The Mexican Day of Colors
The Mexican Day of Colors — an illustrated stories story. 10 illustrated pages, free to read on Wonder Books.
Page 1
"Faster, Miguelito!" Sofia called, her laughter echoing through the vibrant marketplace. Miguel, struggling to keep up, clutched a handful of marigolds. "But Sofia, my abuela warned us about wandering too far!" He puffed, his dark eyes wide with a mix of excitement and worry. Today was Día de Muertos, and the air buzzed with anticipation. Music drifted from every corner, mingling with the scent of sweet pan de muerto and copal incense. Sofia, ever the adventurer, had spotted a cart overflowing with colorful sugar skulls. "Come on, slowpoke! We can't miss the best skulls!"
Page 2
They reached the sugar skull cart, a kaleidoscope of colors and designs. "Wow!" Miguel gasped, forgetting his worries. But as Sofia reached for a skull adorned with tiny golden stars, a gust of wind swept through the plaza, snatching a painted wooden bird from a nearby altar. "Oh no!" cried an old woman, her face etched with concern. The bird, its wings a dazzling array of blues and greens, tumbled through the air and landed... inside a darkened alleyway. "We have to get it back!" Sofia declared, her adventurous spirit ignited. "But Abuela says never to go into that alley!"
Page 3
"Abuela also says to help those in need!" Sofia countered, her eyes shining with determination. Miguel hesitated, then nodded reluctantly. "Okay, but we stick together!" Arm in arm, they ventured into the alley. It was a stark contrast to the vibrant plaza. Shadows danced on the cobblestone, and the air grew cold. They crept forward, the only sound their own cautious footsteps. A stray cat, its fur the color of midnight, watched them from atop a overflowing garbage bin. "Psst, kitty. Did you see where the bird went?" Miguel whispered.
Page 4
The cat blinked slowly, then turned and padded deeper into the alley. "It's showing us the way!" Sofia exclaimed. They followed the cat, the alley twisting and turning. Suddenly, they stumbled into a small, hidden courtyard. In the center stood an ancient-looking door, intricately carved with images of skulls and flowers. The wooden bird lay on the ground before it. A wizened old woman with kind eyes sat nearby, weaving a garland of marigolds. "Bienvenidos, niños," she said, her voice as warm as the afternoon sun. "Welcome, children."
Page 5
"This is the Door of Memories," the old woman explained, gesturing to the carved entrance. "It only opens on Día de Muertos, when the veil between worlds is thin." Miguel's eyes widened. "Like in the ofrendas! Abuela says they help our ancestors visit us." The old woman smiled. "Exactly, Miguelito. But sometimes, lost memories get trapped here. That bird carries a forgotten memory of great importance. It needs to be returned to its rightful owner." Sofia picked up the wooden bird. "How do we open the door?"
Page 6
"With a song," the old woman replied. "But not just any song. A song of remembrance, a song of love. A song that can touch the hearts of those who have passed." Sofia and Miguel exchanged worried glances. They knew many songs, but none that felt quite right. Suddenly, the wind picked up again, swirling fallen leaves around them. The wooden bird began to glow faintly. Then, the ground began to tremble. A crack appeared on the door, growing wider with each passing moment. "Hurry!" the old woman urged, her voice filled with urgency. "The door is weakening!"
Page 7
Miguel remembered his Abuela humming an old lullaby as she prepared the ofrenda, a song her own abuela had taught her. "I... I think I know a song," he stammered, his voice trembling. Sofia squeezed his hand. "Sing it, Miguelito!" Taking a deep breath, Miguel began to sing. His voice, though small, was clear and true. It was a song of love, of loss, of memories that lived on in the hearts of those who remembered. As he sang, Sofia joined in, her voice blending with his, filling the courtyard with a melody of remembrance.
Page 8
As their voices soared, the crack in the door widened, revealing a swirling vortex of colors and light. The wooden bird pulsed with energy, pulling them closer. Suddenly, a voice echoed from within the vortex. "Mama?" It was a child's voice, filled with longing. Miguel and Sofia realized the bird carried the forgotten memory of a child separated from his mother. Miguel reached out, extending the wooden bird towards the vortex. "We're here to help you remember!" he cried. "Memories keep us alive!"
Page 9
As the bird touched the vortex, the swirling colors calmed. A clear image formed – a woman, her face etched with sadness, holding a baby. The image faded, and the vortex disappeared. The crack in the door sealed itself. The old woman smiled. "The memory has been returned." From the plaza, they heard the sound of laughter. The old woman who lost her bird was now reunited with her grandson, whom she hadn't seen in years. He had arrived just then, remembering his abuela and their traditions. They looked at each other, relief and joy washing over them.
Page 10
Sofia and Miguel emerged from the alley, blinking in the bright sunlight. The marketplace was even more vibrant than before. "We did it, Miguelito!" Sofia exclaimed, hugging him tightly. Miguel smiled, his heart full. He wasn't just afraid of the alley; he was afraid of forgetting his Abuela's stories. But now, he understood the importance of remembering, of honoring those who came before. "Día de Muertos is about more than just sugar skulls," he said, his voice filled with newfound understanding. "It's about keeping the memories alive."
About this story
- Audience: kids (ages 6–12)
Questions and answers
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