Three Animal-Themed Books to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
October 12th, 2021
One way to honor National Hispanic Heritage Month is by reading animal-themed books by Hispanic American authors with your children or students! Each of the three books listed highlights the human-animal bond, new Spanish vocabulary, and represents Hispanic Americans in the animal welfare and education fields.
Diverse representation in children’s literacy benefits students’ overall social and emotional health by allowing children to see themselves represented as protagonists in stories. Diverse stories also help begin conversations to help introduce classrooms and students to different cultures and people from around the world. Highlighting and supporting diverse authorship in humane-themed literature can help create a more equitable world for both children and animals (Source).
1. Waiting for the Biblioburro
Written by Monica Brown and illustrated by John Parra
Recommended for ages 6+
Ana loves stories. She often makes them up to help her little brother to fall asleep. However, her village only has a few books and she’s already read them all. One morning, Ana wakes up to the sound of hooves, and there before her, is the most wonderful sight: a traveling library resting on the backs of two burros with all the books a little girl could dream of reading and inspiration to write a story of her own. Find a copy on Google Books.
2. Mango, Abuela, and Me
Written by Meg Medina and illustrated by Angela Dominguez
Recommended for ages 6+
Mia’s abuela has left her sunny house with parrots and palm trees to live with Mia and her parents in the city. The night she arrives, Mia tries to share her favorite book with Abuela before they go to sleep and discovers that Abuela can’t read the words inside. So while they cook, Mia helps Abuela learn English and Mia learns some Spanish too, but it’s still hard for Abuela to learn the words she needs to tell Mia all her stories. Mia then sees a parrot in the pet-shop window and has the perfect idea for how to help them all communicate a little better. This story is an endearing tale about learning new things and the love that bonds family members. Find a copy on Google Books.
3. Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos
Written by Monica Brown and illustrated by John Parra
Recommended for ages 5+
A story based on the life of one of the world’s most influential painters, Frida Kahlo, and the animals that inspired her art and life. The fascinating Mexican artist is remembered for her self-portraits, her dramatic works featuring bold and vibrant colours. Her work brought attention to Mexican and indigenous culture and she is also renowned for her works celebrating the female form. Brown’s story recounts Frida’s beloved pets – two monkeys, a parrot, three dogs, two turkeys, an eagle, a black cat, and a fawn – and playfully considers how Frida embodied many wonderful characteristics of each animal. Find a copy on Google Books.
