I love that this book is set around Dia De Los Muertos instead of Halloween. It’s a great way to bring this meaningful holiday into the classroom, and symbols of Dia De Los Muertos are included in almost all of the illustrations. Mat: With this in mind, another thing that I adored about the book was the celebration of the Day of the Dead. Throughout the whole story, there was an authentic sense of someone knowing and celebrating Mexican culture and the vernacular. Can you tell us a little bit about this?

Variation: Identify the middle or ending sounds of each icon name card. Get Your Printable Gustavo the Shy Ghost ActivityIt hits such an important skill..making friends! So many times, our students and kids at home don’t know HOW to make friends. We spend a lot of time talking about being a good friend, but many students need direct instruction on how to introduce themselves, and how to make connections with those around them. Utterly beautiful in design and execution, Gustavo tells the story of a little Mexican ghost who doesn't know how to make friends. It doesn't help that those he'd like to spend time with him never seem to notice him - but this is what happens when you're a ghost. Perhaps if he calls upon his passion for violin playing out in the local graveyard, others will be drawn to his music and feelings. Gustavo tells that universal story of the nervousness of finding friends and fitting in - albeit with a cast of retro mini-monsters and incorporeal characters. The story is simple with clear story elements. This is a great book for retelling, because the story events and story elements (character, setting, problem and solution) are clear and easy to identify as students practice these skills.

This winning debut picture book from Mexican artist Flavia Z. Drago about finding the courage to make friends is perfect for the spooky season — or anytime. One day Gustavo has an idea. He writes a letter to the other monsters inviting them to his Day of the Dead concert which he is holding in the cemetery where he will play his violin for them and hopefully they will like it and become his friend. But will his plan work?Have you read Gustavo the Shy Ghost yet? This is SUCH a sweet book by Flavia Z. Drago. Gustavo is a shy ghost who tries so hard to make friends and get the other monsters to notice him. He does all type of silly things to get them to “see” him, but nothing works. He finally decides to have a violin concert, and sends out invitations to the other monsters. Gustavo “glows” when he plays the violin, and he keeps playing even though he thinks no one is coming to his show. Eventually, the other monsters show up and explained they were late because they got lost. Gustavo’s light helped them find the concert, and he finally has a group of friends to spend his time with. The book ends by sharing all the special ways Gustavo helps and supports his friends. Mexican artist Drago’s picture book debut offers a gentle friendship tale and folk-art-style, textural mixed-media pictures. Playing: Introduce each icon card to the students. Point out that each name rhymes. Invite the students to brainstorm other words that rhyme with each name card.

Gustavo is a sympathetic protagonist, and the illustrations are filled with appealing monsters and witty details. Gustavo, the Shy Ghost is a sweet and beautifully illustrated read. I loved this picture book and I am excited to see what Flavia Z. Dragó puts out next!Mexican-born author/illustrator Drago sweetly captures the angst-y little ghost’s perpetual perturbation...Iconic images of Mexican culture cleverly pepper the scenery. With the papel picado banners, panes de muerto, and Catrinas, Drago provides a festive environment for Gustavo’s laments. Decorated skulls peek out from around every corner; even the family goldfish is a smiling skeleton. This ghostly tale proves that anyone can have a happily-ever-after. Born and raised in Mexico City, Drago fills her sweet ghost story with vibrant colors, textures, and authentic details from Mexican culture. Her illustrations burst with whimsical flourishes and clever details that youngsters will want to pore over repeatedly. While ideal for Day of the Dead, this heartwarming story about bravely taking the first step toward friendship is wonderful for little listeners year-round. The author, Flavia Z. Drago, is a Mexican artist. I am always looking for ways to make our library more diverse, in the stories and authors, and this book makes such a great addition. Since this book includes so many references to the Mexican holiday, I appreciate that it comes from a Mexican author. Some of the things that happened to Gustavo were based on some of my own experiences. When I was in kindergarten – just like Gustavo – I sat by myself during lunch breaks, watching children play while being amazed by the fact that they seemed to be completely happy to talk and play with each other. I also remember being very nervous about having to ask for stuff in a shop, or raise my hand in class, or phoning, but even if I have gotten better, big parties still make me nervous. La historia trata sobre Gustavo, un fantasma tímido que ama tocar el violín y le es difícil hacer amigues. Está enamorado de Alma, la monstruita más linda, y quiere hablarle pero nunca tiene el suficiente coraje para hacerlo. Hasta que un día se da cuenta que para tener amigues les tiene que hablar a les otres monstruites, así que les invita a su concierto de violín.