Día de Muertos or Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday on the first and second of November that honors and celebrates those in our lives who we have loved and lost. This special holiday is an important part of Mexican culture, and a time meant to celebrate life and honor those who passed. With its beautiful art, symbols, and ofrendas this celebration is widely appreciated and honored. And with it fast approaching we have put together some books below to read with your little one! These stories may be about the days themself, influenced by the art, the culture, or the significance—but all of them capture a piece of Día de Muertos!
While Cala is getting ready for the party, she is really missing her grandfather and tries to pretend that she’s not afraid. At the event she is separated from her family at the cemetery. Soon Cala encounters four mysterious riders who show her she is quite brave after all. Set on the night of Día de Muertos this book encapsulates love and loss, and the significance culture has in processing grief.
Skeletown is a cheery, funny story following Skully and Skelly as they learn what to say “yes” and “no” to! With just two words, this book takes your little one on a sequence of hijinks and mischief as the two friends go on an adventure. The bright bold illustrations are inspired by Día de Muertos, and the fantastical world and characters are the perfect introduction to make learning about new cultures and a new language fun!
We all know how important Día de Muertos is in Mexican culture! The events on that day—though more widely known—are not the only important tradition there! This story introduces another beloved family tradition: The Mexican Flower Crown! This story follows Corina on her birthday; she is so excited to wear the biggest crown with so many special flowers on it. The charming story takes us on a journey of Corinas self-discovery and introduces the beautiful symbolism behind the Mexican flower crown.
Día de Muertos is a day to honor the dead, and with that it is also a celebration of life! Our lives have magic in every moment, and the beautiful observance can be a reminder of that. In The Dream Catcher Miguel and his Abuelito work in the hot Oaxacan sun, selling coconuts and dream catchers to earn a few coins, but he has a wish… He wishes that his parents could be by his side. While it is important to dream, Miguel struggles to keep up his faith when the truth is, some dreams don’t always come to pass. This tale of strength and remembrance shows that being present in the here and now can be a journey every bit as beautiful as a dream.
This incredible picture book has been helping children and families for years better understand and visualize the connection that we have to our loved ones when they are not physically with us. The story beautifully captures the hard-to-explain concept that when you lose someone, the love still connects you. And that is what Día de Muertos is about. The connection, remembrance, honor, and celebration of those we have loved and lost. Keeping their memory alive connects us to them and allows us to feel the love for someone deep in our heart, even when they’re gone.
