Spanish Language Books for Kids: Read Your World Day

I am thrilled once again to be participating in Read Your World Day (formerly Multicultural Children’s Book Day), not just as a reviewer but also as a co-host. This year, I have the privilege of reviewing wonderful Spanish language books for kids that cover a number of topics, from stereotypes to superstitions. All of the books below were provided free of charge by the generous donations of Shout Mouse Press and North South Books. You can find more information about Read Your World, including this year’s virtual party and the Big Giant Linky at the end of this post!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. I received complimentary copies of some of the books below for review purposes; however, all opinions are my own.

Spanish Language Books for Kids: Read Your World Day

Celebrate Read Your World Day by reading one of these Spanish language books for kids in your home or classroom! Please note, all of the books below have been translated into Spanish. If you are interested in teaching your kids Spanish (even if you don’t speak it!), be sure to check out my resource page for raising bilingual kids, which includes easy Spanish activities and more great Spanish and bilingual books!

This and the next book were both written by teens! These remarkable young people from Reach, Inc. have written picture books that reflect their own experiences, in order to address the lack of diverse representation in children’s books. May we all follow their example in taking action to solve the problems we see around us!

This first book addresses toxic masculinity and how harmful stereotypes about what it means to be a man can affect boys. Aaron’s friends call him a crybaby, but when he tries to tell his father about his troubles, his father just tells him that his friends are right! Luckily, Aaron’s older brother has broken the cycle and is able to teach Aaron that it is normal and healthy to cry and express his emotions. I love that Aaron’s brother provides him with support by talking to their father but also gives Aaron a gentle nudge towards talking with his friends himself. A great book to spark discussion and help kids think through stereotypes they may have heard or even perpetuated.

Buy Pórtate como un hombre! from Shout Mouse Press

Buy Man Up! (English version) on Amazon or Bookshop

This lovely book, with its beautiful cut paper artwork, addresses a difficult subject with sensitivity and heart. When Deena’s mother goes to prison, Deena is angry, acting up at school and storming out of her class. But deep down, she is sad because she misses her mother so much. Her father and grandmother, themselves struggling, nevertheless find ways to show Deena that they will get through this difficult time together. Importantly, they also help Deena connect with her mother even while she is away. A beautiful book about and for children with an incarcerated parent. It also teaches children more broadly that they can get through hard times by leaning on loved ones.

Buy Deena extraña a su mamá from Shout Mouse Press

Buy Deena Misses Her Mom (English version) on Amazon or Bookshop

This book is also authored by teens, all of whom are from immigrant families. The story (written in English and Spanish by the authors) tells of a young girl learning to use her voice to make change. Her beloved aunt, whom she misses dearly, is memorialized in a vibrant mural, but a new owner wants to tear it down to build a restaurant. The community organizes a protest, and Belinda must find the courage to raise her voice and change the minds (and hearts) of those who oppose them. Through the power of her song, Belinda honors her aunt – and helps her community at the same time.

Buy Belinda Lifts Her Voice / Belinda eleva su voz on Amazon or Bookshop

This forthcoming picture book by a Korean-German artist is based on a popular Korean folktale. When a grandfather falls down Misfortune Mountain, he despairs, not because he is injured, but because he knows the legend. That legend states that whoever takes a tumble down that particular mountain has only three years left to live. When his granddaughter learns the reason for his sadness, she gives him an entirely new perspective, by reinterpreting the superstition in a completely different way. Soon, everyone begins to call the mountain Fortune Mountain instead! This funny tale is brought to life by the riotous colors of the illustrations, which capture the story’s wild swings in emotion. My daughter and I enjoyed reading this unique book together and afterwards discussing what we would do if we fell down that mountain!

Pre-order Un tropezón de tres años on Amazon or Bookshop

Pre-order The Three-Year Tumble (English version) on Amazon or Bookshop

Spanish language books for kids: Read Your World Day | Alldonemonkey.com

Read Your World 2025 (1/30/25) is in its 13th year! Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen founded this non-profit children’s literacy initiative; they are two diverse book-loving moms who saw a need to shine the spotlight on all of the multicultural diverse books and authors on the market while also working to get those books into the hands of young readers and educators.

Read Your World’s mission is to raise awareness of the need to include kids’ books celebrating diversity in homes and school bookshelves. Read about our Mission and history HERE.

Read Your World is honored to be Supported by these Medallion sponsors:

FOUNDER’S CIRCLE: Mia Wenjen (Pragmaticmom) and Valarie Budayr (Audreypress.com)

🏅 Super Platinum Sponsor: Author Deedee Cummings and Make A Way Media

🏅 Platinum Sponsors: Publisher Spotlight and Language Lizard Bilingual Books in 60 Languages

🏅 Gold Sponsors: Third State Books

🏅 Silver Sponsors: The Quarto Group, Red Comet Press and Lerner Books

🏅 Silver Corporate Sponsor: Scholastic Books

🏅 Bronze Sponsors: Lee and Low and Star Bright Books

🏅 Bronze Corporate Sponsor: Crayola Education

🏅 Ruby Corporate Sponsor: MagicBlox

Read Your World is honored to be Supported by these Author Sponsors!

Authors: Stephanie M. Wildman, Martha Seif Simpson, Anna Jennings, Gwen Jackson, Afsaneh Moradian, Joaquín Camp, Rahana Dariah, Ziggy Hanaor, Josh Funk, Nancy Tupper Ling, Kathleen Burkinshaw, Gea Meijering, Eugenia Chu, Dorktales Story Time, Amanda Hsiung-Blodgett, Authors J.C. Kato and J.C.², Cynthia Levinson, Diana Huang, Rochelle Melander, Lisa Chong, Lisa Stringfellow, Brunella Costaglioga, Lindsey Rowe Parker, Rachel C. Katz, Tonya Duncan Ellis, Shifa Safadi, Lisa Rogers, Sylvia Liu, Eva Clarke, Crystal Murakami, Teddi Ahrens

Read Your World is Honored to be Supported by our CoHosts and Global CoHosts and by our Partner Organizations!

Check out RYW’s Multicultural Books for Kids Pinterest Board!

📌 FREE RESOURCES from Read Your World Day

📌 Register for the Read Your World Virtual Party: https://readyourworld.org/virtualparty

Join us on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 9 pm EST celebrating 13 years of Read Your World Day Virtual Party! Register here.

This epically fun and fast-paced hour includes multicultural book discussions, addressing timely issues, diverse book recommendations, & reading ideas.

We will be giving away a 10-Book Bundle during the virtual party plus Bonus Prizes as well! *** US and Global participants are welcome. **

Follow the hashtag #ReadYourWorld to join the conversation, and connect with like-minded parts, authors, publishers, educators, organizations, and librarians. We look forward to seeing you all on January 30, 2025, at our virtual party!