Stellar Children’s Books to Read for Hispanic Heritage Month

Featuring  simple, engaging text in both English and Spanish, with colorful and charming illustrations, Sonrisas for Baby: A Little Book of Smiles shows a small boy engaging with the world around him through (you guessed it) smiles. This sweet book is designed to celebrate the special bond between babies and their families, capturing the joy and warmth of shared moments.

Can giraffes be teachers? In this board book they can! Two giraffes meet and teach each other simple words in English and Spanish—basic vocabulary like hello, friend, and milk. With adorable illustrations and a fun, repetitive story, this book makes it easy for little ones to learn new words in both languages. It’s great for parents and educators introducing bilingualism to kids!

Lil’ Libros publishes engaging bilingual board books that celebrate Latin American culture, history, and heritage, and the whole line is worth checking out! Co-founded by Patty Rodriguez and Ariana Stein, Lil’ Libros books feature bold, colorful illustrations and simple, educational text in both English and Spanish. Popular titles like Counting with Frida and Celia: Queen of Salsa introduce young children to important cultural figures, places, and concepts, making them a great resource for parents who want to foster bilingualism and cultural awareness in their kids.

In this story by Newbery Medal-winning author Matt de la Peña, it’s a character named Carmela’s birthday. She finds a dandelion that she makes a series of heartfelt wishes on, capturing themes of hope, family, and the immigrant experience. With beautiful illustrations by Caldecott Honor-winning artist Christian Robinson, this poetic and touching story beautifully brings Carmela’s world and dreams to life, making it a must-read for families.

With captivating illustrations inspired by pre-Columbian art, this enchanting retelling of an ancient Aztec tale weaves mythology, culture, and history into a mesmerizing story for family reading. Princess Izta and the brave warrior Popoca fall in love, but treachery and tragedy lead to their transformation into Mexico’s famous volcanoes, Iztaccíhuatl and Popocatépetl. The book also incorporates Nahuatl words, along with definitions and a pronunciation guide, to let readers learn more about Aztec culture.

This incredibly beautiful book is part memoir, part fantastical tale, and part an education in environmentalism. Inspired by her own life growing up in Puerto Rico and her eventual career as a marine biologist, author Melissa Cristina Márquez has created a book that truly sparkles. It’s ideal for helping children learn about different ocean animals—and learn to care about their conservation.

Niño is a young boy with a vivid imagination who loves to pretend he is a luchador (wrestler). The book is filled with action, humor, and lively illustrations that capture the excitement and energy of lucha libre wrestling. Niño’s imaginative battles and the colorful, dynamic artwork make this book a delightful read for children and parents together, as it celebrates Mexican culture and the power of imagination. In English with Spanish words.

This Spanish/English bilingual book (with some Nahuatl peppered throughout) is a loving story about a father helping his son write a song to serenade the boy he loves. Cuando Amamos Cantamos / When We Love Someone We Sing to Them is a musical and sweet story that shows the way straight fathers can affirm their queer children. It’s incredibly heartwarming and was selected for the American Library Association’s 2019 Rainbow List.

When a young girl gets tired of the frequent questions about where she’s from, she turns to her abuelo for an answer. Her grandfather’s poetic response takes her on a beautiful journey through their cultural heritage, highlighting the landscapes, history, and traditions that shape her family identity. Celebrated for its lyrical text and evocative illustrations, this touching story explores themes of identity, heritage, and belonging, encouraging children to take pride in their roots and understand the true meaning of where they come from.

In this bilingual book, award-winning author Carmen Tafolla takes kids on an adventure through a vibrant barrio, celebrating the joy of the traditional Mexican frozen treat, the paleta (popsicle). From painting colorful masterpieces to cooling off and sharing with friends, the adventures in this playful story capture the essence of community and culture. Parents and kids alike will have a sweet time enjoying this paleta, without the sticky mess!

In 2017, Hurricane Maria ravaged the island of Puerto Rico, leaving thousands without water, power, or shelter. This book tells the inspiring tale of a young girl and her family as they rebuild their lives after the storm. The story highlights their perseverance, the strength of their family bonds, and the power of hope, as symbolized by the resilient coquí frogs and the beloved mango tree in their yard. With vivid illustrations and a heartfelt narrative, this book captures the spirit of a community coming together and finding hope in the face of adversity, making it a meaningful read for families.

Esperanza Ortega’s world is turned upside down when she goes from living a privileged life in 1930s Mexico to becoming a migrant worker in California after a series of tragic events. As Esperanza faces the hardships of her new life, she learns valuable lessons about resilience, hope, and the value of family and community. This powerful tale weaves historical context with a touching narrative, making it an inspiring read about overcoming adversity and finding strength in unexpected places.

This is one of those books I finished in a single sitting. It’s that good! Malú is a 12-year-old girl who moves to a new city with her mother. Struggling to fit in, she stays true to her punk-rock identity and starts a band called the Co-Cos. Through her ‘zines, music, and friendships, Malú learns to navigate her mixed Mexican-American heritage and finds her voice in the process. The book explores themes of self-expression, cultural identity, and the importance of being yourself.

Mexikid is a graphic memoir that took the U.S. by storm. It won the Newbery Honor Award, the Pura Belpré Author Award, and the Pura Belpré Illustrator Award. Additionally, it has been named one of the best books of the year by various publications including the New York Times Book Review, NPR, Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, and Booklist​. Evoking the author’s childhood experiences growing up Mexican-American in the 1970s and 1980s, it blends humor, cultural insights, and heartwarming family stories to depict the unique challenges and joys of balancing two cultures.