The Invisible Parade

By Leigh Bardugo

Illustrated by John Picacio

Informational Resources:

Author Information:

Leigh Bardugo’s website
https://www.leighbardugo.com/ 

Illustrator Information:

John Picacio’s website
https://johnpicacio.com/project-category/asoiaf/ 

Interview with Leigh Bardugo and John Picacio
https://shereads.com/exclusive-qa-with-the-invisible-parade-authors-leigh-bardugo-and-john-picacio/ 

Activities & Resources:

What is the Day of the Dead? (4:15)
https://youtu.be/OMzSsTrs4Gs?si=4gGiKtD9ZWp7oEBh 

What is Day of the Dead? National Geographic (2:06)
https://youtu.be/_sSawpU81cI?si=Zh0aOkMWcvOKN3jE 

What is Dia de Muertos? PBS Kids (2:02)
https://youtu.be/JHX2LKBoIxA?si=YtNdizPy_3_igC0d 

Offrenda Creation (1:26)
https://youtu.be/5RW-RohWyuU?si=FGa6oS5Ak7iHr9tc 

Create a Family Tree
Assemble a family tree by creating a calaca (skeleton) dressed as each family member on the tree.

Skull Lantern
https://www.kixcereal.com/kix-cereal-day-of-the-dead-crafts/ 

How to Draw a Sugar Skull (9:16)
https://youtu.be/h53SiATbLzE?si=0LYQxVE4cDQC3AUU 

Create your own Calavera Story
https://venturamuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Day-of-the-Dead-Poetry-Writing-Prompt-Woo-Jr-Kids-Activities.pdf 

Listen to Mariachi Music (1:00)
https://youtu.be/hAtlp_jcdC8?si=M8_eWthWF-K-t02z

MakerSpace Activities:

Marigold Flowers (1:52)
Tissue paper marigolds (cempasúchil) are iconic in Día de los Muertos and great for kids to make and display.
https://youtu.be/6X6qiunD3tw?si=lLbBlU0NAnTpp_gP 

Papel Picado Banner
https://www.livecolorful.com/blog/2013/05/diy-easy-punched-paper 

Mini Offrendas (Altar Boxes)
Have students build mini ofrendas in shoeboxes or small containers that honor a person they admire or a character moment from the book. Include drawings, favorite colors, and symbolic items.
https://discoveringespanol.com/diy-day-of-the-dead-shoebox-altar/ 

Make Calacas (Skeletons) (1:48)
https://youtu.be/_9RYc21_-e8?si=Qivk--LDOaoM78Zu 

How to make air-dry clay bud vases for your Dia De los Muertos altar  (4:37)
https://youtu.be/-vYF1JCIdrQ?si=LkQHkqjhTl8fsmzN 

Discussion Questions:

Based on the title The Invisible Parade, what do you predict the story might be about?

How do the cover and illustrations make you feel before reading? What mood do they set?

What do you already know about parades or celebrations that honor people or memories?

How does the main character feel at the beginning of the story? What clues helped you know that?

What do you notice about the colors and illustrations, and how do they match the mood of the story?

What is the parade in the story like? Why do you think it is called invisible?

What are some of the important symbols you notice (flowers, masks, light, shadows, etc.)? What might they represent?

How do Cala's feelings change as the story continues? What causes the change?

Which page or illustration stood out to you the most, and why?

What do you think the story is saying about memory?

How are celebration and sadness both shown at the same time in the book?

What do you think the parade is celebrating or honoring?

How do the people in the story show love for those who are no longer with them?

What is something Cala learns by the end of the book?

Why do you think the author chose the word invisible instead of silent or secret?

What message do you think this book gives about courage?

How does this book help readers think about grief or missing someone?

What is one connection you can make between this story and your own life or community?

If you could add one more page to the book, what would happen in your new page?

In your opinion, what is the most important lesson of this story? Explain your answer.

Book Talk Teasers:

Read the reader’s theater for The Invisible Parade by Leigh Bardugo.

Watch the book trailer on the Texas Bluebonnet Award website.

Read Alikes: 

Gonzalez, Xelena. Remembering. A child and their family observe the customs of Día de los Angelitos, one of the ritual celebrations of Día de Muertos, to celebrate the life of their beloved dog who passed away. They build a thoughtful ofrenda to help lead the pet’s soul home and help the little one process their grief in this moving reminder that loved ones are never really gone if we take the time to remember them. (NoveList Plus)

Lopez, Paloma Angelina. Popo the Xolo. Nana transitions from life to death through the nine levels of Mictlan, accompanied by her beloved xoloitzcuintle, Popo. (NoveList Plus)

Maillard, Kevin Noble. And They Walk On. A young boy reflects on the enduring presence of a loved one who has "walked on," finding comfort in memories, stories, and the love that lives on in his heart. (NoveList Plus)

Rios Ramirez, Mariana. Abuelita’s Gift: a Dia de Muertos story.  Julieta is eager to honor her Abuelita's spirit on Día de Muertos but struggles to find the perfect gift. (NoveList Plus)

Valdes B., Judith. An Ofrenda for Perro. Losing a pet is hard, but this picture book told through a Day of the Dead celebration will show readers that the love they have for their beloved companion will always remain. (NoveList Plus)