I love Hispanic Heritage Month! Although we celebrate our Latino culture and traditions on a daily basis at home, it's always nice when others around us take a moment, in this case a month, to recognize everything Latinos have contributed to this country.
With that in mind, I've put together a list of children books written by Latino authors that my kids have enjoyed and that I think yours will too!
Read more ¿Qué más?: 5 Cute cartoons to teach your kids Spanish
Happy reading y arriba los latinos!
Marisol McDonald and the Clash Bash by Monica Brown
This is the second book Monica Brown writes about Marisol McDonald, a little bicultural girl who breaks all stereotypes about what it means to be a girl and to be Latina.
Amazon $13.93
Guacamole: A Cooking Poem by Jorge Argueta
Who doesn't love guacamole? This book is basically a recipe for guac in poem form! This is not the only time author Jorge Argueta does this. Check out the one about arroz con leche, frijoles and tamales!
Amazon $14.47
Arrorró, mi niño: Latino Lullabies and Gentle Games by Lulu Delacre
Perfect if you don't remember all those lullabies your abuelita used to sing to you in Spanish when you were little. It's also a great baby shower gift for a Latino baby!
Amazon $8.05
Rene Has Two Last Names by Rene Colato Lainez
Rene Colato Lainez has written so many cool bilingual children books that it's hard to choose just one! Since my kids have two last names (my husband's and mine), I chose this one because it's perfect to explain this issue to little kids in a similar situation.
Amazon $13.79
I Know the Rivers Loves Me by Maya Christina Gonzalez
From the illustrations to the beautiful story about the importance of taking care of the environment, there's nothing not to like about this bilingual book written and illustrated by the talented Maya Christina Gonzalez! Amazon $8.06
A Gift from Papá Diego by Benjamin Alire Saenz
Saenz is an accomplished adult novel writer whose written several children books that my kids enjoy. This one in particular explores what living in a border town is all about for a little boy called Diego.
Amazon $8.76
Ten Little Puppies by Alma Flor Ada and F. Isabel Campoy
The reason I love this book so much is because it reminds me of my childhood. Although I'm not Mexican, I spent part of my childhood there and this is one of the songs I was taught there that I've managed to carry with me to this day. And now, thanks to Alma Flor Ada and F. Isabel Campoy, I've taught it to my kids!
Amazon $13.06
Poems to Dream Together by Francisco X. Alarcon
If you haven't read poetry to your kids, you must start now! And this is the perfect book to do it with!
Amazon $2.68
Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote: A Migrant's Tale by Duncan Tonatiuh
The perfect book to explain to your kids the hardships of crossing the border illegally. It's a tough subject, but one that should be explored and Duncan Tonatiuh, who also illustrates the story, gives us a great way to do it.
Amazon $12.91
Book Fiesta! by Pat Mora
This list wouldn't be complete without Pat Mora, a prolific author who's penned many children's book that your kids will love. One of them is Book Fiesta, mostly because it explores the importance of books and reading.
Amazon $13.83
