JUST A MINUTE: A TRICKSTER TALE AND COUNTING BOOK by Yuyi Morales

Bibliography
Morales, Yuyi. 2003. Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book. San Francisco: Chronicle Books. ISBN 0811837580

Plot Summary
Death, Señor Calavera, pays Grandma Beetle a visit to her home to collect her. However, Grandma Beetle is not ready to go and tricks Señor Calavera into waiting while she prepares her birthday party. By the end of the night, Señor Calavera is celebrating with Grandma Beetle and her children. He leaves without taking Grandma Beetle away.

Critical Analysis
The theme of Just a Minute is a classic one of good triumphing over evil, in which Grandma Beetle outwits death. Grandma Beetle is a strong female character who is so clever that she even gets death to help out with some of her birthday party preparations at her home. Since this is a counting book, the plot is simple in that each page introduces a new number to go along with a chore. The numbers are revealed in English and Spanish starting with one and ending with ten. Rhythm is created using repetition of the phrase "Just a minute, Señor Calavera ... I will go with you right away, I have just ..." The resolution is satisfying in that death allows Grandma Beetle to live to see her next birthday.

My daughter loved this story. She laughed hysterically with each repetition of  "just a minute" and couldn't wait to see what Grandma Beetle's next excuse would be. At the age of 7, she did not understand that Señor Calavera was death. This may be a concept that older elementary school children will understand. I enjoyed this story as well. The beautiful illustrations reflect a color palette of the Mexican tradition. It has a nice rhythm to it and is meant to be read aloud because of this.

Awards Won & Review Excerpts 

• Pura Belpre Award, 2004 Winner
•  Booklist: "The splendid paintings and spirited storytelling--along with useful math and multicultural elements--augur a long, full life for this original folktale."
• Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices: "The vibrant acrylic and mixed-media illustrations are a perfect accompaniment to the lively and humorous story."
• Kirkus Reviews: "Lit with dancing lines and warm colors, Morales's illustrations enhance the appeal of this winning story even further."

Connections

• Younger kids can practice their counting skills in English and Spanish from one to ten. Have children count beads and match them with the number they represent in number form as well as in written English and Spanish. 
• Try reading another Mexican trickster tale for young elementary school students:

        Johnston, Tony. The Tale of Rabbit and Coyote. ISBN 0399222588

• Other counting books in English and Spanish:

           Mora, Pat. Uno, Dos, Tres = One, Two, Three. ISBN 0395672945
           Sáenz, Benjamin Alire. A Perfect Season for Dreaming = Un Tiempo Perfecto para            Soñar. ISBN 9781933693019