Personally, one of my favorite things in life is traveling and that is probably why reading is a close second. Through reading, we can explore different cities, countries, and even worlds! When we introduce our children to books about other countries, we're not only introducing them to other cultures but also instilling in them an interest in travel. We found twenty-three books you can give your kids to introduce them to the beauty of Mexico. Vamos!
1. Oaxaca
Travel to Oaxaca with this bilingual picture book. You will see the famous sites, learn about special events, and experience the food that is famous in this beautiful city.
Learn more: Amazon
2. Zapata
Introduce your littles to colors with this Lil' Libros bilingual book. Emiliano Zapata fought for the less fortunate in Mexico during the Mexican Revolution. This book about colors will teach your kids the colors of Mexico in both English and Spanish.
Learn more: Amazon
3. Frida Kahlo and her Animalitos
This award-winning picture book is based on the life of the famous artist Frida Kahlo, a Mexican artist who influenced the world. This book takes a look at each of Frida Kahlo's animals and connects their personality traits to hers.
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4. Dia de los Muertos
Introduce your young readers to one of Mexico's most famous holidays. This book explains the history behind Dia de los Muertos, the Mexican traditions, and the meanings behind them.
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5. Betty Celebrates Cinco de Mayo
Betty Cottonball wants to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in the country the holiday originated in. Looks like she is heading to Mexico! Learn more about the history of the holiday as well as the food and music enjoyed on this day.
Learn more: here
6. Once Upon a World: Cinderella
Cinderella gets a Mexican twist! The story is the same - girl meets prince, girl runs away from prince, prince sets out to find her. However, now the backdrop is Mexico and we get a better idea of the cultural differences.
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7. Lucia the Luchadora
Lucia dreams of being a hero just like the boys despite being told that girls cannot be superheroes. One day, her abuela shares a secret with her. The women in her family are luchadoras, brave women fighters in Mexico. This secret gives Lucia the courage to chase her dream on the playground. This creative picture book was named one of the Best Books of 2017 by NPR.
Learn more: Amazon
8. If You Were Me and Lived in Mexico
Travel the world learning about new cultures and countries in this children's book series. In this first book, readers will learn more about popular sites, common words you may use, and food you might enjoy.
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9. The Piñata Story
Learn more about the history of the piñata through this bilingual picture book. You'll learn the history and meaning of the piñata as well as why we fill it with candy and why we break it.
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10. Sundays with Abuelita
Two young girls get to stay in Mexico to visit their grandmother. This charming picture book tells the true story of the author's childhood and her Sundays with Abuelita.
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11. May Your Life Be Deliciosa
Learn more about the food traditions of a Mexican family. Every Christmas Eve, Rosie's family gathers to help Abuela make her tamales. During this time together, Rosie learns much more than just tamale-making from her Abuela.
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12. A Gift From Abuela
Witness the love between a girl and her abuela in this touching story. For weeks, Abuela sets aside little bits of money, but when disaster strikes, will the love Abuela has for Nina be enough of a gift?
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13. Dear Primo
In this sweet book with vivid illustrations from Duncan Tonatiuh, two cousins exchange letters. Charlie lives in America while Carlitos lives in Mexico. When the two cousins begin exchanging letters, they learn more about each other's culture and lives and learn they have far more in common than they originally thought.
Learn more: Amazon
14. Mi Ciudad Sings
One day, a little girl goes on a walk with her dog. She's enjoying the typical sounds of her neighborhood when she hears something she wasn't expecting...an earthquake. She'll have to find her courage and strength while pulling together with the people of her neighborhood.
Learn more: Amazon
15. Cactus Soup
When a group of soldiers shows up in town, the villagers refuse to share their food. The Capitán asks for one measly cactus thorn for his cactus soup, but before the villagers realize it, they'll be giving him much more than a single thorn.
Learn more: here
16. Where is Chichen Itza?
Let's explore the ancient Mayan city, Chichen Itza. We'll learn about the rise and fall of the city, the culture, and the architecture of this time.
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17. The Lightning Queen
Teo's life in the remote village in Mexico is so boring and dull. One day, a girl who calls herself the Gypsy Queen of Lightning shows up in town looking to Teo for friendship. They'll endure many obstacles in their friendship, but together, their inspiring story will set a beautiful precedent for the Rom and Mixtec Indians.
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18. Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna
Petra Luna's mom dies during the Mexican Revolution, and Petra promises to step up and care for her family. She dreams daily of how she can lead her family across the border into a safer country. This true story will open children's eyes to the trials of everyday lives in Mexico during the Mexican Revolution.
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19. What the Moon Saw
When Clara visits her grandparents in Mexico, she's shocked to see the differences in the Mexican culture. The houses are different, the people are different, and even the language is different from the Spanish she's used to. Will Clara find her true self in Mexico or will she be pushed further away from the traditions of her family?
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20. Me, Frida, and the Secret of the Peacock Rin
Angela Cervantes shares the story of Frida Kahlo's long-lost ring. Paloma is planning a visit to Mexico City for the first time. While she's visiting, she's approached by two siblings with a plan. They ask her to find a ring that once belonged to Frida Kahlo. If Paloma can find the ring, she'll also find a very large reward.
Learn more: Amazon
21. Solimar: The Sword of the Monarchs
Right before her Quinceañera, Solimar pays a visit to the monarch butterfly forest and leaves with the ability to predict the future. When her brothers and father leave town on a quest, a neighboring king invades the town and takes many of the villagers' hostage. It's up to Solimar to save her village and protect the monarch butterflies in the process.
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22. Cece Rios and Desert of Souls
Cecelia Rios lives in a very dangerous city where spirits wander and threaten harm to humans. When her sister is kidnapped by a spirit, the only way to get her back is to communicate and control a spirit - without any of her family or townspeople finding out.
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23. Omega Morales and the Legend of La Lechuza
Omega Morales's family has been hiding their magic for many years but Omega has yet to discover her own magic. When a witch comes to town, Omega and her friends try to figure out how they can stop this witch according to the Mexican legend.
Learn more: Amazon
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