Celebrate Hispanic Heritage with These Must-Read Books for Babies and Toddlers
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage with These Must-Read Books for Babies and Toddlers
Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15) is the perfect time to teach little ones about the rich cultures, traditions, and stories of the Hispanic and Latin American communities. Reading culturally diverse children’s books is one of the best ways to introduce young kids to new perspectives, languages, foods, music, and more. To help you find the best Hispanic and Latinx-authored or themed books for babies and toddlers, we’ve rounded up our top picks. Be sure to pin this post so you can easily refer back to these book recommendations all year long!
The Importance of Representation: Why Babies Need to See Themselves in Books
Reading culturally relevant stories to babies and toddlers is incredibly beneficial for their development. When little ones can see characters, themes, and experiences that reflect their backgrounds and communities, it helps them connect and promotes a sense of belonging. Exposing toddlers to books in Spanish or bilingual formats helps them pick up new vocabulary and appreciate different languages. Diverse books also spark important conversations with children about culture, food, music, and tradition. Reading books by Hispanic/Latinx authors allows parents to share parts of their own identities and family stories. Plus, children absorb these stories and multicultural elements during the prime window of rapid brain growth! That’s why it’s so important to intentionally incorporate Hispanic and Latinx children’s books into your family’s regular reading time.
Tips for Reading with Your Little One
When reading with babies and toddlers, keep a few things in mind to create an engaging experience and build their early literacy skills:
- Point out and name the objects, animals, or foods on each page. Simple labeling helps build vocabulary.
- Act out key actions or gestures in the book. Babies love mimicking peek-a-boo, clapping, waving, and more.
- Read with enthusiasm by using expressive voices. Toddlers enjoy it when you make the characters come alive.
- Allow time for your child to turn the pages. Board books are great for little hands.
- Tailor reading time to your child’s mood and attention span. Don’t be afraid to stop after a few pages.
- Read favorite books again and again. Repetition helps reinforce language.
- Relate elements in the story to your child’s own experiences. Make connections for them.
- Have fun together! The snuggles and bonding time are just as important.
Must-Read Board Books Celebrating Hispanic and Latinx Cultures
When it comes to building your little one’s library, board books are a must for babies and toddlers. Their sturdy pages are perfect for little hands. Here are 15 great Hispanic and Latinx board books celebrating culture through stories, songs, foods, traditions, and bright illustrations. These books will quickly become favorites to read and share with your kids repeatedly!
Lil’ Libros: First Words/Primeras palabras
Written by Patty Rodriguez, Ariana Stein, Illustrated by Citlali Reyes
This bilingual board book teaches babies their first English and Spanish words.
Counting With – Contando con Frida
Written by Patty Rodriguez, Ariana Stein, Illustrated by Citlali Reyes
Learn to count from 1 to 10 with Frida Kahlo and examples of her own artwork.
Zapata: Colors – Colores
Written by Patty Rodriguez, Ariana Stein, Illustrated by Citlali Reyes
Emiliano Zapata was a legendary leader in the Mexican revolution who fought for peasant rights. This bilingual English-Spanish board book uses colors to teach first words and introduce children to Zapata’s extraordinary life riding across Mexico on his white horse in his brown sombrero.
Cuauhtémoc: Shapes – Formas
Written by Patty Rodriguez, Ariana Stein, Illustrated by Citlali Reyes
This bilingual English-Spanish board book uses shapes like circles, triangles, and hearts to teach first words on an imaginative journey through ancient Tenochtitlan with Aztec emperor Cuauhtémoc. With colorful illustrations, it introduces children to the world of the Aztecs while building early geometry and bilingual language skills.
Lucha Libre Anatomy-Anatomia
Written by Patty Rodriguez, Ariana Stein, Illustrated by Citlali Reyes
Lucha Libre wrestling has been hugely popular since its start in 1863, inspiring masked superhero characters. This bilingual English-Spanish board book uses the exciting world of Lucha Libre to teach children body parts and first words through colorful illustrations.
Where Is? Donde Esta? El Chavo
Written by Patty Rodriguez, Ariana Stein, Illustrated by Citlali Reyes
This bilingual Spanish-English board book features the beloved character El Chavo in a playful hide-and-seek style story. Young readers will love lifting the flaps to find El Chavo and other popular Mexican TV series characters.
Chapulín Colorado: Sounds / Sonidos
Written by Patty Rodriguez, Ariana Stein, Illustrated by Citlali Reyes
El Chapulin Colorado is a beloved Latin American superhero who inspires kids with his enthusiasm and kindness despite not having superpowers. This bilingual English-Spanish board book uses sound effects like “tic tac” and “toc toc” to introduce the classic character from the 1970s sitcom to a new generation.
Around the World with / Alrededor del mundo con Cantinflas
Written by Patty Rodriguez, Ariana Stein, Illustrated by Citlali Reyes
Inspired by renowned Mexican comedian Cantinflas, this bilingual English-Spanish board book uses his inquisitive spirit to take children on an imaginative journey to learn first words. With Cantinflas as their guide, little ones will travel by train through the United States, hot air balloon through France, and more while building vocabulary.
La Catrina: Emotions – Emociones
Written by Patty Rodriguez, Ariana Stein, Illustrated by Citlali Reyes
Inspired by Day of the Dead skulls, this bilingual English-Spanish board book uses emotional expressions to teach young readers their first words and help them recognize feelings like excited, sad, and confident. With colorful illustrations, it introduces children to this iconic Latin American holiday and critical early concepts.
The Life of / La vida de Dolores
Written by Patty Rodriguez, Ariana Stein, Illustrated by Citlali Reyes
Dolores Huerta coined the rallying cry “Si, Se Puede! Yes, it can be done!” as a champion for migrant farmworkers’ rights who co-founded the United Farm Workers of America. This bilingual board book introduces young readers to Huerta’s inspirational life as a teacher, community leader, and labor organizer who fought for justice and equality.
The Life of / La Vida de Ritchie
Written by Patty Rodriguez, Ariana Stein, Illustrated by Citlali Reyes
Ritchie Valens was a legendary Mexican-American musician who started playing guitar at 5 and performed with his first band as a teenager before tragically passing away at 17. Known for hits like “La Bamba,” Valens’ music continues to inspire fans today and this bilingual board book introduces his story and legacy to a new generation.
The Life of / La Vida De Selena
Written by Patty Rodriguez, Ariana Stein, Illustrated by Citlali Reyes
Selena became lead singer of her family band as a child and rose to fame as the “Queen of Tejano Music”, releasing hit albums like Amor Prohibido before her tragic death at 23. The creators of this bilingual book series aim to inspire young readers to learn about the life of Selena and her love of family, fans, and pizza through simple English and Spanish text.
The Life of/La Vida De Celia
Written by Patty Rodriguez, Ariana Stein, Illustrated by Citlali Reyes
Celia Cruz became an internationally celebrated salsa singer known for her powerful voice and flamboyant style, earning the nickname the “Queen of Salsa.” This bilingual board book introduces young readers to the remarkable life and music of the late Cuban-American star.
The Life of / La vida de Basquiat
Written by Patty Rodriguez, Ariana Stein, Illustrated by Citlali Reyes
Jean-Michel Basquiat was a young prodigy who revolutionized art with his neo-expressionist graffiti, using scribbles and skull motifs to leave his mark across 1980s New York. This bilingual biography board book introduces parents and children to the inspirational Haitian-Puerto Rican painter’s boundary-pushing creative legacy.
The Solar System with – El Sistema Solar con Ellen
Written by Patty Rodriguez, Ariana Stein, Illustrated by Citlali Reyes
As the first Latina astronaut, Ellen Ochoa traveled to space and saw the sun, moon, and planets up close. This bilingual English-Spanish board book uses simple facts to teach young readers about the solar system while introducing Ellen’s groundbreaking achievements.
The Life of / La vida de Pelé
Written by Patty Rodriguez, Ariana Stein, Illustrated by Citlali Reyes
Pelé, born in Brazil in 1940, is considered one of the best soccer players ever with extraordinary talent and achievement in the sport. This bilingual board book introduces young readers to the legendary life of Pelé and his global impact on soccer/fútbol.
The Life of / La vida de Walter
Written by Patty Rodriguez, Ariana Stein, Illustrated by Citlali Reyes
Walter Mercado was a beloved Puerto Rican astrologer and TV personality famously known for his daily astrology shows. This bilingual board book introduces children to the colorful life and career of Mercado as an astrologer, actor, dancer, and writer.
The Life of / La vida de Llort
Written by Patty Rodriguez, Ariana Stein, Illustrated by Citlali Reyes
Fernando Llort is a renowned Salvadoran artist who founded an artisan movement by teaching agricultural workers artistic skills to earn a living. After establishing the commune “Semilla de Dios” in the town of La Palma, Llort inspired and empowered the community to develop a thriving local handicraft culture beyond field labor.
The Life of / La vida de Evelyn
Written by Patty Rodriguez, Ariana Stein, Illustrated by Citlali Reyes
Evelyn Cisneros became the first Mexican-American prima ballerina in the U.S. despite being shy, eventually dancing with the prestigious San Francisco Ballet. This bilingual book introduces children to Cisneros’ inspirational journey overcoming anxiety through her love of ballet’s beauty and grace.
The Life of / La vida de Salazar
Written by Patty Rodriguez, Ariana Stein, Illustrated by Citlali Reyes
Ruben Salazar was the first Mexican-American journalist for the LA Times, dedicated to spotlighting Chicano issues in mainstream media during the 1960s. Salazar brought critical positive attention to East LA’s Mexican-American community through his pioneering reporting on the Chicano movement’s efforts and problems.
The Life of / La vida de Chico
Written by Patty Rodriguez, Ariana Stein, Illustrated by Citlali Reyes
Chico Mendes was a Brazilian activist who courageously defended the Amazon rainforest as a rubber tapper leader and environmentalist. He led nonviolent protests blocking deforestation, willing to sacrifice his life to save the Amazon, before his assassination in 1988.
The Life of / La vida de Pura
Written by Patty Rodriguez, Ariana Stein, Illustrated by Citlali Reyes
Pura Belpré was a pioneering Puerto Rican puppeteer and author whose bilingual children’s book “Perez y Martina” broke barriers as the first published by a major U.S. publisher. Belpré’s storytelling gifts and literary impact were so profound that the Pura Belpré Award was named after her legacy.
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Snuggle Up with These Hispanic & Latinx Board Books
With engaging stories, rhymes, songs, and adorable illustrations, these Hispanic and Latinx board books are perfect for sharing with your little one. As you read together, use your voice, faces, and hands to bring the characters and scenes to life. Relate what’s happening in the story to your baby’s own experiences. Ask them to point out and name the pictures on each page. Read the Spanish words and phrases out loud together. And most importantly, snuggle up and have fun bonding over each book! Reading these stories is a great way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and teach your child about language, food, music, and culture from across Latin America. So grab one of these bilingual board books today and start building a love of reading and cultural diversity that will last a lifetime.
