Why This Book?
Follow los monstruos and los esqueletos to the Halloween party in this bilingual poem written by Marisa Montes, with illustrations by award-winning author and illustrator Yuyi Morales
Under October's luna, full and bright, the monsters are throwing a ball in the Haunted Hall. Las brujas come on their broomsticks. Los muertos rise from their coffins to join in the fun. Los esqueletos rattle their bones as they dance through the door. And the scariest creatures of all aren't even there yet!
This lively bilingual Halloween poem introduces young readers to a spooky array of Spanish words that will open their ojos to the chilling delights of the season.
Los Gatos Black on Halloween is a 2007 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year, the winner of the 2008 Pura Belpre Medal for Illustration and a Pura Belpre Honor Book for Narrative.
Montessori Connections
- Sensorial: Explore light vs. dark with black/white object sorting or shadow matching.
- Language: Create picture cards for vocabulary (esqueleto/skeleton, luna/moon, gato/cat).
- Grace & Courtesy: Discuss how costumes are pretend and how to respond kindly if someone feels scared.
- Zoology & Culture: Study nocturnal animals—bats, owls, black cats.
Music & Movement
Chant “¡Gato! / Cat!” while tiptoeing like nighttime creatures. Add rhythm sticks for heartbeat sounds.
Family Connections
Invite families to walk outside at dusk and describe sounds or shadows in both languages — “¿Qué escuchas? / What do you hear?”
Montessori Big Idea
Facing the unknown becomes joyful when we explore it with language, rhythm, and imagination.
Try This at Home
Make a “not-scary monster” drawing together — name it in English and Spanish!
Create Your Own Website With Webador