Children's Books For El Día De Los Muertos

La Catrina: Emotions/Emociones

Written by Patty Rodriguez

Illustrated by Ariana Stein

Inspired by one of the most recognized symbols of Dia De Muertos or Day of the Dead, a holiday that celebrates life and remembers the dearly departed, this book will introduce little ones to emotional expressions and their first English and Spanish words.

Las almas de la fiesta y otros cuentos de Día de Muertos

Written by Judy Goldman

Illustrated by Israel Barrón

In this beautifully illustrated collection of Día de Muertos stories, Judy Goldman explores the cultural traditions rooted in honoring the dead throughout different Mexican cities. Each story includes a thoughtful section explaining the tradition portrayed in the tale. 

Día de Los Muertos

Written by Roseanne Greenfield Thong

Illustrated by Carles Ballesteros

It’s Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and children throughout the pueblo, or town, are getting ready to celebrate! They decorate with colored streamers, calaveras, or sugar skulls, and pan de muertos, or bread of the dead. There are altars draped in cloth and covered in marigolds and twinkling candles. Music fills the streets. 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/El día de los muertos

Written by Pat Mora

Illustrated by Robert Casilla

Long, long, long ago, Bella and her grandmother Mamá Alma admired their vegetable garden. They liked gardening together. They grew sunflowers and lilies too, and chatted with lizards and hummingbirds. They walked around the flowers and vegetables holding hands, something they had done frequently since Bella was a baby. As her grandmother aged, Bella helped her to walk. “Every year, I need your help more and more,” said Mamá Alma.

In this special bilingual picture book for children, author Pat Mora creates an origin myth in which she imagines how the Mexican custom of remembering deceased loved ones—El día de los muertos or the Day of the Dead—came to be. With tender illustrations by Robert Casilla that depict Bella and Mamá Alma’s loving relationship, this book will encourage children to honor loved ones, whether by writing stories and poems or creating their own remembering place.

Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras

Written and illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh

Funny Bones tells the story of how the amusing calaveras—skeletons performing various everyday or festive activities—came to be. They are the creation of Mexican artist José Guadalupe (Lupe) Posada (1852–1913). In a country that was not known for freedom of speech, he first drew political cartoons, much to the amusement of the local population but not the politicians. He continued to draw cartoons throughout much of his life, but he is best known today for his calavera drawings. They have become synonymous with Mexico’s Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festival. Juxtaposing his own art with that of Lupe’s, author Duncan Tonatiuh brings to light the remarkable life and work of a man whose art is beloved by many but whose name has remained in obscurity.