12 Mexican Children’s Books That Your Family Will Love
Did you know that there are many Mexican children’s books that you can read in Spanish to your kids to introduce them to the fascinating Mexican culture?
You’ll be surprised to discover how many little gems are on the market now. They explore various aspects of Mexico, while telling charming stories for children.
Keep reading to learn how your kids can learn Spanish by reading in Spanish and why you should be reading Mexican children’s books to your kids. Plus, I’ve created a curated list of 12 of the most original, beautifully illustrated, and recognized children’s books about Mexico.
Learning Spanish by Reading in Spanish
Reading in any language, about anything, and for any purpose, is one of the most rewarding things a person can do. Reading to your children opens their minds and sets their imaginations free. Reading to them in another language provides all those same benefits, while simultaneously opening the door to a whole new culture.
The many advantages of raising bilingual kids are well-documented. What’s more, there are a wide variety of reading strategies in Spanish for all levels, specifically for children. Reading in Spanish to your kids will open them doors to extraordinary new worlds while getting them used to the words and tone of the Spanish language.
Why You Should Read Mexican Children’s Books to Your Kids
Actually, you should read any kind of book to your children. But, if you’re going to read them in Spanish, reading them Mexican children’s books and introducing them to the extraordinary Mexican culture, is a bonus.
Besides, the relationship between the Mexican and American cultures keeps growing and mixing in the process. Teaching your kids about the cultural differences between these two societies and the challenges each one has to deal with raises their cultural awareness and makes them more empathic.
12 Mexican Children’s Books
I’ve put together a list of 12 of the best Mexican children’s books on the market now. They all explore a particular side of the rich and diverse Mexican culture. I hope to get you interested in them and that you may introduce your kids to books, Mexico, and the Spanish language with one or several of these titles.
1. Mi Little Golden Book Sobre Frida Kahlo
One of the most celebrated Mexican children’s books was actually written by the Cuban author Silvia Lopez and illustrated by the Peruvian artist Elisa Chavarri. It perfectly captures the essence of Frida Kahlo’s life story, starting with her illness, her experiences at school, and her transformation into one of the greatest artists of the 20th century. An inspiring book, beautifully illustrated.
English title: My Little Golden Book About Frida Kahlo
Author: Silvia Lopez
Illustrator: Elisa Chavarri
Published: 2021
Language: Spanish
Available on: Amazon
2. Coco: Miguel y la Gran Armonía
Your kids are going to love this book. Featuring the characters from the Pixar film Coco, it tells an original story centered on music and Miguel’s passion for it. Written by a New York Times bestselling author and illustrated by a Pixar artist, this little book is a piece of art.
English title: Coco: Miguel and the Grand Harmony
Author: Matt de la Peña
Illustrator: Ana Ramirez
Published: 2017
Language: Spanish
Available on: Amazon
3. Soñadores
Soñadores is one of the most beautiful Mexican children’s books you’ll ever find. It was written by Mexican author Yuyi Morales, who has received the Caldecott Honorary Mention and has won the Pura Belpré Award 5 times. In this book, Morales tells her own story as an immigrant and highlights the power of hope to transform lives and society itself.
English title: Dreamers
Author: Yuyi Morales
Illustrator: Yuyi Morales
Published: 2018
Language: Spanish
Available on: Amazon
4. La Lagartija y el Sol
La Lagartija y el Sol tells the story of how the sun disappeared one day in ancient Mexico. The animals then went on a search for the sun, but they quickly gave up. The lagartija (lizard) was the only animal that kept looking for the sun until she found it. A masterfully told story about perseverance and bravery that will inspire your kids in this excellent bilingual edition.
English title: The Lizard and the Sun
Author: Alma Flor Ada
Illustrator: Felipe Davalos
Published: 1999
Languages: Spanish, English
Available on: Amazon
5. Lucía la Luchadora
With the exciting world of Mexico’s lucha libre (wrestling) as background, Lucía la Luchadora tells the story of a strong girl who gets the help of her abuelita (grandma) to solve the challenges that arise in the playground. A true classic!
English title: Lucia the Luchadora
Author: Cynthia Leonor Garza
Illustrator: Alyssa Bermudez
Published: 2017
Languages: Spanish, English
Available on: Scholastic
6. Adelita A Mexican Cinderella Story
Adelita is the name that Mexican female fighters received during the Mexican Revolution. It’s a name full of meaning in Mexico, and it’s smartly used by Tomie dePaola to tell the story of a young Mexican girl who is similar to Cinderella.
English title: Adelita A Mexican Cinderella Story
Author: Tomie dePaola
Illustrator: Tomie dePaola
Published: 2004
Language: Spanish
Available on: akj Education
7. El Espíritu del Tío Fernando
El Espíritu del Tío Fernando explores one of the most famous Mexican traditions, the Day of the Dead. The story shows children the importance of honoring our dead and the interesting relationship that Mexican people have with death.
English title: The Spirit of Tio Fernando: A Day of the Dead Story
Author: Janice Levy
Illustrator: Morella Fuenmayor
Published: 1995
Languages: Spanish, English
Available on: Amazon
8. ¡Qué Montón de Tamales!
One of the best Mexican children’s books about both the extraordinary Mexican cuisine and the way Christmas is celebrated in the Mexican culture. A delicious read!
English title: Too Many Tamales!
Author: Gary Soto
Illustrator: Alma Flor Ada
Published: 1996
Languages: Spanish
Available on: Amazon
9. La Frontera: El Viaje con Papá
The story of many immigrants is told tactfully in this book about following your dreams, learning to be resilient, and the close relationship between a father and his son.
English title: La Frontera: My Journey with Papa
Author: Deborah Mills
Illustrator: Alfredo Alva
Published: 2018
Languages: Spanish, English
Available on: Amazon
10. Del Norte al Sur
More and more Mexican children’s books are starting to explore the drama of immigration and how it affects lives and separate families apart. The story touches on delicate topics such as deportation, but does it in a smart way that helps children to understand what’s going on. The author donates part of his royalties to a refuge for immigrant women and children.
English title: From North to South
Author: Rene Colato Lainez
Illustrator: Joe Cepeda
Published: 2013
Languages: Spanish, English
Available on: Amazon
11. El Chocolate de Abuelita
This bilingual book tells the story of a Mexican abuelita (grandma) who visits her family in the United States, showing the close relationship between these two cultures, while also exploring ancient Mayan and Aztec traditions
English title: Grandma’s Chocolate
Author: Mara Price
Illustrator: Lisa Fields
Published: 2017
Languages: Spanish, English
Available on: Amazon
12. México Mío
Another beautifully illustrated bilingual book, México Mío is an ode to the charm of old Mexico. It’s a tribute to a Mexican way of life that is disappearing due to the rush and stress of modern life.
English title: My Mexico
Author: Tony Johnston
Illustrator: F. John Sierra
Published: 1999
Languages: Spanish, English
Available on: Amazon
Read to Your Children in Spanish
Read these Mexican children’s books to your kids and enrich their lives by introducing them to a new language, and open a window for them to peek into a new and fascinating culture: the Mexican one.
Sign up for a free class with one of our certified, native Spanish speaking teachers from Guatemala, and let your children start talking about Mexican children’s books today!
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