Just a Minute

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2- Traditional Tales

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

ISBN-13 : 978-0811864831

Plot Summary: This traditional tale starts at dawn with a knock on the door. Grandma Beetle finds Senor Calavera coming to take her with him. This begins a series of excuses that start with the phrase, “Just a minute, Senor Calavera.” The vivid book features grandma Beetle out smarting Senor Calavera by stalling him with the chores she must complete. Every page features a number both in English and in Spanish. This book can be used as a fun introduction to counting. Readers will join Grandma Beetle as she counts out her day preparing for her birthday party. In the end, she has her ten (diez) guests to celebrate with her. Readers will be excited to see a final gift that Senor Calavera leaves Grandma Beetle.

Analysis: In true Yuyi Morales style, Just a Minute is a colorful depiction of the Mexican culture. The two main characters are Grandma Beetle and Senor Calavera. Calavera is Spanish for “skull”. Students may recognize his decorated face as the same skull used in Dia Del Los Muetos celebrations. Conversations can be had about the Mexican culture starting on the very first page when Grandma Beetle opens the door and is not afraid. In fact, as the book progresses she invites her visitor to help her with her chores and honors him as the tenth guest at her celebration. The illustrations are filled with so much movement it makes the book dreamlike. Grandma Beetle’s hair is freckled with stars and seems to flow to the side of her. Throughout the book the lines are curved to make objects appear to dance on the page. The warm colors used reflects the beauty of Mexico and reminds me of my personal favorite childhood tradition of piñatas at every celebration. The phrase “Just a minute, Senor Calavara”, is always repeated before the next number is introduced. This is a great way for readers to participate by choral reading. The book’s happy ending will have young readers giggling at the very clever main character.

Reviews:

“Winking and nodding as she goes, a Latino grandmother will charm readers as she charms Death Himself in this original counting-cum-trickster tale.” Kirkus 

“Like the text, the rich, lively artwork draws strongly upon Mexican culture, with hints of Diego Rivera in Grandma’s robust form, and the skeleton resembling the whimsical figurines often seen in Day of the Dead folk art. The splendid paintings and spirited storytelling–along with useful math and multicultural elements–augur a long, full life for this original folktale.” Jennifer Mattson (Booklist)

Awards: As listed on Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database

Connections:

*Use this colorful book to reinforce numbers. Students can predict what number is next as the teacher reads. Encourage them to call out numbers and show the value with their fingers.

*Pair this book with other books that celebrate the Mexican culture. Counting with Frida/Contando con Frida By Patty Rodriguez ISBN-13 : 978-1495126567

One Is a Piñata by Rosanne Greenfield Thong ISBN-13 : 978-1452155845

Accommodations:

*Help students make connections with the party in the book by using a Venn diagram to compare their birthday parties with Grandma Beetle’s party.

*Use English, Spanish and numbers on cards to show that all 3 things represent the same. Pass out cards that say the number words in English and Spanish as well as the numeric representation. The students will find each other and sit down when they have their group of three. Do this for as many groups of three your class allows. In the end “one”, “una” and “1” will all find each other and sit together. Same for “two” “dos” and “2”.

*Have a device available for students to watch the book read by the author.

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