Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with books for toddlers
As children grow older, their knowledge of the world expands, and they gain a better understanding of their own identity and the diverse backgrounds of their friends. Hispanic Heritage Month provides an excellent opportunity to introduce young minds to the rich cultural and traditions of the Hispanic community. We've rounded up educational and fun books, from biographies to folktales that celebrate diverse voices and narratives to make Hispanic Heritage Month extra special for your little ones.
“Pepe and The Parade” by Tracey Kyle
"Pepe and the Parade: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage" is a heartwarming children's book that follows the journey of a little boy named Pepe as he experiences his first Hispanic heritage parade. The story combines vibrant illustrations with a captivating storyline that showcases the diverse cultures, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic communities from Mexican, Dominican, Colombian, Puerto Rican, and many more. Children are introduced to various elements of Hispanic culture, such as music, dance, and food. The engaging narrative promotes an appreciation for the beauty and significance of Hispanic heritage, making it a fun and educational read for young readers and their families. Plus, with Spanish words throughout, this book is a great introduction to the language.
“Where Are you From” by Yamile Saied Méndez
An award-winning picture book, “Where Are You From?” by Yamile Saied Mendez, tells a story of a young girl who struggles to understand her roots and heritage. In her search for answers, she seeks guidance from her abuelo, her grandfather, who offers unexpected responses that lead her on a journey of self-discovery. The book uses beautiful language and illustrations to explore themes of family, love, and cultural identity. It sheds light on the challenges of being asked about one’s origins and emphasizes the importance of ancestral connections in shaping one’s sense of identity.
“Chicano Jr’s Mexican Adventure” by Raúl Jiménez
Designed for children learning English, Spanish, or both, “Chicano Jr’s Mexican Adventure” by Raúl Jiménez is a colorful story with crayon-like illustrations that follows the journey of Chicano Jr., a young Mexican-American boy. As he embarks on his first trip to Mexico to meet his grandparents, he discovers the joys of Mexican culture and celebrates family bonds. Not only does this bilingual book offer an uplifting narrative, but it also provides readers an opportunity to immerse themselves in the language and intercultural exploration.
“The Life of La Vida De Selena” by Patty Rodriguez
“La Vida De Selena” by Patty Rodriguez is a Lil Libros book that captures the life of the iconic Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla. This energetic children’s book introduces young readers to Selena’s journey from her childhood to becoming a beloved award -winning artist and music sensation. In both English and Spanish text and illustrations, the book celebrates her cultural impact, inspiring little ones with her legacy of passion, talent and perseverance. Want more? Lil Libros offers a diverse range of bilingual children's books, including "Counting with Frida, " or books introducing travel destinations such as Oaxaca.
“Alma and How She Got Her Name” by Juana Martinez-Neal
In Juana Martinez-Neal’s “Alma and How She Got Her Name,” the story opens with Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela feeling concerned by her overly long name. When she expresses her concern, her father shares the origins of each name, unveiling the ties between Alma and her family members. Through these narratives, Alma gradually connects with her heritage. And as the book concludes, she fully embraces her name, understanding its significance and her unique story.
"Round is a Tortilla: A Book of Shapes" by Roseanne Thong, Illustrated by John Parra
Filled with fun rhymes and playful illustrations, "Round is a Tortilla" introduces toddlers to shapes through objects and scenes commonly found in Hispanic culture. From round tortillas to square quesadillas, the book not only teaches shapes but also highlights cultural elements such as food, objects, and traditions, creating an engaging and universally relatable learning experience.
"Dreamers" by Yuyi Morales
A heartfelt and visually pleasing picture book, “Dreamers” by Yuyi Morales tells the story of a mother and her son who immigrate to the United States from Mexico. Morales's autobiographical tale beautifully weaves together her own immigrant experience through mixed-media illustrations and poetic text. The story is a reminder of the importance of dreams and that no matter what unfamiliar obstacle you face, you can navigate anything with perseverance.
These books offer a wonderful opportunity to honor Hispanic heritage all year round and to educate young children about the achievements, beauty and traditions of Hispanic culture. At Doona, we strive to make parenting simpler for all families of all different backgrounds and — that’s why we create safe, useful and functional baby strollers such as the Doona Car Seat & Stroller, Liki Trike, accessories, and more.
Discover our recommended selections that are available for purchase on Amazon.
