Mexico

Poems in English and Spanish, each one a little gem about life in Mexico – "Iguanas on the Taxco Road," "Corn," "Adobe Brick," "Street Dogs," "Downtown, Mexico City," and more. Warm, soft-pastel illustrations. (Picture book)

When Senor Calavera comes to call on Grandma, she's only too happy to go with him, but she has one house to sweep, two pots of tea to boil, three pounds of corn to make into tortillas… An irresistible tale, fabulously illustrated. (Picture book)

Charming introduction to Day of the Dead, in Spanish and English. Two children prepare for the holiday, and then under the moon glowing bright, they dance and sing. Beautiful paper collage illustrations. (Picture book)

More books on our blog post:
"Day of the Dead"

On the Day of the Dead, as Nando and his mother prepare to go to the cemetery, Nando wonders how he will know his Tio Fernando's spirit. Nando goes to the market to buy things to remind him of his uncle – bread of the dead, marzipan candy, an orange and black paper goblin. Story in English and Spanish. (Illustrated chapter book)

For Frida, imagination was everything. Magical, marvelous story of Frida Kahlo, one of Mexico's best-loved artists, who took her tears and painted miracles. Fabulous, original illustrations. (Picture book)

Also, an illustrated biography – Who Was Frida Kahlo?

Diego Rivera, the famous painter, drew everywhere as a child, and when he grew up, Diego painted what he saw, people on the Day of the Dead, fiestas, scenes of the deserts and jungles, murals that tell the story of Mexico. Vibrantly illustrated, this is a gem! (Picture book)

Colorful retelling of five animal folktales from Mexico - a tiny cricket tricks Senor Puma, Mosni the sea turtle retrieves grains of sand to make the earth, possum is the fire-bringer (but his tail catches on fire), the flea gets lazy ones to work, frog wants to fly. Plus background about the Tarahumara, Seri, Huichol, Triqui and Tseltal indigneous people. (Illustrated chapter book)

Get to know the ancient Maya, their cities, temples (including Il Castillo) and palaces in the rainforest, society, arts and religion, plus fun facts about the ancient Maya – flat foreheads and large noses were considered beautiful, wealthy Maya wore jaguar skins, jade was highly prized. (Picture book)

Pik, challenges the mighty god Chac to a ball game – if Pik wins, Chac will bring the rain. A jaguar, quetzal bird and the sacred cenote help Pik win against Chac. Dazzling cut-paper illustrations. (Picture book)

In this Maya folktale, chocolate was the favorite food of the gods in paradise. Kukulkan helped the people of earth bringing corn, music, the Maya calendar, and then he gave them seeds from cacao tree, so they too could eat chocolate. (Easy reader)

Retelling of a Mexican creation myth, how two volcanoes Iztaccihutal (sleeping woman) and Popocatepetl (smoky mountain) were formed. A princess Itza falls in love with the warrior Popoca, but she is given a sleeping potion by their enemy. (Picture book)

Choose three different paths for life in the Aztec empire – as a healer in the city, Eagle or Jaguar warrior, or travel with the Spanish conqueror Hernan Cortes. (Illustrated chapter book)

Also, good overview and introduction to the ancient Aztecs: The Aztec Empire

Shapeshifter twins Carol and Johnny go on a quest to the underworld (Mictlan), to rescue their mother. Aided by Xolotl, animal self of Quetzcalcoatl, Lord of Life, the twins battle demonic birds, gigantic snatch-bats, fierce guardians of Mictlan who only let dead souls pass, and dark shadow magic of Tezcatlipoca, Lord of Chaos. Aztec mythology and lore is woven into an exciting adventure (Chapter book)

Kids can read for themselves about Mexico, a country of rain forests, deserts, mountains and beaches. Spend the day with Rosa who lives in La Paz, meet her family, go to school, learn about the history of Mexico, from ancient cultures to independence, celebrate Day of the Dead, play soccer and eat typical Mexican food. (Easy reader)

A delightful introduction to Mexico in rhymes and pictures – hop aboard a canyon train, climb the pyramids, celebrate festivals, dance to mariachi bands, explore the capital city, swim in turquoise waters, plus simple Spanish words. Two page, colorful illustrations, and perfect for younger kids. (Picture book)

Hola from Mexico, explore the country with Rosa and Pedro – food (tortillas, tamales, flan), legends, traditions, history, Mexico City, holidays (Day of the Dead, Cinco de Mayo), school, games and sports. (Picture book)