Dear Diary,

As a child a climbed to the top of Mount Everest, took a submarine to the bottom of the Mariana Trench, I hopped aboard a train to the wild west and took a time machine back to see Jesus walk the roads of Zion. I travelled through space and time before I got the first stamp on my U.S. passport. I didn’t book a flight on United or Delta. Instead, I went to the information desk at my local library.

My love of books began before I could talk, walk or write. My mother would tell me stories as she rocked me to sleep. She never said no when I asked her to add a title to my little library–even if I asked her to buy an expensive, hardcover, hard to find book. I learned about different countries, cultures and perspectives. That’s a priceless educational experience I hope to share with my daughter as we celebrate Latino Book Month.

Abuela by Arthur Dorros

While riding on a bus with her grandmother, a little girl imagines that they are carried up into the sky and fly over the sights of New York City.

Fiesta Babies

These Fiesta Babies dance, march on parade, and sing along to mariachi songs in their spirited celebration of fiestas.  From piñatas to flower coronas, little ones are introduced to the many colorful aspects of an important and lively Latino cultural tradition.

A Mango in the Hand: A Story in Proverbs

Francisco is finally old enough to journey to the mango grove all by himself to gather the mangoes for a special dinner. But bees swarm the fruit, and Francisco has trouble picking them from the tree. He returns to his father several times, and each time his father shares a different proverb to inspire Francisco to continue trying.

Marisol McDonald Doesn’t Match

Marisol McDonald has flaming red hair and nut-brown skin. Polka dots and stripes are her favorite combination. She prefers peanut butter and jelly burritos in her lunch box. And don t even think of asking her to choose one or the other activity at recess—she ll just be a soccer playing pirate princess, thank you very much. To Marisol McDonald, these seemingly mismatched things make perfect sense together.

Mice & Beans by Pam Munoz Ryan

Recipe for a Festive Story Time: Mix 1 birthday party, 1 delicious Mexican meal, and lots of children, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, cousins, and surprise guests into a fun romp. Add comic illustrations, jaunty rhythms, and playful refrains. Spice with mystery, and stir everything into a book.

Senor Cat’s Romance by Lucia Gonzalez

Senor Cat’s Romance includes the stories of silly Juan Bobo, who challenges a three-legged pot to race him home; Martina, who conducts a zany search for the right husband; and four other popular characters from Latin America.

What Can You Do With a Rebozo? by Carmen Tafolla

In a playful celebration of a vibrant culture, a young girl and her family show all the things they do in their daily lives with a rebozo, a traditional Mexican woven shawl. Lively prose and rich illustrations honor a warm and colorful cultural icon.

Hey DFTM Fam–How do you teach your child about different cultures? What Latino title would you recommend?