Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Your Kids
Hispanic Heritage Month is a great time to celebrate your Hispanic Heritage! While I couldn't find a list of children's books specific to Hispanic and Latin countries, so I decided to create it myself.
There are many countries and each one celebrates its culture and traditions in unique ways. Even the Spanish may be different, plátano or banano anyone? Though we may be grouped by some as simply being Hispanic, Latino, or Mexican, the reality is that our countries are all different and these books honor and educate about these differences.
All of the books I'm recommending come with top reviews and though I personally haven't read all of them (yet), there are many on this list that I can't wait to share with my daughter.
This list includes children's books that highlight a specific Hispanic country. I've also included links on where you can buy these to extend your collection. Finally, if I have one request tell me some of your favorite children's books in the comments and the country it celebrates so I can continue to expand the list!
List of Books By Country that Celebrates Hispanic Heritage
Hispanic Heritage Children's Book - Argentina:
Abuelo by Arthur Dorros Illustrated by Raul Colón
For Argentina, I chose Abuelo by Arthur Dorros. It's an endearing story of a boy and his abuelo (grandfather) riding through the pampas of Argentina. His abuelo teaches him life lessons during this ride including that of strength.
Why We Love It:
Abuelo by Arthur Dorros is written in English but includes some Spanish, so it's more of a Spanglish book. I personally love how beautifully illustrated it is.
Book Info:
- Type: Hardcover
- Pages: 32
- Ages: 4-8 Years
- Language: English with Spanish sprinkled
Hispanic Heritage Children's Book - Bolivia:
Old MacDonald Had a Farm:
Built tough, Old MacDonald Had a Farm "indestructible" board book is perfect for those little ones that love to be very hands-on with their books. This Bolivian themed farm is just the cutest to start teaching young kids about the different animals that can be seen on a farm in Bolivia.
Why We Love It:
With images and text like:
"Old MacDonald had a farm, ee-i-ee-i-oh.
And on that farm he had a cow,* ee-i-ee-i-oh.
*or a horse, pig, goat, chinchilla, or condor!"
What's not to love about Old Macdonald Had a Farm?!
Book Info:
- Page Number: 8 Pages
- Type: Board Book
- Language: English
- Reading Age: Baby to 3 years old
Hispanic Heritage Children's Book - Chile
Mariana and the Merchild A Folk Tale From Chile by Caroline Pitcher and Jackie Morris
Mariana and the Merchild is a retelling of a Chilean folk story. If your child loves mermaids or the sea, they will love this heartfelt story of a woman named Mariana who finds a Mermaid baby in a crab. The merchild's mother entrusts Mariana to take care of her while the sea calms, and their relationship grows with love over time. But what happens when she has grown old enough to swim with her mermaid mother?
Why We Love It
Mariana and the Merchild is such a great story to read to your children. It introduces them to the folklore of Chile while creating a magical world that engages their imagination.
Book Info
- Type: Hardcover or Softcover
- Pages: 32
- Ages: 5-8 Years
- Language: English
Hispanic Heritage Children's Book - Colombia
Waiting for the Biblioburro by Monica Brown, Illustrated by John Parra
Waiting for the Biblioburro is a story inspired by real-life teacher and librarian Luis Soriano Bohórquez, who created a program in rural Colombia to bring books to kids in villages that didn't have access to books via his "Biblioburro" (Library Donkey). In this book, a little girl's love for stories, books, and reading is transformed when she hears the clip-clop of the burros as they arrive in her pueblo.
Why We Love It
Waiting for the Biblioburro is an inspirational story that allows parents to go beyond the book and learn more about Luis Soriano Bohórquez. It helps start conversations about how children access education in different parts of the world. It’s also available in a bilingual version.
Book Info
- Type: Hardcover
- Pages: 32
- Ages: 5-8 Years
- Language: English, with a bilingual version available
Hispanic Heritage Children's Book - Costa Rica
Costa Rica ABCs is not only a great way to teach your child the alphabet, it's a wonderful way to teach them about this country, its animals, people, and culture.
Why We Love It:
Costa Rica ABCs is a great resource for any school classroom or homeschool library.
Book Info:
Type: Library Binding
Pages: 32
Ages: 5-11 Years
Language: English
Hispanic Heritage Children's Book - Cuba
Martina the Beautiful Cockroach is ready to marry but her Cuban abuela (grandmother) gives her some funny and untraditional advice to test her suitors. A cute, humorous tale that reveals the importance of seeing beyond sweet words.
Why We Love It:
Martina the Beautiful Cockroach is a homage to Latina grandmothers and their wisdom. Plus, the artwork is just wonderful.
Book Info:
Type: Hardcover or Paperback
Pages: 32
Ages: 4-8 Years
Language: English with Spanish sprinkled
Hispanic Heritage Children's Book - Dominican Republic
The Secret Footprints by Julia Alvarez and Illustrated by Fabian Negrin
The Secret Footprints, also available in Spanish retells the Dominican folk tale of the Ciguapas, beautiful creatures that lived in underwater caves with backward feet. In this story, Guapa, a fearless Ciguapa, meets a human boy and family and shares what happens after this encounter.
Why We Love It:
The Secret Footprints offers you an opportunity to learn about Dominican folklore. It is also written by a Dominican author and is beautifully illustrated. A bonus is that it is also available in Spanish only.
Book Info:
Type: Paperback
Pages: 40
Ages: 3-7 Years
Language: English with Spanish sprinkled or Spanish only.
Hispanic Heritage Children's Book - Ecuador
Tuki and Moka A Tale of Two Tamarins by Judy Young and Illustrated by Jim Madsen
Tuki and Moka is a story featuring a boy and his father who live in Ecuador and are castañeros, Brazil nut gatherers. Earning their living by gathering and harvesting these nuts in the Amazon, the young boy Eduardo has two Tamarin monkey companions, Tuki and Moka. During one of their trips, they encounter animal poachers and traffickers that threaten the animals he loves. What will happen next?
Why We Love It:
Tuki and Moka not only teaches kids about the Amazon, but it opens the door to important conversations about how some people exploit Earth's resources disrupting natural environments. Plus, it's an engaging and suspenseful story, perfect for older kids.
Book Info:
Type: Hardcover
Pages: 32
Ages: 6 - 9 Years
Language: English with Spanish sprinkled
Hispanic Heritage Children's Book - El Salvador
Xochitl and the Flowers, Xóchitl, la Niña de Las Flores by Jorge Argueta Illustrated by Carl Angel
Xochitl and the Flowers, Xóchitl, la Niña de Las Flores is a bilingual book about a family from El Salvador living in the United States. It tells a familiar story of work and hardship as they navigate their new life outside of El Salvador. Inspired by the author's real-life events, this story shows the power of community.
Why We Love It:
Xochitl and the Flowers, Xóchitl, la Niña de Las Flores teaches about a Hispanic family's efforts to earn a living while highlighting how challenging it can be. It beautifully illustrates how the power of community can make a difference in a family's life.
Book Info:
Type: Softcover
Pages: 32
Ages: 6 - 10 Years
Language: English and Spanish
Hispanic Heritage Children's Book - Guatemala
Abuela's Weave by Omar S. Castañeda and Illustrated by Enrique O. Sanchez
Abuela's Weave tells the story of a girl, Esperanza, and her abuela as they work together to create beautiful weavings to sell at the market. It's a great book that teaches about Guatemalan culture and the value of heritage arts and crafts.
Why We Love It:
Abuela’s Weave beautifully highlights the value of handmade goods over manufactured ones, emphasizing the deep connections to culture and family. It tells the touching story of a young girl and her grandmother, weaving tradition and love together.
Book Info:- Type: Softcover
- Pages: 32
- Ages: 4 - 8 Years
- Language: English with Spanish sprinkled
Hispanic Heritage Children's Book - Honduras
The Good Garden is a wonderful book that teaches children valuable lessons about how education transforms lives, how others may exploit what you don't know, and the importance of gardening. Eleven-year-old Maria Luz lives in a farming village in Honduras, but her family struggles to grow enough food. Everything changes when Maria goes to school and learns from a special teacher. Loosely based on a true story, this book is a great addition to any home library or classroom.
Why We Love It:
The Good Garden offers parents and teachers opportunities for discussions on family, economics, gardening, and farming life in Honduras.
Book Info:- Type: Hardcover
- Pages: 32
- Ages: 5 - 10 Years
- Language: English
Hispanic Heritage Children's Book - Mexico
My Mexico, Mexico Mio Poems By Tony Johnston and Illustrated by F. John Sierra
A reflection of Mexico in pictures and words, My Mexico, Mexico Mio is a simple poetry book with poems in both English and Spanish, inspired by life in Mexico. From chocitas, perros callejeros, to Dia de Los Muertos, this is a must-have for any Mexican or Hispanic family. Note that this is not a storybook.
Why We Love It:
My Mexico, Mexico Mio is a perfect book for teaching Spanish while learning and appreciating culture. The poems flow beautifully in both English and Spanish, making it enjoyable for children.
Book Info:
Type: Paperback or Hardcover
Pages: 40
Ages: 2 - 5 Years
Language: Bilingual English and Spanish
Hispanic Heritage Children's Book - Nicaragua
Uncle Nacho's Hat, El Sombrero de Nacho adapted by Harriet Rohmer and Illustrated by Mira Reisberg
Uncle Nacho's Hat is a classic folktale from the Puppet Workshop of Nicaraguan National Television. Uncle Nacho can't seem to get rid of his old hat, even after getting a new one. What will he do with his old hat?
Why We Love It:
Uncle Nacho's Hat explores the challenge of change in our lives, creating opportunities for meaningful conversations with kids about adapting to life's changes.
Book Info:
Type: Paperback
Ages: 6 - 8 Years
Pages: 32
Language: Bilingual English and Spanish
Hispanic Heritage Children's Book - Panamá
Conejito, A Folktale from Panama by Margaret Read MacDonald and Illustrated by Geraldo Valério
Conejito, A Folktale from Panamá is a cute story about a bunny that outwits his predators by taking his Tia Monica's advice to get safely home.
Why We Love It:
Conejito, A Folktale from Panamá is a great book to teach Spanish as Spanish is woven into the story effortlessly. Because there is lots of repetition in the story, it will help kids retain the Spanish words that are sprinkled throughout the book.
Book Info:Type: Paperback
Age Range: 4 - 8 years
Pages: 32
Language: English with sprinkled Spanish
Hispanic Heritage Children's Book - Paraguay
Based on real-life events, Ada's Violin tells the story of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay, an orchestra formed in a Paraguayan slum that played instruments made from recycled materials found in the town's landfill. A documentary named "Landfillharmonic" was even made.
Why We Love It:
Ada's Violin teaches kids a valuable lesson on resourcefulness, recycling, and not letting your environment dictate your future possibilities. What I love the most is that it inspires and gives children hope. I encourage you to watch the videos on YouTube or online showing the orchestra performing.
Book Info:Type: Hardcover
Pages: 32
Ages: 4 - 8 Years
Language: Available in English or Spanish
Hispanic Heritage Children's Book - Peru
Maria Had a Little Llama, María Tenia una Llama Pequeña by Angela Dominguez
Maria Had a Little Llama is a retelling of a Peruvian-inspired story about a little girl Maria and her loving llama.
Why We Love It:
I had the pleasure of meeting the author Angela Dominguez at a children's Book festival in Brooklyn, NY. I love her illustrations, the simplicity of her books, and that they're usually bilingual like Maria Had a Little Llama, Maria Tenia una Llama Pequeña. They are a great addition to your children's bilingual home library.
Book Info:
Type: Hardcover
Pages: 32
Ages: 4 - 7 Years
Language: Bilingual English or Spanish
Hispanic Heritage Children's Book - Puerto Rico
Kiki Kokí La Leyenda Encantada del Coquí by Ed Rodríguez
Kiki Koki is the Puerto Rican tale of El Coquí, a Taino boy who is turned into a frog by the moon goddess because he is not a good helper to his tribe. Coquí must then prove to the moon goddess that he has become a good helper in order to return to human form, but how?
Why We Love It:
Kiki Koki teaches kids the valuable lesson of helping and collaboration as part of being in a community. Plus, it's an adventurous tale that is colorfully illustrated that kids will love, and it is also in Spanish.
Book Info:
Type: Softcover
Pages: 40
Ages: 4 - 8 Years
Language: Spanish
Hispanic Heritage Children's Book - Spain
Lola's Fandango by Anna Witte and Illustrated by Micha Archer
Lola's Fandango tells the story of a girl named Lola who lives under her sister's shadow. When she finds a pair of her mother's old dance shoes, she decides that dancing flamenco is a way to be different from her sister. Her father decides to teach her, but will she be brave enough to perform in front of a large crowd?
Why We Love It:
Lola's Fandango celebrates Spanish culture and flamenco. It's a great book for any child that loves dance.
Book Info:
Type: Softcover
Pages: 32
Ages: 5 - 6 Years
Language: English or Spanish
Hispanic Heritage Children's Book- Uruguay
Un Invierno Equivocado by Ida Vitale (Author),María Fló (Illustrator)
Written by Uruguayan poet and winner of the Miguel de Cervantes Prize, Ida Vitale, Un Invierno Equivocado is a story about a small country lost on a map where winter appears suddenly and its inhabitants must prepare themselves for winter.
Why We Love It:
Author Ida Vitale, the author of Un Invierno Equivocado, is one of Uruguay's and Latin America's most respected poets. Introducing kids to amazing poets and writers like Ida Vitale helps celebrate cultural heritage and the beauty of the Spanish language.
Book Info:
Type: Hardcover
Pages: 36
Ages: 4 - 7 Years
Language: Spanish
Hispanic Heritage Children's Book - Venezuela
Based on the true story of Teresa Carreño, a Venezuelan prodigy child pianist who played for Abraham Lincoln, Dancing Hands is a beautifully illustrated book that tells this story.
Why We Love It:
I'm a personal fan of illustrator Rafael Lopez, whose vibrant artwork you might recognize from The Day You Begin, Beautiful: How Art Changed a Neighborhood, and Book Fiesta. Dancing Hands is a fantastic addition to your home or classroom library, offering a great way to learn about history and the remarkable Latinas that help create it.
Book Info:
Type: Paperback
Pages: 40
Ages: 4 - 8 Years
Language: English or Spanish
Final Thoughts on Hispanic Heritage Children's Books
No matter what country you are from or where your children were born, expanding your knowledge about other countries and cultures will expand your view and your children's view of the world we live in. I hope this book list will help your family achieve that.
If you have recommendations for books, please leave a comment!
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Maritere
September 18, 2023
Love these titles by country!! So wonderful to share them all with our latino children!