The Desert Is My Mother

Cecilia and her cat, Chica, create a special birthday present for her great-aunt’s 90th birthday — a basket filled with things Cecilia and her tía have shared. This affectionate autobiographical story is illustrated with warm colors, suggestive of Mexican American traditions.

This picture book biography introduces Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, one of Mexico’s most beloved scholars and poets. At the age of three, Juana promised her sister’s teacher that she was “quiet like a turtle” so that she could stay at the school and learn to read. Later, Juana would become a nun and produce poetry that is still learned by children in Mexico today. Handsome, detailed paintings evoke Mexican folk art and tell the story of Juana’s life.

In this festive holiday book, Pat Mora blends traditions by setting her own Spanish lyrics to the popular Christmas carol, “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Each verse describes a Latino custom, often related to the celebration of Three Kings Day: “On the second day of Christmas my amiga gave to me / dos pastelitos / and a piñata in a pine tree.” Vibrant acrylic illustrations of guitarritas, luminarias, and piñatas dance with joy on the colorful pages.

Even though there’s a special day called Children’s Day/Book Day, children and books can be celebrated everyday and in any place as is demonstrated in this vibrant book. Energetic illustrations show a wide range of children and animals playing, reading, and just plain having fun with each other and with books.

This handsomely illustrated collection of accessible poems invites young and old alike to, “read, let’s write, let’s explore galore!”  Whether enjoying the magic in a library or an imaginary canyon, a variety of poems celebrate the sheer pleasure of words and writing to create “bookjoy, wordjoy”!

Spanish words are incorporated naturally into this bright collection of poems that depict a day’s activities in the Southwest. Vivid illustrations complement the verse to evoke the author’s Mexican American background.

Dona Flor has gigantic proportions and unusual skills such as understanding the language of plants. Eventually, her talents are appreciated by the villagers in this attractively illustrated, richly told original tale. Winner of Pura Belpré Award. Also available in Spanish.

From the sun that wakens him to the cricket that serenades him to sleep, a young boy gives thanks for the many kinds of friends who help him throughout the day. Pat Mora’s reflection on gratitude is filled with kindness and humor, brought to life by John Parra’s heartwarming illustrations. Pat concludes the book with an author’s note about the things she for which she feels grateful. Bilingual text.

A Hispanic family’s preparation for dinner is presented in easy words in both Spanish and English. Warm illustrations depict an affectionate family enjoying their daily routine. This is the first book in Pat Mora’s My Family/Mi Familia series, a four-book collection of easy-read bilingual books.

Thirteen poems rejoice in Latina women, their diversity, and their roles. This short, illustrated collection celebrates Spanish-speaking countries as well as bilingualism in the United States. Illustrations swirl across each page, combining computer generated and traditional art with energetic results.

Find out what the animals in the zoo do once it’s closed for the night in this lively, rhyming alphabet book. Jaunty illustrations add humor and meaning to words presented in two languages.

Join a young child as she shares her magic wand — a pencil. Short poems celebrate the pleasures of a year of family, celebrations, and everyday experiences. Mixed-media illustrations complement the bright tone. A note by the author reminds readers that not all poems rhyme and will likely encourage writing.

Pablo can’t wait to visit his abeulito for his birthday. His grandfather decorates Pablo’s special tree, planted when he was adopted. Pablo’s special tree and its surprises are presented in rich illustrations and gentle text.

Stella and her brothers speak Spanish at home but English at school. Being different is both scary and exciting. Stella learns this when she prepares for the school’s celebration of May Day. She finds a way to honor her Mexican background by wearing a special skirt that is both alike yet different from the other girls’. Stella, like many children, can take pride in being part of two cultures. (In English sprinkled with Spanish).

Tomás, child of migrant workers, visits the town library to find stories like the ones told by his grandfather. There he meets a librarian who provides him with a cool place, stories and books, and friendship before Tomás and his family move on to the next place. Handsomely illustrated in earth tones, this touching story was inspired by the real life of writer and educator, Tomás Rivera. Also available in Spanish.

Evocative watercolors and short, lyrical poems take readers on a trip, “Around our round world” where “water rolls/water rises/under gold sun, under white moon.” A brief note from the author and the illustrator provides insight into their inspirations.

Celebrate the native foods of the Americas — peanuts, blueberries, corn, potatoes, tomatoes, and more — through haiku poetry and stunning artwork from award-winning illustrator Rafael López.