15 Picture Books That Celebrate Hispanic & Latine Heritage
by the Brightly Editors
Hispanic and Latine Heritage Month is celebrated between September 15 and October 15 of each year. What better way to honor Hispanic culture and history with kids than with picture books? We’ve rounded up informative and inspiring books to recognize the wide range of voices and stories within Hispanic and Latine culture — from biographies to folktales, there’s something great for every young reader amongst these fiction and nonfiction reads.
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Tíos and Primos
Buy from:A young girl travels with her father to visit their family in Honduras. When she gets there, she realizes that she cannot communicate with anyone and feels out of place. However, as she spends time with her relatives, she realizes that love, laughter, and family connection transcend language barriers.
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Menudo Sunday
Buy from:A family gathering creates a beautifully chaotic backdrop for this bilingual counting book. A large family prepares a traditional Mexican soup, only to have the bowl break, destroying all their hard work. The family must work together to make a new batch of the beloved soup. Family, food, and tradition warm the pages of this charming picture book.
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My Abuela Is a Bruja
Buy from:A little girl in Puerto Rico believes that her Abuela is magical. From her comforting hugs to the food she cooks, magic seems to permeate everything the grandmother does. This gorgeous picture book celebrates nature, family, and the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren.
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Fridays Are for Churros
Buy from:When Emi moves to a new city, Papi is too busy at his new job to continue their tradition of making churros for friends and family every Friday. However, with some help (and ingredients) from her new neighbors, Emi finds a way to make both churros and friends. This sweet book celebrates food, family, and community.
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The Piñata That The Farm Maiden Hung
Buy from:Readers of all ages will love this bilingual twist on “The House That Jack Built.” A farm maiden creates a stunning piñata with help from the farm animals. But can they get it finished in time for a little girl’s surprise party? With Spanish words sprinkled throughout the text and gorgeous illustrations, this picture book is a delight to read.
RELATED: Kids' Books About Mexican Culture & History
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Adela’s Mariachi Band
Buy from:Adela wants to join her family’s mariachi band, but she can’t play an instrument, and her attempts at dancing end in disaster. Even though she feels discouraged, Adela taps into her creativity and finds a way to participate in her family’s band. This sweet book introduces young readers to mariachi music, Spanish vocabulary, and Mexican culture through rhyming text and vibrant illustrations.
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Abuelita's Gift
Buy from:A young girl, eager to honor her Abuelita on Día de Muertos, searches for the perfect tribute. When her creative ideas fall short, she discovers that the most heartfelt offering lives in the memories they cherished together.
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Mother of Sharks
Buy from:Shark conservation, STEM, and magic combine in this gorgeous picture book biography set in Puerto Rico. During a visit to the beach as a girl, Meli meets a crab who whisks her away on a fantastical adventure. This experience encourages Meli to study sharks and educate others about the misunderstood creatures.
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Across the Bay
Buy from:Spend a day in the life of a young boy in Puerto Rico as he ventures into San Juan to look for his Papi. There, he explores the historic city and takes in the sights. The gorgeous illustrations and heartfelt story celebrate the vibrant culture of San Juan. You’ll want to read this book again and again.
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My Two Border Towns
Buy from:This beautiful, award-winning picture book is about a young boy who lives near the U.S.-Mexico border. The boy and his dad travel from one country to the other, visit family, run errands, and help friends seeking asylum. It’s available in English and Spanish editions and offers young readers a peek into life in a border town.
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Squawk of Spanish
Buy from:Max only speaks English, and Abuela only speaks Spanish, so they rely on Lorito, the parrot, to bridge the language gap. One day, Lorito isn’t there, so Max tries speaking in Spanish. He is pleasantly surprised by the results. With Abuela’s limited English, they spend a beautiful day baking together. This heartwarming story is perfect for fans of Mango, Abuela, and Me and any young reader who has experienced a language barrier with a relative.
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Cantora
Buy from:Introduce young readers to Mercedes Sosa, a singer and activist from Argentina. Sosa used her voice to inspire millions of people to fight for a better future. She performed in prestigious venues all over the world, sharing stories through song. Even when her country’s government exiled her, she stayed true to her voice and passion for justice.
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Areli Is a Dreamer
Buy from:Based on the author’s real-life experiences, this picture book shares Areli’s story as a young immigrant from Mexico. Although moving to a new country presented many difficulties, Areli now calls America home. It’s a touching story that any child will love — especially if they’ve also experienced the growing pains of adjusting to a new place.
RELATED: Books for Kids About the Immigrant Experience in America
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A Maleta Full of Treasures
Buy from:Family love and mementos make this warm, comforting story a must-read. Dulce loves it when Abuela visits, but it never lasts long enough. When Dulce gives Abuela some souvenirs to give to her cousins in Mexico, Abuela gives Dulce a gift in return. This delightful story celebrates the true meaning of home and the special connection children share with their grandparents.
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Precious
Buy from:With his father on the mainland working, Pedrito and his family endure a hurricane and must cope with the devastation that follows. However, his mother encourages Pedrito to sing a song about Puerto Rico, and soon, the entire island joins in. This beautiful story explores themes of hope, community, and the power of music to lift spirits.
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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2016 and updated in 2025.