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Books & Beyond

Read and Celebrate El Día de los Muertos

By Youth Services
September 20, 2022

Day of the Dead is an annual Latin American mestizo celebration from October 31-November 2, where families gather to honor their ancestors and loved ones. Day of the Dead is a holiday full of symbolism and traditions that are meticulously practiced in Mexico, Latin America and some European countries. Beautiful memorial altars are made to honor the dead, decorated with calaveras (sugar skulls), marigolds, photos, and delicious foods. Skulls symbolized death and rebirth (or a continuation of life); so instead of fearing death, they embraced it or even mocked it.

Click on any book cover to go to English and Spanish language editions, where available. Happy reading!

El Día de los Muertos es una celebración mestiza latinoamericana donde cada año las familias se reúnen para honorar a sus ancestros y seres queridos del 31 de octubre al 2 de noviembre. El Día de los Muertos es una fiesta llena de simbolismos y tradiciones que son meticulosamente prácticas en México, América Latina y algunos países eurpeos. Hermosos altares conmemorativos están hechos para honrar a los muertos decorados con calaveras de azúcar,las caléndulas,fotos y deliciosos alimentos. Los cráneos simbolizaban la muerte y el renacimiento (o una continuación de la vida); así que en lugar de temer a la muerte, la abrazaron o incluso se burlaron de ella.

La Catrina [Board Book] : emotions = emociones by Patty Rodriguez

Inspired by one of the most recognized symbols of Dia De Muertos or Day of the Dead, this book will introduce little ones to emotional expressions and their first English and Spanish words.

Loteria [Board Book] : first words = Primeras palabras : a bilingual picture book by Patty Rodriguez

Inspired by one of the oldest traditional games of chance, this book will introduce your little one to their first English and Spanish words.

Day of the Dead [Board Book] : a count and find primer by Greg Paprocki

Introduce your toddler to Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) with this colorful counting primer, from the creators of BabyLit.

Coco by Adrian Molina

In the Rivera household there was one rule: no music. But young Miguel loved music and wanted to play the guitar.

Calavera abecedario : a Day of the Dead alphabet book by Jeanette Winter

Come dance with them in this unusual ABC book inspired by a real Mexican family of artists and the many colorful folk-art traditions surrounding the celebration of the Day of the Dead.

Gustavo, the shy ghost by Flavio Z. Drago

Gustavo is shy, and some things are harder for him to do, like getting in a line to buy eye scream or making friends with other monsters. Now that the Day of the Dead is fast approaching, what can he do to make them notice him and to share with them something he loves?

Our Day of the Dead Celebration by Ana Aranda

A family honors their living and dead relatives as they celebrate the Day of the Dead with shared food and stories.

The Day of the Dead = El Dia de los Muertos by Bob Barner

With sugar skulls, sweet-smelling marigold petals and joyful songs, Hispanic families welcome back ancestors on this holiday.

La divina Catrina = Oh, divine Catrina by Aracely De Alvarado

Catrina, a Mexican skeleton, searches for just the right outfit to wear to a Day of the Dead dance in this bilingual picture book for children ages 5-8.

Citlali and the day of the dead = Citali y el Día de Muertos by Berta de Llano

This traditional Hispanic folktale with original illustrations, told in bold English and Spanish, captures a child’s interest while engaging them with a story that fosters reading and cultural literacy.

Miguel’s music by Liz Rivera

Miguel loves music, but his family says it is not allowed. Will he ever change their minds?

Día de los muertos by Roseanne Thong

Join the fun and festivities, learn about a different cultural tradition, and brush up on your Spanish vocabulary, as the town honors their dearly departed in a traditional, time-honored style.

The remembering day by Pat Mora

Long ago in what would come to be called Mexico, as Mama Alma and her granddaughter, Bella, recall happy times while walking in the garden they have tended together since Bella was a baby, Mama Alma asks that after she is gone her family remember her on one special day each year.

Halloween and Day of the Dead traditions around the world by Joan Axelrod-Contrada

Discover the different ways that people celebrate Halloween and the Day of the Dead, or All Souls’ Day, around the world.

Funny bones : Posada and his Day of the Dead calaveras by Duncan Tonatiuh

Funny Bones tells the story of how the amusing calaveras–skeletons performing various everyday or festive activities–came to be, the creation of Mexican artist José Guadalupe (Lupe) Posada (1852-1913).

Day of the dead by Rebecca Pettiford

In Day of the Dead, early readers will learn about this Mexican festival and the ways people celebrate it. Vibrant, full-color photos and carefully leveled text will engage emergent readers as they explore this unique celebration.