Are you looking for engaging books to teach your students about Día de los Muertos/Day of the Dead? I’ve got you covered! This post is filled with 22 different books all about the history and traditions of Día de los Muertos/Day of the Dead!
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Picture Books
Day of the Dead by Tony Johnston and Jeannette Winter
This book follows one family as they prepare to welcome their departed relatives back on the Day of the Dead. Join them as they prepare their altars, and join their neighbors to welcome the spirits back home on this annual Mexican holiday.
Calavera Abecedario by Jeanette Winter
This is a delightful alphabet book about a family who creates skeletons for the Day of the Dead every year. This book also includes a glossary of Spanish words you can teach your students/children.
The Day of the Dead / El Dia De Los Muertos: A Bilingual Celebration by Bob Barner
In this book, Bob Barner describes the festivities of the Day of the Dead in brief, but lyrical, text that is written in both English and Spanish. Barner also provides an author’s note, which describes in detail the history of the holiday and inspiration behind the book’s artwork.
Day of the Dead by Linda Lowery
This book is a colorful and informative book about how the Mexican culture celebrates the Day of the Dead with food, decorations, dancing, songs, parades, and fireworks. It teaches children how this cultures honors and celebrates the dead.
Clatter Bash! by Richard Keep
Clatter Bash! is a must-read on Day of the Dead! It describes a Mexican family who puts out an ofrenda and hosts a party in the graveyard, inviting their departed loved ones to return for a visit. Playful skeletons appear and celebrate all night long with singing, dancing, food, games, and stories.
Day of the Dead: A Celebration of Life and Death by Amanda Doering
This is an informative and age-appropriate book that teaches children about the history of the Day of the Dead and how people celebrate it.
The Festival of Bones / El festival de las calaveras by Luis San Vicente
The Festival of Bones is a fun look into the skeletons who are preparing to join their families for the Day of the Dead celebrations! Join them as they get ready for their biggest social event of the year!
Mi Familia Calaca / My Skeleton Family: A Mexican Folk Art Family in English and Spanish by Cynthia Weill
This bilingual book teaches young readers all about family and relationships, while also giving them background information about the Day of the Dead. This book was chosen as one of the Best Children’s Books of the Year by the Children’s Book Committee and by the Cooperative Children’s Book Center.
The Dead Family Diaz by P.J. Bracegirdle
All the skeletons in the Land of the Dead are excited to celebrate the Day of the Dead except Angelito. Why? Because his sister told him all about their squishy skin and bulging eyes! What happens when Angelito gets lost in the Land of the Living? Read to find out!
Beto and The Bone Dance by Gina Freschet
Join Beto as he prepares for his favorite holiday – the Day of the Dead! Beto and his father build an altar to honor their departed relatives, and then head to the cemetery to join in on the festivities! But Beto is sad because he can’t find the perfect gift for his abuela’s (grandmother’s) altar! How will Beto solve this problem?
Felipa and the Day of the Dead by Birte Muller
Felipa is sad because her grandmother, Abuelita, died. But, when her parents tell her that the souls of the dead live forever, Felipa goes on a mission to find Abuelita’s soul.
Maria Molina and the Days of the Dead by Kathleen Krull
Join Maria and her family as they celebrate the Day of the Dead in Mexico! This book also includes a recipe for pan de los muertos, a traditional Day of the Dead dish.
Gift For Abuelita / Un regalo para Abuelita: Celebrating the Day of the Dead/En celebracion del Dia de los Muertos by Nancy Luenn
This book is perfect for little readers who are learning Spanish and English! It includes beautiful illustrations and teaches children how they can celebrate and honor their departed family members on the Day of the Dead.
Dia de Los Muertos by Roseanne Greenfield Thong
Join children in Mexico as they prepare to celebrate the Day of the Dead! They decorate the town with streamers, pan de muertos, and calaveras! They build altars to honor the dead and drape them in cloth and cover them with marigolds. Teach your students all about this fun Mexican tradition, and learn some new Spanish vocabulary, too!
Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras by Duncan Tonatiuh
In this book, Duncan Tonatiuh teaches children all about how calaveras (skeletons) came to be! Rich in history and beautiful artwork, this book is a Sibert Award Winner, Pura Belpré (Illustrator) Honor Book, New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Books of 2015 and International Latino Book Award Finalist!
Rosita y Conchita is a sweet book about a young girl, Conchita, who sets up an altar for her deceased sister on the Day of the Dead. This book rhymes in both English and Spanish! This book also includes instructions for how to make your own sugar skulls.
Chapter Books
The Day of the Dead Mystery (Boxcar Children) by Gertrude Chandler Warner
When the Aldens visit friends for a Day of the Dead celebration, mysterious events threaten to ruin the entire celebration! Can they figure out what is happening and help save the party?
Other Books
Day of the Dead Crafts by Kerry Arquette and Andrea Zocchi
This book includes step by step instructions and ideas for a variety of Day of the Dead crafts, including calaveras, paper mache masks and skulls, ofrendas, jewlery, and decorations.
The Day of the Dead Activity Book by Karl Jones
This award-winning book features fun puzzles, mazes, and activities that teach your students all about the rich history and traditions of the Day of the Dead.
Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos Stained Glass Coloring Book by Marty Noble
Do your students love coloring books? This book includes 16 illustrations that honor the Day of the Dead and bilingual text.
Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos Paper Dolls by Kwei-Lin Lum
This book brings to live the traditions of the Day of the Dead. Included are whimsical and costumed skeleton figures to honor the souls of the departed. This book features two paper dolls, fifteen costumes, a variety of altar options, and a sticker poster.
Day of the Dead/Dia de Los Muertos (Latin American Celebrations and Festivals) by Kerrie Logan Hollihan
In this informational book, your students will learn all about the history and culture behind the Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico.
Grab all the books mentioned in this post on Amazon:
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