This Moment is Special: A Día de Muertos Story (Day of the Dead)

This Moment is Special: A Día de Muertos Story (Day of the Dead) (2025)
Author and Illustrator: John Parra
Publisher: Simon & Schuster, Age: 4 to 8

Through all moments of the day, both large and small, a boy prepares for a Day of the Dead celebration, in this picture book from Pura Belpré Honor–winning author-illustrator John Parra.

A single day in a boy’s life is filled with family, love, and inspiration as he prepares for the Día de Muertos celebration and remembers that all moments are special. Each moment reminds us of our family and those who have gone before us. Today holds a special promise, una promesa especial.

EDITORIAL REVIEWS:
"A heartfelt picture book celebrating Day of the Dead, this special title also reminds readers that every moment of life is special."—School Library Journal, Starred Review

"Parra celebrates the ephemeral in this comforting observance of Día de los Muertos."—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

"A beautiful and reflective read, perfect for celebrating Día de Muertos or simply savoring life’s precious moments."—School Library Journal

"...a sweet reinforcement of the holiday’s emphasis on family, memories, and love. With a steady tone and pace, Parra measures the boy’s day from heartbeat to heartbeat, word to word...each moment builds to the next."..."Strikingly affectionate." —Kirkus Reviews

"...a story featuring the tiny, seemingly insignificant moments that acts more as reflection on how small tasks and minute joys make up a day, and collectively, a life...with the ones we love."—Project Muse / Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (BCCB) Reviews

"...a beautiful book that teaches the beauty of Día de Muertos to others and highlights various aspects of Latinx culture"—YA Books Central

“...a masterpiece of storytelling, art, and cultural celebration”—Momma Braga

AWARDS:
"Starred Review" Publishers Weekly
"Starred Review" School Library Journal (Spanish Edition)

PRE-ORDER: (July 15, 2025) Amazon, Bookshop, BAM, B&N
Additional Languages: Amazon (Spanish Text) Este Momento es Especial

MEDIA: Apple Books, Coloring Page, Goodreads, Advance Copy Video, etc.