ABUELOS

1.  Bibliography

Mora, Pat. 2008. Abuelos. Ill. By Amelia Lau Carling. Toronto Berkeley, CA: Groundwood Books. ISBN 9780888997166

2.  Plot Summary

Pat Mora is a charming storyteller in the book Abuelos about a young girl and her brother who learn about the tradition of the Abuelos, or mountain men, who come down from the high top on a winter night to see if all of the children are being good.  Young Amelia is frightened about the idea of the men coming to check on her, but her father tells her there will be a party with lots of food the day the Abuelos come.  Amelia’s brother Ray has a good time making light of the whole situation, but Amelia is on her best behavior so as not to displease the old men from the mountains.  On the night the Abuelos come, Amelia is in for a big surprise. 

3.  Critical Analysis

Abuelos is a fascinating picture book by Pat Mora that weaves mystery and suspense with a story of family and community tradition.  The plot is intriguing and draws in young readers as well as those who are more mature.  Children are sure to be on the edge of their seats as they await the arrival of the Abuelos, and it is possible that very young children may experience a little anxiety at the spooky mystery behind the mountain men before they finally come down to check on the children.  In the end, the mystery is revealed and all possible misgivings about the Abuelos are resolved.

The detailed watercolor illustrations in the book provide a wonderful backdrop for the story and infuse the story with a lot of emotion.  There are pages of warm tones where themes of family togetherness, harmony, and community prevail.  Cool blue tones pervade the illustrations about the Abuelos, and in the mountains, hints of creepy looking faces peer from the cliff sides.  Before Amelia recognizes one of the Abuelos as someone familiar, the artistry is dark in blues and blacks; but on the next page when she realizes the mountain man’s identity, warm yellows and oranges are mixed into the picture providing a sharp sense of relief. 

I love the family and community traditions that are present in this book.  The sense of unity and security in the family unit are a refreshing element alongside the suspense, and children will surely enjoy learning about this old New Mexico tradition. 

4.  Review Excerpt

“Perfect for those who want a gently scary story embedded in a fascinating and little-known “bogeyman” tradition from Hispanic New Mexico.”– Kirkus Review 

5.  Connections (Ideas from http://www.patmora.com/ideas.htm#abuelos)

• "Create scary abuelos masks using white paper bags, crayons or paints or paper mache.
• Read the Author's Note in the back of the book. Pat Mora mentions a cultural tradition similar to los abuelos which is practiced in Japan. Find out if there are similar traditions in other countries."