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10 picture books for Native American Heritage Month

Posted on November 22, 2022 by Lindsay Books

picture books for Native American History month

Like most American kids, I learned very little about Native Americans in school and especially around Thanksgiving. I’ve been excited to read picture books for Native American Heritage Month and learn about their extraordinary heritage with my kids. Here are 10 books you can share with your family for November, which marks Native American Heritage Month. They are great options for Thanksgiving as well.

Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard and Juana Martinez-Neal. I included this in my Thanksgiving picture books list as well because it’s a beautiful story about Native American culture. It’s also about the history of fry bread (which taught me so much!) and gorgeously illustrated by one of my favorite artists, Juana Martinez-Neal.

Powwow Day by Tracy Sorell and Madelyn Goodnight. I absolutely adored this book about a little girl who is ill and sad that she can’t participate in her community’s powwow. She ultimately learns about the healing power of powwows and is welcomed by those who dance on her behalf. My kids and I learned so much about the dances and rituals from this story!

I Sang You Down From the Stars by Tasha Spillett-Sumner and Michaela Goade. Parents, you’ll want a tissue reading this book (or at least I did). It focuses on a mother preparing for her baby to be born by gathering a medicine bundle with a white feather, sage, cedar, a stone, and more. I love the illustrations and the emotions of this book and the beautiful traditions it explains.

Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun’s Thanksgiving Story by Danielle Greendeer, Anthony Perry, Alexis Bunten and Gary Meeches Sr. This story helped me talk to my kids about the first Thanksgiving and how the Wampanoag people were instrumental in helping the Pilgrims make it through their first winter. I also really appreciated that this book includes a pronunciation guide and Native American words throughout. It turns out I was pronouncing Wampanoag completely wrong.

Still This Love Goes On by Buffy Sainte-Marie and Julie Flett. I am a big fan of Julie Flett’s work, and this book featuring song lyrics about the Cree people is gorgeous. It’s also about gratitude for your heritage and for the earth, so it’s perfect for Thanksgiving as well.

We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell and Frane Lessac. Members of the Cherokee nation use the word otsaliheliga to express gratitude. This book goes through the different seasons and talks about Cherokee traditions and ways the people are thankful. Like the other story above, it also includes a glossary to help you pronounce the words used throughout. I love this book and bought it for our home.

Berry Song by Michaela Goade. As I turned the pages of this stunning book with my family, I was reminded of my own (very different) summers picking huckleberries as a kid. The story centers around a girl and her grandmother picking berries and fishing and singing a song of gratitude to the earth. I need to buy this one for our collection.

Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message by Chief Jake Swamp and Erwin Printup, Jr. This is another book I’ve included on a Thanksgiving list because it is all about being grateful for the things we have. It includes a traditional Iroquois ceremonial address as well.

The Circle of Thanks by Joseph Bruchac and Murv Jacob. I am trying to find more books that introduce my children to poetry. This compilation of 14 poems about nature and Thanksgiving from Abenaki author Joseph Bruchac is beautiful and a wonderful reminder of the importance of gratitude.

Stolen Words by Melanie Florence and Gabrielle Grimard. While this is a heavier book for kids, I think it does a wonderful job of talking about schools that separated indigenous children from their families. The story follows a little girl who asks her grandfather to say something in Cree. When he responds that his language was stolen from him as a boy, she helps him reclaim his language and heritage. Check this one out for sure.

I would love to know your favorite picture books for Native American Heritage Month! I’m especially interested in those written and illustrated by Native American authors.

31 picture books for Halloween

Posted on October 5, 2022 by Lindsay Books

Covers of "Creepy Crayon," "A Spoonful of Frogs," and "There's a Ghost in this House"

I’ve shared 13 of my favorite Halloween books, 13 MORE favorites, and then even MORE favorites here. However, I thought I’d put together a big list you can easily save for the library (or buy books from if you want to add to your collection). Here are 31 picture books for Halloween you’ll love for your whole family!

Creepy Crayon by Aaron Reynolds and Peter Brown. I LOVE the Creepy Tales series so much, and I actually preordered this one (which I never do). It did not disappoint. Jasper is struggling in school until he finds a creepy purple crayon that magically helps him finish his work.

A Spoonful of Frogs by Casey Lyall and Vera Brosgol. This new release had my kids and I laughing out loud and reminded me of one of our favorites, How To Give Your Cat a Bath: In Five Easy Steps. In this story, the witch is trying to make frog soup and needs to add the final ingredient: a spoonful of frogs. Of course, it’s impossible to get the frogs into the pot, so chaos ensues.

There’s a Ghost In This House by Oliver Jeffers. Who doesn’t love Oliver Jeffers’ illustrations? I love that this one uses vellum to deposit little ghosts in different areas of the house as you turn the page.

Brains! Not Just a Zombie Snack by Stacy McAnulty and Matthew Rivera. I adore everything that Matthew Rivera illustrates. This one has the double-whammy of being creepy enough for Halloween and also teaching kids about how the brain works.

The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt by Riel Nason and Byron Eggenschwiler. This story turns what you know about ghosts being transparent and white on its head. This ghost looks like a quilt. However, quilts provide warmth (unlike sheets), so this ghost has an experience with kids trick-or-treating he otherwise wouldn’t have.

The Witch Who Lives Down the Hall by Donna Guthrie and Amy Schwartz. This one is harder to find, since it was published in 1985. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the story of a little boy who is SURE his neighbor is a witch. His mother reassures him she is not, and as the story progresses, he learns how sweet his neighbor really is.

Los Gatos Black on Halloween by Marisa Montes and Yuyi Morales. I am a big fan of bilingual books, and this one throws in Spanish words like bruja (witch) and esqueleto (skeleton). The rhythm in this is also excellent, perfect for reading aloud.

Stumpkin by Lucy Ruth Cummins. It’s a favorite in our house for a reason. Lucy Ruth Cummins’ illustrations are beautiful, and I love the story of a pumpkin who just wants to become a jack-o-lantern.

Sir Simon, Super Scarer by Cale Atkinson. I laugh out loud every time I read this book to my kids. When a boy and his grandmother move into a house Simon currently haunts, Simon decides to get the boy to do his scaring for him.

A Tiger Called Tomás by Charlotte Zolotow and Marta Alvarez Miguens. The illustrations make this repurposed 1960s story from Charlotte Zolotow shine. I think everyone can identify with the little boy who is too shy to try to make friends. When Halloween comes, he happily puts on a costume, only to realize it doesn’t hide his identity. PLEASE buy this book. It is so sweet.

Pick a Pumpkin by Patricia Toht and Jarvis. I can’t say enough good things about this book. It has great rhythm, inclusive and gorgeous illustrations, and a fun story that will make you want to go to a pumpkin patch with your family.

The Little Kitten by Nicola Killen. We own all four books in Nicola Killen’s animal friends series, and I love this sweet story! Ollie returns a lost kitten to its home, only to realize that her own cat, Pumpkin, is now lost. The foil on the pages and cover make this book a keepsake and also beautiful for displaying.

How To Make Friends With a Ghost by Rebecca Green. You need to buy this one, too, because it is perfection. Like all good how-to books, it provides easy-to-follow steps for enticing a ghost to be your friend. Hint: They love bedtime stories.

Bonaparte Falls Apart by Margery Cuyler and Will Terry. This was one of the first Halloween picture books I ever read to my kids, and we still love it. A skeleton, Bonaparte, is nervous for the first day of school because his bones keep falling off. Luckily, he has some kind friends who help him pull himself together.

Big Pumpkin by Erica Silverman and S.D. Schindler. I know many teachers love this book, and it is perfect for elementary-age kids because of its rhythm and repetition. The witch grows a huge pumpkin and can’t get it off the vine to make a pumpkin pie, so she enlists the help of friends to move it.

Winnie the Witch by Valerie Thomas and Korky Paul. Though this is another one that’s hard to find, it’s absolutely worth it if you can get a copy! Winnie the Witch lives in a completely black house and is always tripping over her black cat, Wilbur, so she comes up with a creative way to see him.

Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. You probably already own or have read this book, but it’s a classic we love. The witch keeps allowing more animals to fly on her broom with her until it gets so heavy it cracks. The ending will surprise you! Also, Julia Donaldson is the QUEEN of rhythm. We also love The Gruffalo by this author-illustrator duo.

The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda D. Williams and Megan Lloyd. This is another one your kids will probably be familiar with from school. A little old lady is walking home in the woods and hears some noises behind her. Because she’s not afraid of anything, though, she refuses to let the loose pants, shirt, shoes, and gloves scare her.

The Berenstain Bears Trick or Treat by Stan and Jan Berenstain. I have collected almost every Berenstain Bears book ever written for my kids, and I have always loved this one. Brother and Sister are going trick-or-treating with friends, but they don’t want to go to Old Miz McGrizz’s house because they think she’s scary. Luckily, they realize that appearances can be deceiving.

Ghosts in the House! by Kazuno Kohara. This book is ADORABLE and so creative. When a girl moves into a house that turns out to be haunted with ghosts, she comes up with a clever solution. Soon, ghosts become tablecloths, curtains, and blankets for the bed.

What Was I Scared Of? by Dr. Seuss. Kind of similar to The Little Old Lady book above, this classic Dr. Seuss book is about a character who is terrified of a pair of pants he sees floating around. He learns that the pants are just as scared of him. As an added bonus, some of the editions of this book have glow-in-the-dark pants on the pages.

She Made a Monster: How Mary Shelley Created Frankenstein by Lynn Fulton and Felicita Sala. I love picture book biographies, and this one is about feminist author Mary Shelley! I like to throw in a good nonfiction book at Halloween when we’re surrounded by supernatural stories.

Ghost Afraid of the Dark by Sara Conway. Yes, another book with glow-in-the-dark illustrations! This one also has a great message about asking for help and surrounding yourself with good friends.

Frankenstein Doesn’t Wear Earmuffs by John Loren. I grew up in east Idaho, where it often snowed before Halloween, so I can relate to the boy in this book. His parents keep making him put on layers so he’ll stay warm while trick-or-treating, but he is not thrilled that they’re ruining his costume.

Gustavo, The Shy Ghost by Flavia Z. Drago. If you loved the movie Coco or love the Mexican holiday Dia de Los Muertos, you’ll love Gustavo. This cute ghost wants to invite some people over to celebrate the Day of the Dead and make some friends, but he’s really shy and not sure they’ll come.

Can You See What I See? On a Scary, Scary Night by Walter Wick. The illustrator of the I Spy books has this super-fun Halloween book with pictures to find throughout the pages. Your kids will love it.

Sammy’s Spooktacular Halloween by Mike Petrik. My kids liked this cute story about a little boy who likes to play tricks (only harmless ones) on his family and has been planning his Halloween antics all year. I like that it focuses on family and NOT on pranks, because I don’t like pranks.

Snowmen at Halloween by Caralyn Buehner and Mark Buehner. We all love the Snowmen books at our house (there are five books in the series), and this Halloween one is darling. My kids also like looking for the hidden mouse on each page.

Go Away, Big Green Monster! by Ed Emberley. This was my kids’ FAVORITE book when they were about three, and they still pull it off the shelf every once in a while even though they’re eight years old now. The pages have die-cuts of scraggly hair and teeth and eyes that allow you to build the monster and then take everything away. It’s adorable!

Goodnight Goon: A Petrifying Parody by Michael Rex. If you read Goodnight Moon to your kids a lot like I did when mine were babies, you’ll love this parody that keeps the rhythm of the original.

How to Scare a Ghost by Jean Reagan and Lee Wildish. You may have read this duo’s book How to Babysit a Grandma. This one is similar, with steps that explain how to scare a ghost. Like other Jean Reagan books, How to Scare a Ghost has a lovable ending.

Did I list your favorite picture books for Halloween? Tell me what you’ve been reading with your family in the comments!

Seven places to find new books to read

Posted on April 26, 2022 by Lindsay Books

You know that book blogs are a great place to find book recommendations since you’re reading this post! However, voracious readers know that they have to look around to find new books, especially if they’re trying out a new genre or looking for a specific topic. Here are seven places to find new books to read.

Costco. If you have a Costco membership, you understand that the merchandise is CONSTANTLY changing. My husband goes there at least weekly during the spring to get new flowers or trees for our yard. Costco is also a great place to find new books because they always have a mix of new releases (mainly adult books) and box sets. We will browse this section every time we’re there and get ideas for series my kids haven’t read yet. I also love that Costco has been selling picture books for both Black History Month and Women’s History Month, and I always get ideas here. Pro tip: Take a picture of the books that look interesting and then search your local library for them before buying a set.

Barnes & Noble newsletters. I know some people are diehard Barnes & Noble fans, and I get it. You can browse the sections and then go right over and get a snack while you read. Since I prefer to shop secondhand or from local shops, I rarely shop here — but the email newsletters are gold. I always look forward to these emails to see what books are being released, and then I put them on hold through the Libby app. If you do prefer to buy books through Barnes & Noble, these newsletters usually have coupon codes for new releases as well.

Indie bookstore newsletters. I signed up for the e-newsletter from my local bookstore, The King’s English, a few years ago and love getting news about what local authors are publishing. This is also where I go to find out about book signings or virtual author events. Chances are good that your local bookstore also has an email subscriber list.

Goodreads. Yes, I have an obsession with Goodreads. It is the best tool to record what you read and find new books you’ll love. One of my favorite features is receiving emails whenever an author I’ve read books from has a new release. I head straight over to Libby to reserve the audiobook or ebook once I know it’s available or reserve a hardcover from my library website. Goodreads also periodically emails you when an author you love endorses another author’s book. For example, I loved Lori Gottlieb’s Maybe You Should Talk to Someone and gave it five stars on Goodreads. Because of that, I’ve received recommendations for other similar memoirs I’ve loved. If you haven’t used your Goodreads account in a while, hop over there! I can’t say enough about how lifechanging it is for readers.

Library holds section. Whoever conceived the holds section of the library should win the Nobel prize. I’m at my local library at least three times a week picking up new books for myself or my kids. It is a lifesaver. While I’m grabbing my books, I’ll glance at what other patrons have on hold. Do I always get ideas for new books to read? No. Do I realize that there are books out there that suit everyone? Absolutely. I mainly find picture book ideas here, but I’ve also seen beautiful coffee table books that I checked out later and loved.

Amazon. I mean, duh. Who hasn’t bought a book on Amazon? What I love about Amazon, though, is the sheer amount of data they have. If you look up the first Diary of a Wimpy Kid book, for example, you’ll see all the other books in the series and books that other customers who like DOAWK (just made that acronym up) also like. I had to do this exact search a few months ago when my son finished that series and then wasn’t interested in anything else. Amazon has also started prompting me to finish my series and showing me new books. Pro tip: If you love a certain series or author, check Amazon first and add the pre-order book to your cart, even if you don’t plan to buy it. Then check your cart periodically and request the titles from your library one or two months before they’re published. I rarely buy books without reading them first. This is how I ensure I get them first from the library!

Instagram influencers. I follow several children’s book bloggers on Instagram, including @hereweeread, @book.nerd.mommy, and @bookbloom. Whenever they share books that look interesting to me, I screenshot the post on my phone and then search for the titles at my library. You can also search hashtags like #instabook or #bookblogger to find books you love.

13 great picture books for spring

Posted on March 7, 2022 by Lindsay Books

Utah is being sneaky right now and surprising us with sunny days and temperatures in the 70s — followed, of course, by snow again. I have a post of favorite Easter books already, but I felt spring needed its own post as well. If you’re like me and love seeing the tulips and crocuses pop up, you’ll enjoy these stories about nature and the beautiful colors of the season. Here are 13 picture books for spring.

Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring by Kenard Pak. I absolutely love everything this wonderful author/illustrator creates, and his books about changing seasons are my favorite. A boy and his dog take a walk in nature and watch how winter is ending and spring is beginning. The illustrations are so pretty!

The Hidden Rainbow by Christie Matheson. We have enjoyed all of Christie Matheson’s books because they’re interactive and fun for kids. In this one, bees need the reader’s help to find different plants to pollinate. Each page showcases brightly colored flowers in rainbow colors and also teaches kids how gardens work. I also love her book Plant the Tiny Seed for spring.

Carl and the Meaning of Life by Deborah Freedman. If you told me five years I would love a book about an earthworm, I would have laughed at you. Don’t be deceived by the cover and the idea that an earthworm is explaining the meaning of life, though. This story is all about how we all have a purpose, even earthworms, and also helps you better understand science and ecosystems.

Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner and Christopher Silas Neal. I find all of the books in Kate Messner’s botany series so interesting, and I don’t even like gardening! In this one, you learn what happens above ground in the garden that you can see (plants growing) and what’s also happening in the dirt below (insects are moving). I have learned so much from this book and her others, and my kids love them, too.

Singing in the Rain by Arthur Freed and Tim Hopgood. Normally I would not enjoy a picture book that is literally the lyrics of a famous song, but I make exceptions sometimes. This one has the most beautiful and happy illustrations, and I love the images of children with many different skin tones. If you’re looking for a book that makes rain seem fun, this is it.

The Forever Garden by Laurel Snyder and Samantha Cotterill. This book will tug at your heartstrings. It focuses on a little girl named Laurel and her friendship with Honey, the woman who lives next door. Honey and Laurel spend a lot of time together tending the garden, until Honey has to move away to take care of her mother. Laurel worries about what will happen to the garden when Honey is gone and comes up with a solution.

We Are the Gardeners by Joanna Gaines and Julianna Swaney. I am not a fan of Joanna Gaines’ other book, but this one is really sweet and made me want to garden with my kids! (Remember how I said earlier that I don’t enjoy gardening?) It’s about the journey her then-four kids went on to create a garden at their home and offers tips on creating your own.

Bloom Boom! by April Pulley Sayre. You will want to plant a million flowers after reading this gorgeous book full of amazing photographs. The text is sparse but has a great rhythm and rhyme, and at the end of the book you learn more about the flowers pictured. This would be so pretty on a bookshelf in your home or library. I like April Pulley Sayre’s book Full of Fall as well.

When Spring Comes by Kevin Henkes and Laura Dronzek. If it’s got Kevin Henkes’ name on it, you can bet that I will read it and probably buy it. His wife also illustrated this one, and it’s so sweet. Each page describes what you can look forward to as winter leaves and spring arrives.

Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert. Is it obvious yet that I am drawn to bold illustrations? Lois Ehlert’s beautiful paper collages are SO fun. In this story, a mother and daughter plant seeds, seedlings and bulbs and watch as they grow into flowers. If you like this one, you’ll love her other books, like Leaf Man.

Rain! by Linda Ashman and Christian Robinson. Raise your hand if rain makes you grumpy sometimes. I’ll admit that I identify more with the grumpy old man in this story who is cursing the rain and the puddles. On the other side of the city, though, a little boy is excited about the rain — and then he meets the grumpy old man. This is also a book about how a positive outlook can help cheer others up, and I love it. I also love Christian Robinson’s illustrations!

In a Garden by Tim McCanna and Aimée Sicuro. This book has such great rhythm and also explains the way gardens grow and how insects and soil contribute to that. SO many books are clunky to read aloud, but this one is actually fun. The illustrations are so pretty, too. I would even give this to an adult who loves gardening. It’s got to be included on a list of picture books for spring.

The Little Lamb by Judy Dunn and Phoebe Dunn. As I was thinking about books I loved as a child, this one came to mind. I ADORED this book because of the beautiful photos of a little girl taking care of her lamb. It may be hard to find at your library since it’s 40+ years old now, but there are plenty of used copies available on eBay and Amazon.

What are your favorite picture books for spring? Do you ring in the season by planting new flowers?

More book series for kids 6 to 8

Posted on March 3, 2022 by Lindsay Books

Remember about six months ago when I published a list of my kids’ favorite series? They have read even more books since then, and I thought it was worth putting together another list of series since so many of you found the other list helpful before. Read on for more book series for kids 6 to 8.

Dragon Masters by Tracey West and Graham Howells. Both my son and my daughter raced through this series and could not stop talking about it. Even better, their friend came to play one day and brought one of the books with her to make sure they knew about it! In this series, kids are trained to become dragon masters in the kingdom, and they have to discover the dragons’ magical powers. I’m excited to get book 22 from the library in April.

Itty Bitty Princess Kitty by Melody Mews and Ellen Stubbings. CLEARLY the author uses a pseudonym, but it actually just makes these books even more adorable. The first one was released right before the world shut down in March 2020, and I will always have a soft spot in my heart for this series because it got my kids through a rough patch of isolation. My daughter even drew a picture of Itty that I will cherish forever. If your kids like cats and princesses, they will love this series.

Cupcake Diaries by Coco Simon. My daughter is still reading this series (she’s on book 20) and loving it. Four friends — Katie, Mia, Emma, and Alexis — form the Cupcake Club and alternate between telling the stories in each book. I love that they help kids navigate elementary school and the transition to middle school. They also include recipes at the back to encourage your kids to bake.

The Haunted Library by Dori Hillestad Butler and Aurore Damant. If your kids like solving mysteries, they’ll love this cute series from King and Kayla series author Dori Hillestad Butler. A girl named Claire lives above the town library and can see ghosts when others can’t. She meets a ghost boy, Kaz, and has different adventures with him in this 10-book series.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney. I’m sure you’ve seen this series before because the books are EVERYWHERE and there are multiple movies. I remember reading the first book years ago because I wanted to see what the hype was about. Then I brought one home and my son became obsessed and flew through them. I also know he loves a series if he asks if we can “keep it” (meaning buy the books for our house). We now own all the books about Greg and his friend Rowley, and they really do live up to the hype. Who doesn’t remember all the weirdness of middle school and challenges of making friends? If your child likes these, he or she will also love the Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid series. The Halloween book made me laugh out loud.

Dragon Girls by Maddy Mara. For some reason, dragons are prominent in a lot of chapter book series? I’m not complaining, though, because my kids love them. My daughter kept asking for more books (sadly, there are only six so far) so she could read about the girls who turn into dragons and protect the forest. They have really pretty, engaging covers and are quick reads.

The 13-Story Treehouse by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton. I discovered this series hunting for something my son would read after he finished Diary of a Wimpy Kid. It’s written in a similar graphic novel format, but this one focuses on two friends who live in a 13-story treehouse and trying to write a book. Of course, the treehouse levels, including a man-eating shark tank and killer mermaids, keep distracting them. My daughter read one and wasn’t interested, but my son flew through these faster than Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

Snow Sisters by Astrid Foss and Monique Dong. Every Frozen-loving kid will adore this series about triplet sisters who protect their kingdom from the evil Shadow Witch. My daughter loves to tell me about their pet polar bear that can conveniently change size into a full-grown bear or a cub depending on the situation.

My Weird School by Dan Gutman and Jim Paillot. These books are short and easy to read, perfect for kids who have a hard time sitting still. Each book has a different rhyming title featuring a teacher at the school (like Miss Daisy is Crazy). My kids have told me they are really funny. I appreciate that the books also help kids enjoy learning and show them that teachers are awesome. Once your kids finish this series, they can read the My Weird School Daze and My Weirder-est School series, too. I love when there are a bunch of books in a series. It takes some pressure off me to find the next book my kids will like.

Meet Yasmin! by Saadia Faruqi and Hatem Aly. This series about a Pakistani-American girl absolutely blew me away, and my daughter loved it! It’s a great way to introduce your kids to Islam, as the books don’t shy away from culture or religion. Urdu words are mixed in, and the books are about problem-solving and strong female heroines.

Timmy Failure by Stephan Pastis. After my son finished reading the last Diary of a Wimpy Kid book, it took a while for me to convince him there are other similar books that are just as funny. He reluctantly read the first book in this series and then told me he LOVES it. He’s now on book five. This series follows Timmy, who is the “greatest detective” in town and also has a pet polar bear named Total. My son read a chapter of book five out loud to me, and I couldn’t stop laughing. These are great fun.

Diary of an Ice Princess by Christina Soontornvat. My daughter has flown through this series about a girl who lives in a palace in the clouds and can control the weather. She also gets SO excited that the illustrations have the same color throughout (pink, green, purple, blue) and aren’t just black-and-white. I also love seeing princesses of color and supporting the author, who wrote an amazing nonfiction book about the 13 Thai soccer players trapped in a cave.

So! Have I included any of your favorites? What are your kids or students reading right now?

10 picture books for the Lunar New Year

Posted on January 31, 2022 by Lindsay Books

I read an amazing book with my kids about the Lunar New Year and realized I didn’t have a list of books for this holiday yet! While it’s not as easy to find picture books on this topic, I enjoyed reading through several and learning all about Asian traditions. If I remember, I’ll even wear red to celebrate next week. Read on for seven picture books for the Lunar New Year.

PoPo’s Lucky Chinese New Year by Virginia Loh-Hagan and Renné Benoit. A Chinese-American girl’s grandma (PoPo) comes to visit and teaches the family all about Lunar New Year dos and don’ts. I learned so much from reading this story and can’t wait to read it to my kids. Did you know that writing in red ink sends the message that you want someone to go away? On the other hand, it’s important to wear and decorate with red. Such an informative book!

Friends are Friends, Forever by Dane Liu and Lynn Scurfield. THIS is the book I referenced at the beginning of this post. It’s the story of a little girl who moves to America and misses her friend and their Lunar New Year activities. She has to learn new traditions and customs in the United States but finally makes a new friend and shares her old traditions with her. I loved that this helps kids understand how hard it is to transition to a new country and also reminds them that friendship is powerful.

The Runaway Wok by Ying Chang Compestine and Sebastià Serra. I am a big fan of Sebastià Serra’s work (he illustrated our very favorite, A Pirate’s Night Before Christmas), and this is a fun folk story that will delight kids. It’s kind of a mixture of the Gingerbread Man and Robin Hood. A boy discovers a magic wok that brings his struggling family food and toys while also emphasizing the importance of generosity. I don’t love that the rich family is basically banished from the city. However, that’s also the nature of folk stories (Hansel and Gretel is kind of morbid). If you read this, you’ll have to let me know what you think.

Ruby’s Chinese New Year by Vickie Lee and Joey Chou. This cute book helps to introduce the Chinese zodiac to kids. Ruby needs to deliver a special card to her grandmother for the Lunar New Year (also an important tradition). She then meets all 12 of the zodiac animals, who help her on her journey. This format, which is similar to Red Riding Hood, is approachable and fun for kids.

Bringing In the New Year by Grace Lin. This is a really simple, quick read that helps kids understand a lot of Lunar New Year traditions, including sweeping out the bad luck, wearing your finest clothes, and hanging decorations. I love Grace Lin’s illustrations, and this would be an easy one for even preschoolers to grasp.

Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas by Natasha Yim and Grace Zong. Who doesn’t love a retelling of a classic fairytale? In this version, Goldy Luck takes some turnip cakes to her panda neighbors to celebrate Chinese New Year. The Chans aren’t home, so she eats their porridge, breaks a chair, and even falls asleep in the bed. Later, she feels bad about the mess she made and figures out how to make it right.

The Nian Monster by Andrea Wang and Alina Chau. I absolutely LOVE Andrea Wang’s books (she won the Newbery for Watercress). This one incorporates a monster legend that kids will enjoy. A little girl named Xingling learns that her family hangs red decorations to keep the Nian monster away at Chinese New Year. Unfortunately, the Nian monster comes back and threatens to eat her and the entire city because the old tricks don’t work. Xingling has to figure out new ways to stop Nian (and we learn more about her traditions in the process).

A Sweet New Year for Ren by Michelle Sterling and Dung Ho. I’ll read anything from illustrator Dung Ho (she is known for Eyes That Kiss in the Corners and Eyes That Speak to the Stars). This book is a sweet one (pardon the pun) about family and traditions. Ren is upset that no one in her family will let her help prepare food for the Lunar New Year. Luckily, her brother arrives home and lets her help with the pineapple cake. Fair warning: This `book will make you hungry.

The Great Race: The Story of the Chinese Zodiac by Christopher Corr. My kids and I read several books like this that tell the legend of the Chinese zodiac, but I like Christopher Corr’s illustrations and the simplicity of this one. If you wonder why only certain animals are included in the zodiac, this explains it in a fun way.

The Tray of Togetherness by Flo Leung. I liked that this book focused on how those celebrating Lunar New Year encourage others to take gifts. All of the snacks have different meanings, which is really cool. This would be a fun tradition to incorporate in our family.

I’ve only sought out picture books for the Lunar New Year for a short time. I’d love to know which ones I’m missing! Please share your favorites in the comments.

More Valentine’s Day picture books to read with your family

Posted on January 26, 2022 by Lindsay Books

I published a list of favorite Valentine’s Day picture books a couple years ago, and now we’ve added even MORE books to our collection. Whether you need a good book to read in your library or classroom or want to add some variety to your personal bookshelves, this list will give you plenty of options. Read on for 12 more Valentine’s Day picture books you’ll love.

Crocodiles Need Kisses Too by Rebecca Colby and Penelope Dullaghan. I absolutely adore this darling book featuring animals that you wouldn’t normally think of as cuddly kissing and hugging their babies. Who would have thought I’d actually like seeing pictures of snakes snuggled up? It’s offbeat and has a great message about how everyone needs love.

In My Heart: A Book of Feelings by Jo Witek and Christine Roussey. This is one of those fun, thick books with a cute heart cutout on the cover kids love to play with. It’s also an excellent way to help kids understand that feelings are healthy and that it’s good to have many feelings. Sometimes your heart might be happy or sad or even angry or afraid. Preschoolers especially will like this, but it’s a wonderful addition to any shelf.

Hug Machine by Scott Campbell. Do you have a hug machine in your house? My son is really affectionate and in tune with other people’s feelings, and he will often come up and give me a hug or want to snuggle. (This trait is not welcome in the middle of the night when he doesn’t sleep in his own bed.) The character in this book just wants to share his love with everyone and goes around hugging everything, including pizza and mailboxes. It may be worth having a little conversation about consent when you read this book and explaining that not EVERYONE likes hugs, but it’s cute and heartwarming all the same.

Fred’s Big Feelings: The Life and Legacy of Mister Rogers by Laura Renauld and Brigette Barrager. You can’t help but think of love whenever you think of Mister Rogers. We all loved this book about how Fred Rogers’ TV show made it OK for people to express their feelings. I also had no idea that the Mr. McFeely character was based on Fred’s grandfather! This is such a great book for any season but especially Valentine’s Day.

Ida, Always by Caron Levis and Charles Santoso. I am admittedly not an animal person and do not normally tear up reading books that feature animals. For this book, however, I make an exception. It’s the true story of polar bears who lived in the Central Park Zoo. When Ida got sick and died, Gus had to learn to live without his best friend and be happy again. Eventually, he did. I love that this book helps kids understand death and grief and also conveys the power of love..

I Need a Hug by Aaron Blabey. If your kids like the Pig the Pug series, they will love this book from the same author/illustrator. This is similar to HedgeHugs and features a porcupine that really wants a hug but can’t find anyone who’ll hug him because of his quills. Then he finds one animal who is willing to hug him (a snake) and isn’t so sure he wants a hug. Aaron Blabey’s illustrations always make me laugh, and this one doesn’t disappoint.

Love, Z by Jessie Sima. WOW. I don’t think I can sum up how great this book is. It’s a simple story of a robot who finds a note in a bottle signed “Love, Beatrice.” Because the robot is not human, it can’t compute what love is (and neither can its parents), so it goes on a hunt to find Beatrice and discover what love is. Of course, Z does discover what love is and that the robot had it all along. The illustrations and message of this book are just wonderful.

Here Comes Valentine Cat by Deborah Underwood and Claudia Rueda. We like all of Deborah Underwood’s cat books (there are books for Easter, Christmas, and fall, too), and this one is adorable. Cat does not like Valentine’s Day and does not want to give Dog a valentine. She is always complaining about Dog’s antics but later realizes Dog is not as bad as she thinks he is. Kids will really enjoy this one.

I Love You Like Yellow by Andrea Beaty and Vashti Harrison. This book has the most beautiful illustrations from Vashti Harrison (who is known for Sulwe, among others) and begs to be read aloud. It shows a lot of diverse families together and talks about the ways they show love. This is also perfect for bedtime!

How We Say I Love You by Nicole Chen and Lenny Wen. My kids and I learned a lot about Chinese culture from this beautiful book about how an Asian-American family shows love to each other. I really like that this book explores ways to show love without saying “I love you,” like cooking, cheering someone on at a soccer game, or holding hands.

Sometimes Love by Katrina Moore and Joy Hwang Ruiz. I was nearly in tears reading this book to my kids. When the mother in the story is deployed in the military, she and her husband and their little girl have to find a temporary place for their dog to stay while they’re gone. This story has inclusive illustrations (a bi-racial family) and the sweetest message about love. I also learned that it’s based on a true story! We just added our dog, Pippin, to our family a few months ago, so this one really touched my heart.

How to Send a Hug by Hayley Rocco and John Rocco. I adored this new release because it’s a love letter both to a family member and the postal service. A little girl explains how she sends a hug to her grandma, who lives far away, by writing her a letter. The illustrations make this one really special.

Do you have Valentine’s Day picture books that aren’t on this list? Share them with me! I’m always looking for new options.

13 more Halloween books you’ll love

Posted on October 14, 2021 by Lindsay Books

I have already shared 13 Halloween picture books we love and then more Halloween favorites in another post. What can I say? We really like Halloween books, and I’ve added a few others to our collection I want to share. Check out these books for a spooky October.

Ghost Afraid of the Dark by Sara Conway. The illustrations in this book are so cute, and the cover glows in the dark! Ghost is (as the title explains) afraid of the dark and has to learn to be brave and overcome his fears. What I love, though, is that he asks for help and ends up realizing he has many friends that are there for him.

The Little Kitten by Nicola Yoon. I love ALL of Nicola Yoon’s animal friend books, and this one is such a sweet story. Ollie finds a lost kitten and helps it find its way home, but in the process she gets separated from her own cat, Pumpkin. When they finally find each other, they enjoy a surprise together. The gorgeous illustrations and die-cut pages with pretty foil detail make this one stand out.

She Made a Monster: How Mary Shelley Created Frankenstein by Lynn Fulton and Felicita Sala. Shake things up by adding a nonfiction book to your Halloween reads! This one is a biography of author Mary Shelley, who wrote Frankenstein, and how she came up with the story. Mary Shelley was the ultimate feminist, so I especially liked reading this to my kids and explaining how cool it was that a woman wrote this story 200 years ago. The illustrations also complement the book so well.

The Ghosts Went Floating by Kim Norman and Jay Fleck. So many rhyming books fall short when it comes to rhythm, but this one is perfect. You’ll find yourself singing it because it’s set to the tune of The Ants Go Marching. It helps kids learn to count while also introducing them to different Halloween characters like ghosts, witches, zombies, and mummies. This would be a fantastic read-aloud in a preschool or elementary school classroom.

Go Away, Big Green Monster! by Ed Emberley. We’ve owned this book for years because my kids were obsessed with it when they were in preschool. Even now, they still love it, and it’s perfect for Halloween. You turn the die-cut pages to build a monster with scraggly hair, sharp teeth, and huge eyes. Then, since you’re NOT scared of the monster, you take away all the pieces of the monster and tell him not to come back. Just trust me on this one. Kids adore it.

Can You See What I See? On a Scary, Scary, Night by Walter Wick. From the same author/photographer of the I Spy series, this fun book has a bunch of spooky scenes with hidden images to find. It doesn’t give you any hints, so it can keep kids (and adults) busy for hours. I ordered this from the Scholastic book fair last year for a great deal, so I recommend buying it there rather than through Amazon.

Sammy’s Spooktacular Halloween by Mike Petrik. I am not a fan of pranks or any kind of mischief, so I was wary of this one about a boy who plays tricks on his family all year long. Luckily, it’s really cute and all about working together as a family to make holidays fun. Plus, none of the pranks he pulls are hurtful. This one is adorable.

Frankenstein Doesn’t Wear Earmuffs by John Loren. If you have read Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, you know that Frankenstein is the name of the scientist who creates the monster, NOT the monster himself. So I will confess here that I get annoyed when people call the monster “Frankenstein” like they do in this book. However, it’s SO creative and cute that I am willing to overlook this pet peeve of mine. Anyone who grew up with freezing cold falls and winters knows how annoying it is to have to wear a coat or gloves or a hat with their costume. This kid’s parents keep adding layers to his costume so he’ll stay warm, but he draws the line at earmuffs.

At the Old Haunted House by Helen Ketteman and Nate Wragg. This is another book that would be perfect for preschool or kindergarten. The story introduces different characters who live in the haunted house, slowly counting from one to 10. The illustrations are really cute and make this more fun than scary.

Which Way to Witch School? by Scott Santoro. I actually think this would be fun for back-to-school time, too, but it’s all about a bunch of witches who go to school together. It has a great rhyme scheme and cute illustrations, and the witches learn science and regular subjects along with broom-flying and potion-making.

Monster Trucks by Joy Keller and Misa Saburi. No, this book is not about monster trucks, the trucks with giant wheels that crash into each other in arenas. It’s about monsters who drive trucks and tractors during their “off-seasons” when they aren’t scaring kids at Halloween. If your kids love vehicles, they’ll dig this book (pun intended).

How to Scare a Ghost by Jean Reagan and Lee Wildish. You’ve probably read How to Babysit a Grandpa or one of Jean Reagan’s other books, and this one is written in the same vein. It gives step-by-step instructions for kids to find a ghost and then scare it. Of course, when the kids realize scaring a ghost isn’t much fun, they also have instructions for playing with the ghost and including it.

Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds and Peter Brown. I cannot tell you how much I love this book and its sequel, Creepy Pair of Underwear. The black-and-white illustrations with pops of orange are perfection and the tongue-in-cheek humor is amazing. Just buy this one and prepare to laugh every time you read it. I crack up every time I see the carrots in the bathroom.

Have I missed any of your favorite Halloween books?

The best book series for first and second grade

Posted on September 14, 2021 by Lindsay Books

Because I have seven-year-old boy/girl twins, my kids have read books with everything from dragons and unicorns to slime monsters and narwhals. While my daughter definitely prefers the unicorn books, she will read the monster books my son enjoys too — and my son happily plows through the princess and unicorn books at times, too.

The point is that even if you have a boy who talks nonstop about fighter jets (me) or a girl who wants every shirt to have a unicorn on it (also me), you might be surprised by what they like to read. Here are 18 book series for first and second grade your kids will devour.

Narwhal and Jelly by Ben Clanton. This dynamic duo (a narwhal and a jellyfish) makes me laugh out loud. If your kids like the Frog and Toad series or Elephant and Piggie, they will like this one. As an added bonus, the books include facts about sea creatures, and we’ve all learned so much from these.

Unicorn Diaries by Rebecca Elliott. Both my kids love this cute series about unicorns who go to school together and help each other with their unique talents. I appreciate how gentle these books are. There’s no name-calling or rivalries like you get in many books about school settings, and they also promote individuality and kindness. Rebecca Elliott also writes the Owl Diaries series, which is similar and also beloved at our house.

Notebook of Doom by Troy Cummings. I have never seen my son finish books so fast as he did with this series. He kept asking me if I’d gotten the next book, so I was at the library almost every day until he finished these. My daughter also loved them, and I picked one up and understood why. They feature a group of kids who are fighting monsters that keep appearing around their school. However, these aren’t like the creepy Goosebumps monsters (though I think I’ll be introducing my kids to that series soon). These are gooey and funny monsters that don’t freak kids out. Troy Cummings also has another series called Binder of Doom my kids have been asking for.

Wallace and Grace by Heather Alexander and Laura Zarrin. This series only has a few books in it, but my kids really enjoyed the detective owls Wallace and Grace who solve mysteries around their forest. These stories also introduce kids to bigger words and help them understand them. My second-graders are probably too old for these now, but my son still reads one every now and then. Note: We actually have Easter and Halloween-themed Wallace and Grace books that were only available through the Scholastic book order, so check there if your kids like this series. Amazon’s selection is limited.

Unicorn Princesses by Emily Bliss and Sydney Hanson. I discovered this series by accident when my kids got free books through the library’s summer reading program. My daughter LOVED it and read all 10 of the books, which feature unicorn friends living in a magic kingdom. I just found out that Emily Bliss is releasing a new series called Pegasus Princesses this month.

Secrets of Droon by Tony Abbott and Tim Jessell. A few months ago, we were on a road trip and my kids finished their books early. We went to a thrift store and found the first Secrets of Droon book, and my son was hooked. He read more than 20 of these before deciding he was tired of them (I think there are 35 books total). The first book was published in the late ’90s, so these will be harder to find at the library. It’s worth a shot if your child likes stories about dragons and magic.

Baby-Sitters Little Sister by Ann M. Martin. I LOVED The Babysitters Club series when I was a kid and had SO many of the books. However, I think I loved Ann M. Martin’s series about Kristy’s step-sister Karen even more. My mom found a bunch of my old Little Sister books, and then I ordered a bunch to fill in the gaps from eBay. My daughter has read all of the books we have (at least 50) and is still re-reading them. Yes, these are from the early ’90s, but they also feel timeless. If you don’t want to scour eBay or thrift stores for the original books, Scholastic is reprinting this series as graphic novels, so your kids may enjoy these, too.

Eerie Elementary by Jack Chabert and Sam Ricks. My kids are just finishing this series and absolutely loving it. If you haven’t noticed already, we are big fans of Scholastic’s Branches book lines, and this is among those. Kids team against their scary school when strange things start happening. This series is similar to Notebook of Doom and perfect for kids who want something scary but not TOO scary.

Princess Pulverizer by Nancy Krulik and Ian McGinty. We flew through this series, and my kids loved it so much they asked for the books for Christmas. It features a selfish princess who wants to be a knight and must serve others before going to knight school. She also has a timid knight and a feisty dragon as sidekicks, and they eat a lot of grilled cheese sandwiches. The books are so fun, and I like that they also show what happens when you start caring about others more than yourself.

Stick Dog by Tom Watson. If your child struggles to read big words, you may have to help him or her with this series. However, these books help kids build vocabulary and also understand irony in literature. Just as it sounds, they follow a dog called Stick Dog and a bunch of his other dog pals (also drawn as stick figures) on many misadventures as they try to score food. Both my kids loved this series, and they are excited to get the latest book when it comes out. Tom Watson also wrote the Stick Cat series, which I also highly recommend and may like even better in some ways.

Never Girls by Kiki Thorpe and Jana Christy. Disney lovers will adore this series about four girls who journey to Never Land and help Tinker Bell and other fairy friends. My daughter got so excited about these books and then finished the Finding Tinker Bell series shortly after. If your daughter also loves building fairy gardens outside like mine does, she will have so much fun with these magical books.

Mercy Watson by Kate DiCamillo and Chris Van Dusen. Who wouldn’t love a series about a pig who loves toast with lots of butter? This is another one of those series that helps kids stretch, since it includes some big vocabulary words (characters call Mercy a “porcine wonder”). We also like the Tales from Deckawoo Drive series that shares back stories on some of the characters living on Mercy’s street.

Max and the Midknights by Lincoln Peirce. These books are pretty big, even for graphic novels full of illustrations. I was surprised at how fast my kids read them. While the storyline sounds similar to the Princess Pulverizer books — a kid who wants to be a knight goes on a journey to become one — this series focuses more on how the Midknights band together to dethrone an evil king and restore the kingdom. A word of caution: These books have more potty humor in them (like passing gas) than the rest of these books. It’s not over-the-top, so it doesn’t bug me. As long as they’re reading, right?

Mermaid Tales by Debbie Dadey and Tatevik Avakyan. I picked up the first book in this series on a whim, and my daughter is flying through all the books now. They focus on mermaids (and mer-boys) at a school called Trident Academy and the dynamics of getting along with different kids.

Baloney and Friends by Greg Pizzoli. Honestly, Greg Pizzoli could illustrate a greeting card and I would gladly buy it. He is one of my favorite author/illustrators, and these graphic novels make me laugh out loud. They are similar to Mo Willems’ Elephant and Piggie books, with short tales about the friends’ adventures. Also, Krabbit is the world’s most underrated book character and my favorite part of these books.

Rainbow Magic by Daisy Meadows and Georgie Ripper. This series began nearly 20 years ago, so your library may no longer have all the books. However, my daughter has found several of these books at thrift stores and absolutely loves them. They each focus on a different fairy and her magical adventures with friends. Daisy Meadows (clearly a pen name, but let’s go with it) also wrote several other spin-off series, including the Magical Crafts Fairies, Night Fairies, and Dance Fairies. If your kids like these books, just search for “Daisy Meadows” on Google or Amazon. You’ll find a bunch of different options.

Magic Treehouse by Mary Pope Osborne and Sal Murdocca. If you grew up in the ’80s and ’90s, you probably read these books as a kid. They’re a great way to introduce kids to history. Since there are 36 books in the series, you can keep a reader occupied for a while if they like them. I still remember reading Pirates Past Noon as a kid and loving it.

Princess in Black by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham. We have long been fans of this series about a crime-fighting princess who also manages to entertain guests at the palace when she’s not battling monsters. When schools and businesses were shut down, my kids flew through all the available books in this series. It has a soft spot in my heart. The latest book is coming out next year, and my kids will be thrilled.

We are always on the lookout for new books! Tell me your best book series for first and second grade. And by the way, picture books are still a GREAT option for elementary schoolers. Check out the reasons I will always love picture books for all ages.

Picture books for Hispanic Heritage month

Posted on September 3, 2021 by Lindsay Books

September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month! We’ve loved reading books from Hispanic writers and illustrators and learning more about their rich culture. Here are some picture books for Hispanic Heritage month your kids will love.

Digging for Words: José Alberto Gutiérrez and the Library He Built by Angela Burke Kunkel and Paola Escobar. I included this in my list of the 10 best books of 2020 for good reason. It’s the amazing story of a garbage collector in Colombia who picked up discarded books along his route and started a library. I seriously got chills even thinking about this book and bought it for our own home right after we read it.
Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln by Margarita Engle and Rafael Lopez. The illustrations in this book are so vibrant and beautifully complement the text. I had never heard the story of Teresa Carreño, a girl from Venezuela who fled with her family to the United States and later played the piano at the White House. It’s so inspiring.
Across the Bay by Carlos Aponte. This wonderful author and illustrator paints a gorgeous story of a boy who travels across San Juan, Puerto Rico, in search of his father. I love books that mix Spanish and English words to help you learn Spanish, and this one is really sweet.
Dreamers by Yuyi Morales. Every time I see this book on a shelf or on a site, I remember the stunning illustrations and the lyrical way it was written. Dreamers is the true story of Yuyi Morales, who came to the United States in 1994 when her son was a baby. It reminds you that dreamers are important and that they bring wonderful gifts with them when they enter the United States.
Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré by Anika Aldamuy Denise and Paola Escobar. Well, if it’s not obvious already, I LOVE everything Paola Escobar illustrates. I also loved this story about New York’s first Puerto Rican librarian and the way she encouraged others to tell stories and stocked shelves with bilingual books. This one will touch your heart.
My Papi Has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero and Zeke Peña. On the surface, this looks like a simple story about a girl who’s enjoying a motorcycle ride with her dad through a small town in California. It’s also about how a city is changing and how some favorite shops have closed as a result of gentrification. This is a great way to engage kids in discussions about what they like about their hometowns and about building roots.
Miguel and the Grand Harmony by Matt de la Peña and Ana Ramírez. I am the LAST person to ever recommend a book that’s based on a movie, but this one is wonderful. If you and your kids like Coco, you’ll love this beautiful story that complements the film and focuses on Miguel’s love of music. The illustrations are gorgeous, too.
Tito Puente, Mambo King by Monica Brown and Rafael Lopez. This is another book that brilliantly mixes Spanish and English words while telling the story of the musician Tito Puente. I absolutely love the pictures and the way Lopez brings the characters to life. You’ll want to listen to Puente’s music after reading this.
Little Red Fort by Brenda Maier and Sonia Sánchez. We are big fans of retold fairy tales at my house, and my kids often pull this book off the shelf because they love the twist on The Little Red Hen. When Ruby asks her brothers for help building a fort, they refuse. She ends up building a space all her own (with help cutting and hammering from adults, of course). This is a more gentle version of the fable, though, as Ruby does end up sharing with her brothers at the end when they decide to construct a mailbox and help her paint.
Where Are You From? by Yamile Saied Méndez and Jaime Kim. I don’t think I can even describe how much I love this book. A little girl is asked “Where are you from?” at school and is discouraged when the classmate isn’t satisfied by her response. Her grandfather tells her about the land where she is from, which includes pampas and mountains. I am so impressed with books that help kids understand microaggressions and racism in a positive way. This would be a great addition to any library, and I need to order a copy for our own home. I always end up buying more books when I put these lists together!
Between Us and Abuela: A Family Story from the Border by Mitali Perkins and Sara Palacios. Oh, man. This book had me in tears. I’m not sure why it isn’t as well-known as some of the other titles on this list. It’s the story of two kids who visit their grandmother along the border of California and Mexico for Christmas because she can’t enter the U.S. The little boy wants to give his grandmother a gift but isn’t allowed to pass it through the border. Then he figures out a creative way to get it to her. We had a great talk about immigration laws, and this book helped my kids understand them a little better.
Frida Kahlo and her Animalitos by Monica Brown and John Parra. I will admit that I did not know a lot about Frida Kahlo before reading this. I definitely did not know she had so many pets, including a fawn, an eagle, and two turkeys! This is a fun way to introduce kids to an important figure in Mexican culture and talk about her influence on art.
Federico and the Wolf by Rebecca J. Gomez and Elisa Chavarri. Yes, it’s another fairy tale, but this time it’s the story of Red Riding Hood. Federico gets the ingredients to make pico de gallo and encounters the wolf dressed as his abuelo. Fortunately, he can use the spicy ingredients to defeat him. This is told in rhyming text and has a bunch of Spanish words throughout. It’s so fun to read aloud!
Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal. I bought this book for my kids because I love the message about the importance of names and of heritage. The illustrations are SO sweet (look for Swashby and the Sea by the same illustrator), and it’s a great conversation starter about your own name or your children’s names.
Jovita Wore Pants by Aida Salazar and Molly Mendoza. I had never heard of Jovita Valdovinos, a Mexican revolutionary who fought for religious freedom during the early 20th century, before reading this book. She also defied cultural norms by wearing pants (which my daughter found fascinating) and cutting her hair short to lead the Cristero Revolution. This was an incredible story about an important woman from history.
Plátanos are Love by Alyssa Reynoso-Morris and Mariyah Rahman. Plantains are a big part of Latin culture, and this book about a grandmother and her granddaughter highlights how important they are to cuisine but also to their ancestors’ history. The illustrations and Spanish words throughout make this book sparkle.
La Mala Suerte is Following Me by Ana Siqueira and Carlos Vélez Aguilera. We all really enjoyed this story about Miguel, who believes he brought La Mala Suerte (Mrs. Bad Luck) upon himself because everything keeps going wrong in his life. How can he get rid of the bad luck for good?
A Flicker of Hope: A Story of Migration by Cynthia Harmony and Devon Holzwarth. I adored this story about a family whose papá travels north from Mexico to find work, just as monarch butterflies also migrate each year. Our family learned so much about butterflies from this book, and we also had a great conversation about migration and the people who work so hard in the United States. This is a gorgeous book that I bought for our library.
The Ofrenda That We Built by Jolene Gutiérrez, Shaian Gutiérrez, and Gabby Zapata. Technically this is a story about Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, so you could probably include it in your Halloween books as well. But I loved this homage to The House That Jack Built so much and loved all the information about this beautiful tradition. I’m also getting a copy of this story for our home.
A Crown for Corina by Laekan Zea Kemp and Elisa Chavarri. Corina is celebrating her birthday, and her abuela allows her to choose flowers from the garden for a special crown to wear. She adds flowers that remind her of her family and also symbolize the person she wants to be. The illustrations are so pretty, and I love the message of family and self-actualization.
Three Pockets Full: A story of love, family, and tradition by Cindy L. Rodriguez and Begoña Fernández Corbalán. On the surface, this is a story about a little boy who is refusing to wear a traditional Mexican shirt to a wedding. I sometimes have this battle with my son about collared shirts for church, so I can empathize. What the story is really about, though, is a boy grieving the loss of his father. I adored this book.
A Girl Named Rosita: The Story of Rita Moreno: Actor, Singer, Dancer, Trailblazer! by Anika Aldamuy Denise and Leo Espinosa. You will admire the incomparable Rita Moreno even more after reading this fantastic picture book biography. I didn’t know much about her outside of her starring role in West Side Story, and this book does a great job of highlighting this remarkable woman’s life.

Now it’s your turn! What are your favorite books for Hispanic Heritage month?

Lindsay

Lindsay

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