Skeletina likes living in the In-Between world where she is the queen of her castle and can play with her friends who live there. And her favorite friends are the ones who are still living. You see, the living can enter this other
realm in their sleep. And Skeletina has taken it upon herself to help those who come over. She tries and capture the critters who help create nightmares. She talks and listens. She learns and plays. It is a happily ever after. And the children are none the wiser.
Skeletina and the In-Between World has a theme of feelings. Also, the creepy addition of the In-Between world is where spirits go when they have unfinished business after they have died. Therefore, Skeletina is a child who has died. Putting that aside, Susie Jaramillo’s tale is sweet, cozy, familiar. The talking about feelings and the advice the older inhabitants give are things we have seen before. What makes this a little different is the Latino influences with Day of the Dead, among other, imagery.
The cover tells you all you need to know about the illustrations. They are not overwhelming bold with colors but have a look that is both soothing and has action. They can be busy, but not crowded. The fit the overall tone of the book.
Due in July of 2022 this book might not become a classic, but it will be one that you remember. The reading of the book can be done by adults to children of most ages (there are some images such as the ghost of a grandmother leaving the grave, that might be a lot for the more sensitive child to deal with) but ages seven/eight can read solo (or with a little help).