Ever since my family and I saw the Disney movie Coco in the theater, I have loved learning more about Día de Los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead. It’s such a beautiful holiday to honor your family and loved ones! Here are seven Day of the Dead picture books we’ve enjoyed that teach you more about the traditions and can help you celebrate in your home.
Gustavo, the Shy Ghost by Flavia Z. Drago. I included this in my list of Halloween picture books as well, because who doesn’t love a story about a cute ghost? Gustavo invites a bunch of people over for a Day of the Dead party, but because he’s so shy, he isn’t sure whether anyone will come. The illustrations make this story pop. If you like this book, the author has written and illustrated two others (though Gustavo is my favorite).
Día de Los Muertos by Roseanne Thong and Carles Ballesteros. You will love reading this book all about the cultural traditions of the holiday to your kids! It has great rhythm and rhyme, and the illustrations are colorful and fun.
Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras by Duncan Tonatiuh. My family and I learned so much from this story about José Guadalupe Posada, who drew political cartoons in Mexico and became famous for his drawings of skeletons and skulls (calaveras). Duncan Tonatiuh has a unique illustration style that is instantly recognizable, and my daughter noticed his work right away when we started reading the book. I enjoyed learning the history behind symbols that are now synonymous with the Day of the Dead holiday.
Our Day of the Dead Celebration by Ana Aranda. This is a short book about Mar’s family celebrations on Dia de Los Muertos. Each year, they make almond cookies and decorate sugar skulls in honor of family members who have passed on. They also talk about what they have in common with their ancestors (Mar likes to write in her journal just like her grandfather did) and listen to Abuela’s stories.
The Dead Family Diaz by P.J. Bracegirdle and Poly Bernatene. In a sort of reverse-Coco story (this was actually published before that movie was released), a family of skeletons is traveling to the living world for the Day of the Dead, and Angelito is really nervous because of what his sister has told him about the living. Side note: I really love this illustrator, who drew the pictures for one of my favorite fairy tales, The Princess and the Pig.
Abuelita’s Gift: A Día de Muertos Story by Mariana Ríos Ramírez and Sara Palacios. I loved this sweet book about a little girl who is excited for her grandmother’s spirit to arrive on the Day of the Dead. Julieta is trying to figure out the perfect gift to honor Abuelita on the ofrenda (table with photos and offerings), and she thinks about all the great memories she has of her grandmother before finally deciding on one.
The Ofrenda That We Built by Jolene Gutiérrez, Shaian Gutiérrez, and Gabby Zapata. If you buy one Day of the Dead book this year, make it this one. It follows the traditional pattern of The House That Jack Built but instead focuses on all the items that are part of a family’s ofrenda for the Día de Los Muertos celebration.
Do you have favorite Day of the Dead picture books you read this time of year? I’d love to add to our collection!
