Día de los Muertos Books for Kids
by Rosemary D'Urso
The vibrant picture books on this reading list introduce children to the magic and wonder found in the Day of the Dead/ Día de los Muertos, a cherished Mexican holiday celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. This occasion pays homage to beloved ancestors by sharing their stories, favorite foods, and songs. Families believe that for a short time, the departed return to the world of the living to revel in the company of friends and family. These picture books depict the heartwarming reunions along with cherished traditions, including sugar skulls, marigolds, and cheerful Calaveras (skeletons).
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The Day of the Dead / El Día de los Muertos
Buy from:This striking board book uses gentle rhymes to describe the foods, flowers, and other heartfelt preparations made to welcome ancestors on this extraordinary day of celebration and remembrance. With its eye-catching collage illustrations, children and adults will want to pour over each page.
Get the Spanish version.
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Disney Baby: Día de los Muertos
Buy from:Mickey and Minnie Mouse introduce tiny readers to the Day of the Dead celebrations in this cute board book. With Spanish vocabulary sprinkled throughout, these beloved Disney characters show little ones the foods, decorations, and rituals that make the Mexican holiday so special.
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The Day of the Dead on Sesame Street!
Buy from:Join Sesame Street's Rosita as she explains the significance of El Día de los Muertos to Elmo and Abby, showcasing her ofrenda and the heartfelt tradition of honoring departed loved ones. With sturdy pages and vivid illustrations, this board book is an engaging introduction for young children to the treasured Mexican Day of the Dead celebration.
Get the Spanish version.
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Bilingual Baby's First Day of the Dead – Día de muertos
Buy from:This engaging board book captures the vibrant essence of the Day of the Dead festival through real-life photos and child-friendly explanations of the holiday's symbols and festivities. It's a fun little Día de los Muertos read-aloud with English and Spanish text that encourages both languages.
RELATED: Libros En Español: Spanish & Bilingual Board Books
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Celebrate the Day of the Dead!
Buy from:Available in both English and Spanish, this colorful board book follows two children as they hang decorations, paint their faces, attend a parade, and honor their lost loved ones with altars and special food. Enriched with intriguing facts about the holiday, this is an outstanding introduction to the captivating world of the Day of the Dead celebrations.
Get the Spanish version.
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Abuelita's Gift
Buy from:With Día de los Muertos approaching, Julieta struggles to find the perfect gift to welcome her grandmother back. Remembering their special moments together, she creates a heartfelt offering in this warm celebration of family and lasting memories.
Get the Spanish version.
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Day of the Dead
Buy from:This interactive pop-up book is absolutely stunning! Each page reveals an elaborate pop-up scene, from skeletons shopping at the market to dancing the night away. Readers can open doors and pull tabs to interact with each scene, creating an immersive and one-of-a-kind book about Day of the Dead.
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Gustavo, the Shy Ghost
Buy from:This charming tale seamlessly weaves elements of Mexican culture into the heartwarming story of a shy ghost striving to shine despite his transparency. With a blend of heart and humor, this spirited story is an absolute must-read!
Get the Spanish version.
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Day of the Dead: A Celebration of Life
Buy from:You can never go wrong with a Little Golden Book! This one brings the cheerful spirit of Día de Muertos to life, offering a colorful read-aloud experience about the Mexican holiday. It's an easily digestible introduction to the customs of the Day of the Dead, including marigolds, sugar skulls, and favorite foods.
Get the Spanish version.
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Our Day of the Dead Celebration
Buy from:This joyful glimpse into one family’s Day of the Dead celebration captures the true essence of the holiday as they honor past family members by sharing stories and poems. The lively illustrations expertly showcase these heartfelt tributes that preserve the memories of departed loved ones.
Get the Spanish version.
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Coco Little Golden Book (Disney/Pixar Coco)
Buy from:Inspired by the hit Disney/Pixar movie Coco, this delightful Little Golden Book accompanies a young boy named Miguel on a captivating journey into the Land of the Dead, where he seeks to unravel the mystery behind his family’s music ban. With endearing characters and an engaging plot, this is a fun read-aloud for Day of the Dead celebrations and beyond.
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Day of the Dead Hidden Picture Puzzles to Highlight
Buy from:The Highlights hidden picture puzzles are my favorite gifts for any holiday! Children can use the supplied orange highlighter to explore dazzling black-and-white scenes from Day of the Dead celebrations and find hidden objects. This is a fun way to learn more about the holiday while building focus and encouraging attention to detail.
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Day of the Dead Hidden Pictures Puffy Sticker Playscenes
Buy from:Give your child a hands-on Day of the Dead experience with this Hidden Pictures book! Games, mazes, puzzles, and 50 reusable puffy stickers make this book an excellent way to keep kids occupied for hours at a time!
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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2023 and updated in 2026.