEN (“DIEZ”). As Grandma, round and brown, with sparkles in her eyes and gray hair both, bustles about, the expression on Señor Calavera’s sugar-skull face grows more and more hilariously impatient—but by party’s end, he’s departed, leaving a thank-you note promising to be back for Grandma Beetle’s next birthday. Lit with dancing lines and warm colors, Morales’s illustrations enhance the appeal of this winning story even further. (Picture book. 6-8)
