The Invisible Parade

by Leigh Bardugo, John Picacio (illustrator)

It's time to join the party! Adventure awaits readers of all ages on Día de Muertos in this stunningly original and lushly illustrated tour de force about family, love, and overcoming grief from #1 bestselling superstar Leigh Bardugo and World Fantasy Award and Hugo Award-winner John Picacio.

Everyone in the neighborhood was getting ready for the party.
Everyone knew somebody on the guest list. . . .
This was the day the dead returned.

There's a party tonight, but Cala doesn't want to go. While her family prepares for the celebration, Cala grieves her grandfather and tries to pretend she's not afraid.

But when she is separated from her family at the cemetery, Cala encounters four mysterious riders who will show her she is actually quite brave after all.

Brimming with magic and humor, The Invisible Parade is the first picture-book collaboration between award-winner John Picacio and New York Times bestselling Leigh Bardugo. Set on the night of Día de Muertos, Cala's story is one of love, loss, and the courage that can be found in unexpected places.

Genres: Picture Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Graphic Novels, Fiction, Childrens, Death

60 pages, Hardcover

First published August 26, 2025

About the author

Leigh Bardugo is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Ninth House and the creator of the Grishaverse (now a Netflix original series) which spans the Shadow and Bone trilogy, the Six of Crows duology, the King of Scars duology—and much more. Her short fiction has appeared in multiple anthologies including The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy. She lives in Los Angeles and is an associate fellow of Pauli Murray College at Yale University. For information on new releases and appearances, sign up for her newsletter.

She would be delighted if you visited her at LeighBardugo.com and fairly giddy if you liked her selfies on Instagram.

Reviews

[Cereal Unaliver]

I'll read her grocery receipts at this point

[Bethany (Beautifully Bookish Bethany) · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for a whimsical yet moving childrens picture book about navigating grief, you absolutely need to pick this up! The Invisible Parade has gorgeous artwork and also tells a beautiful story about a young Mexican girl grieving the loss of her grandfather on Dia de los Muertos. As she walks through a graveyard, she encounters the four horsemen of the apocalypse and makes peace with her grandfather's passing. I read this with one of my kids who lost a grandmother a couple of years ago and it was really fantastic.

I love this collaboration between a Mexican-American artist turned writer with a writer like Leigh Bardugo. I had a chance to attend an event where they talked about their collaboration process and how John approached Bardugo about co-writing with him. The little girl is inspired by his daughter.

[Rita]

Leigh Bardugo is my favorite author ever. Her Grishaverse books will forever hold a very special place in my heart. For this reason, and because of the fact that she is a PHENOMENAL writer, she is a must read author for me and I'll read anything that she publishes

[Katey Flowers · Rating 1 out of 5]

Homeless folks aren’t an opportunity to ‘remember to be grateful for what you have’ 🤮

[C.L. Cannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, the artwork in this book is mind-blowing! The illustrations are haunting and beautiful at the same time, with vibrant colors and feeling behind each one. The book follows Calla, a young girl who has just lost her grandfather. It's about accepting grief and death as a part of life and realizing that though someone is gone, they do not have to be forgotten, and all that you shared can be celebrated. It's also about not standing still in your grief. Finish the story, do something new, and continue to grow as a person while also honoring your past. I thought it was lovely, but I'm not sure every child will understand these principles. I think it's for a bit of an older audience than it was originally intended for, and that's okay.

[Hannah]

what in the Anglo ass nonsense did I just read and why does no one in publishing know the actual name of this holiday? Why are they always dropping the article?? This is beautiful concept art for storyboarding a movie but it's very weird and doesn't work for a picture book, and the prose is so fucking white and I'm sorry but the supposed Wizard of Oz framing does not come through at all and I would have much rather read an original fantasy novel with that concept than whatever the fuck this disaster is that I just read, but what else is new with non-Mexicans in publishing thinking that giving us garbage scraps is them supporting us in their diversity efforts, so it all tracks, I guess.

Okay I had to add once someone pointed this out, the main character is holding a copy of SIX OF CROWS in the first spread, and please explain to me why she is little enough to be a CHILD getting LOST and yet old enough to be clutching that book like it's her most prized possession??

[Patricia Q · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my favorite Day of The Dead book I've read so far. The illustrations and coloring are so beautiful. I used both the ebook and audio together.

[bookwise]

so somehow when i got a goodreads email saying an author i follow just released a new book...I wasn't expecting this.

[Rebekah Burnette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning. Absolutely stunning✨

[William Lexner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply wonderful.

[Kara Sandoval · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 81 of 100

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙄𝙣𝙫𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚 by Leigh Bardugo & John Picacio

Narrated by Diana Bustelo

𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲𝘀: Fantasy | Picture Book | Día de Muertos | Grief and Healing

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗜 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸:
This book is a stunning, emotional collaboration between one of my favorite fantasy authors, Leigh Bardugo, and award-winning illustrator John Picacio, whose Mexican American heritage deeply informs the art. Known for illustrating George R. R. Martin’s works, Picacio brings luminous spreads to life here, combining graphite sketches with digital color to capture the spirit of Día de Muertos.

The artwork in this story is absolutely stunning and incredible. I keep going back and flipping through the pages, always finding something new. Many of these images are so breathtaking that I would love to have them as posters on my wall.

The story of Cala, who grieves her grandfather and discovers unexpected courage through four mysterious riders, is as universal as it is culturally specific. While written for children, it speaks powerfully across ages. I found myself crying through the beauty of it, proof that a book meant to help children understand death can also bring comfort to a fifty year old woman who is still making sense of her own grief.

𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲:
The audiobook is beautifully narrated with music and sound effects in the background that make it perfect for reading with a child. Diana Bustelo has a tender and caring soft voice that invites you to curl up and focus on her reading. The combination of her narration with the musical backdrop enhances the story and makes the experience even more immersive.

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗤𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀:
“Everyone knew somebody on the guest list… This was the day the dead returned.”

“Grandfather will never finish reading me his story,” Cala said quietly.
“You must read it yourself,” said Death. “Next year, you will help cook his favorite foods, and place flowers on the altar, and light candles so that he can find his way back to you. Then you will tell him all about how the story ended.”

𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀:
The Invisible Parade is a book of remembrance, courage, and love. It will comfort both children and adults who have faced the loss of someone they love. It is gorgeous, heartfelt, and deeply human. I will treasure this as one of the most moving books I have read this year.

𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀:
∙Death of a grandparent
∙Themes of grief and loss

[Clarissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exciting story, and a picture book about death. Cala's grandfather has died and she misses him terribly. Her family are preparing for the day of the dead but Cala is too sad and too afraid to participate. In the graveyard she meets four skeletons on horseback. The skeletons represent sickness, hunger, fighting, and death' getting to know them allows Cala to understand the positive sides to these forces and to feel more accepting of death. The illustrations are stunning elaborate and moody. My one criticism is that I would have liked the book to include a recipe for champurrado at the end. But I realize that this isn't a reasonable request. Champurrado is a Mexican hot chocolate which Cala drinks in the story, and it sounds delicious.

[Toby Pitts · Rating 2 out of 5]

A beautiful, incredible idea- so short it makes me angry. HAHAHA
I get that this is for ages 6+....and for publishing it does seem like that falls into the 60 page range, but this feels like too massive a plot for such a tiny amount of text.

clearly I am not the demographic,
but I know as a kid i'd be like WHERE IS THE REST OF IT?!?!?!
As a kid I would still want details about the characters and to understand them more ...
I would love to hear a kids review.


*I would not suggest grabbing this on audible as it is so, incredibly short- unless you are grabbing for a small kiddo- which I would then highly suggest also grabbing the book to read along with.

[kaitziez · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some of the art looked bad. Not balanced at all. The story? Started off good and then the last few pages just...flopped.

[ash:) · Rating 3 out of 5]

strange!

[Tammy (Thorns_and_Proses) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Invisible Parade is a beautifully crafted children’s picture book that blends whimsical art with meaningful emotional depth. Bardugo’s storytelling is gentle and poetic, exploring themes of grief and emotional expression through the journey of its main character, Cala. The illustrations are striking and immersive, enhancing the narrative and drawing the reader fully into Cala’s world.

Cala is a standout protagonist whose quiet resilience and emotional honesty create a powerful connection for readers. The story offers a subtle but hopeful message, allowing young readers—and adults—to feel seen in their own emotional experiences. Despite its focus on grief, the book maintains a sense of wonder and gentle whimsy throughout, making it both comforting and inspiring.

The Invisible Parade is not only visually compelling, but emotionally resonant. It successfully balances a child-friendly narrative with mature themes in a way that feels honest and accessible. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a heartfelt and imaginative picture book that lingers long after the last page.

[Carly Krewitsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cala's grandfather has just died. Cala doesn't want to go to a party with her family to honor her grandfather. Cala is grieving. When Cala goes to the party, she's separated from her family. She meets four brothers who help her through her grief. One of the brothers is Death. Cala learns that it's okay to fight with your siblings as long as you make up with them. Cala's brother and sister fight with each other a lot. Cala is told to read the book her grandfather was reading to her so that next Dia De Los Muertos she can tell him how the book ends. This book is about Dia De Los Muertos. It is also about grieving the death of a family member. I loved the illustrations in this book.

[Lisa Wiertel · Rating 5 out of 5]

November 1st and 2nd is the Mexican holiday Dia de los Muertos also known as Day of the Dead. Cala is a young girl who is mourning the death of her grandfather. Her family gathers to celebrate Dia de los Muertos, but Cala is too grief stricken to participate in the festivities. A trip to the cemetery with her family makes Cala apprehensive and afraid. Thus begins the meeting of past souls who help Cala understand her grief and to welcome the Day of the Dead as a celebration to honor and remember those that have passed before us. The illustrations are stunning. The book explores in a sensitive way grief to a child and as an adult I found the message reassuring and comforting.

[Irene]

The artwork is gorgeous and I liked that this is a story about dealing with grief from a loved one's passing. And while I initially raised an eyebrow at a non-hispanic author writing a story about the Day of the Dead, I found out that the Mexican-American illustrator of this book was the one to reach out to Leigh Bardugo about working together on this book. You can feel the care that went into the art from the pan de muerto to all of Cala's facial expressions. It's a picture book but because of the amount of text and the subject matter I think it might actually be better for older children, like middle grade readers.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, this is an excellent book and I highly recommend it. The story is for readers of all ages who have lost someone. Specifically, the story speaks to the Mexican culture of honoring those who have passed on. We can all relate to this story, no matter our background. I also want to talk about the artwork; it's absolutely stunning. The artwork blew me away as it drew me into the story. Story elements are sprinkled throughout the pages, deepening your connection with the book's message. I haven't connected with an illustrated book like this in a very long time. I certainly hope we get more books from this creative team in the future.

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was top tier. The story was very engaging and the illustrations were *Phenomenal*. My youth librarian coworkers and I sat in our office admiring the fold out page for a good 10 minutes. While not a good fit for library storytime because of the length of the paragraphs it is a great book for reading one-on-one. The story would likely best be understood by preschool and elementary kids, but all ages will appreciate the art.

A young girl loses her grandfather and doesn't want to join in on the festivities because she misses him. She learns that he is still with her in spirit and how to honor his memory through Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations.

[Vanessa Montalvo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating...I saw this book at my local Target and I just had to pick it up. I recognized Leigh Bardugo's name from being a huge fan of Shadow and Bone, when I opened the book and saw the illustrations I was blown away by how beautiful they are. I skimmed through it at the store and saw that it had to do with day of the dead. Being that I am Mexican American it was a no brainer to purchase the book. I read it as soon as I got home. Such a beautiful story about a girl grieving for her grandfather and learning to see/understand that he's not really gone. Wonderful book, I cannot wait to read it to my class.

[Kaitlyn Bancroft · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exquisitely beautiful illustrations from John Picacio paired with Leigh Bardugo’s characteristically gothic, lovely storytelling made “The Invisible Parade” an absolutely charming experience. I flipped through this one slowly, savoring the artwork’s dark whimsy and the story’s poignant themes on grief, family bonds, and meeting death as a friend. It’s no secret that I’d buy Bardugo’s grocery list if she published it, but “The Invisible Parade” is truly a work of art, one that I’m delighted to have on my bookshelves.

[Cassie C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book because I will read anything that Leigh Bardugo puts to paper, and while I loved the story she created here with her words, the biggest praise goes to John Picacio on this one. When I say that the artwork in this book is STUNNING, I don’t exaggerate one bit. It is truly some of the most beautiful art I’ve seen in a children’s book. This collaboration between Bardugo and Picacio is extremely well done, and it was a touching story of loss and grief and life that also movingly portrays Mexican-American culture.

[Brianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who says I'm too old to read picture books?! I'll read anything by Leigh Bardugo -- and for good reason!

This is a short and moving story about love and loss, celebration and grief, as well as the courage to face one's fears and embrace new adventure. This is the perfect story for any young reader learning how to understand the loss of a loved one. Gorgeous, breathtaking artwork immerse the reader into the night of Día de Muertos as we follow the protagonist, Cala, and the four horsemen she meets.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is super sweet, with a lovey cultural lens that it uses to talk about death, with a gorgeous art style to boot. I think this will make a beautiful addition on many shelves, but I DO think it might toe the line at being more for adults than children. It’s kind of a difficult book to say “yes this will resonate with children,” but the kids who gravitate towards this will probably like it a lot.

[LYS.]

“Come,” she said to her friend Death. “It’s time to join the party.”

leigh bardugo isn’t a stranger to switching genres, and her experience with THE LANGUAGE OF THORNS lends herself well with a melodic foray into children’s’ literature with THE INVISIBLE PARADE. both melancholic and heartwarming, bardugo’s words and picacio’s illustrations make for a classic tale of growing up after grief!

[Enfys Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

For my small children coping for the first time with loss and grief, this was a gentle read.
I do feel like we could have gone further - it was too much plot for very small kids/not enough development for older ones, fell kind of into a weird midspace where I don’t know if it will become as strong a book for revisiting as others they have and rely on when navigating big feelings.

Absolutely stunning artwork.

[Monica V · Rating 1 out of 5]

Saw it at Target while shopping because the artwork caught my eye.

I didn’t like the shameless plug of the author’s Six of Crows book in the first pictures of the book.

Cala looks too similar to Natalie Portman in Leon the Professional and the mother looks like J.Lo when she came out in the Selena movie.

I couldn’t get past that and the book back on the shelf instead.

[Elizabeth Layman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a heart-warming and visually stunning labor of love between two very talented artists. I enjoyed their conversation at this year's National Book Festival so much that I purchased their book immediately. I was not disappointed. (A picture book, of course, I hope to share it with my little nieces soon - but in the meantime, I will enjoy it a few times myself.)