Being bilingual is like having a superpower—it’s a gateway into another world that’s rich with its own traditions, languages, food, and lifestyles. It expands your worldview and inherently demonstrates the power of diverse voices. But the benefits of bilingualism go beyond multiculturalism. Research has shown that being dual or multilingual can increase cognitive development among children, support healthy social-emotional learning, bolster their analytical thinking, and prepare them for success in their globally interconnected futures.
Introducing a second language to our children at a young age can clearly have long-lasting benefits that will positively impact their lives. Plus, they say our little ones are like sponges, so this really is the best time to incorporate bilingual literature into our bookshelves.
In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month being around the corner, we’ve gathered a list of the best Spanish bilingual children’s books for a variety of ages to add even more “diversidad” to your home library. Spanish is a beautiful language with enchanting stories and oral histories that your kids will enjoy. And because we are strong believers in celebrating diversity at The Everymom, consider reviewing our favorite LGBTQ+ books for kids, beautiful picture books for kids by Black authors, and picture books we love from AAPI authors.
Join us in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with these Spanish bilingual books we love!
Editor’s Note: We were intentional in our curated selection to promote and support Latinx-identifying authors as much as possible.
Bilingual Books for Kids Ages 0-4 (Board Books)
Lil' Libros: Counting With - Contando con Frida
Teach your children how to count numbers, one to 10, in both English and Spanish while they get to learn about one of Mexico’s most iconic and influential painters, Frida Kahlo. The Lil’ Libros company has an eclectic variety of bilingual books for different ages to celebrate Latin American culture and encourage bilingualism.
Besos for Baby: A Little Book of Kisses
This charming bilingual book is filled with endearing illustrations of Mami and Papi giving their bébé muchos besos. It’s a sweet story of love transcending any language.
I Like It When... / Me Gusta Cuando...
A cute little penguin shares all the fun things it likes to do with its loved one. The story is heartwarming and will inspire you to dance and play peekaboo with your own little one.
Los Pollitos Dicen / The Baby Chicks are Singing
Sing along to this traditional Spanish folk song in both languages. You and your child will join the mother hen, its baby chicks, and the rest of the farm animals in the “peep”-ing and “pio”-ing, exploring adventures on the farm.
Bilingual Books for Kids Ages 3-7
Señorita Mariposa
Your little explorer will hop on an adventure with the monarch butterflies as they flutter from Canada to Mexico on their annual pilgrimage to their ancestral forest home. The butterflies have many delightful encounters in their migration on this tale of cross-cultural connections and the power of belonging.
Gustavo, the Shy Ghost / Gustavo, El Fantasmita Tímido (English and Spanish separate versions)
Gustavo is not your ordinary ghost; he’s extraordinary in his ghostly and musical talents, but he also struggles with his shyness and making friends. However, Gustavo has a plan to get others to recognize his uniqueness. Add a little spooky fun to your library with this inspiring tale of bravery that your little monsters will cherish in any season.
What Can You Do with a Paleta / ¿Qué Puedes Hacer con una Paleta?
Savor in the joys of the paleta, the delicious fruit-flavored popsicle cherished by Mexican and Mexican-American children for many generations. Children jump with excitement when they hear the “ding-ding” of the paleta wagon making its way around the neighborhood. The hardest part is choosing which yummy flavor to devour: coconut, tamarind, or strawberry?
I Need a Hug / Necesito un Abrazo
Who doesn’t need a hug? A tiny porcupine certainly does, but he’s struggling to find someone to cuddle with him. Then, he finds friendship in an unlikely creature. This heartfelt picture book will give your little darlings all the feels!
What Can You Do With a Rebozo? / ¿Qué Puedes Hacer con un Rebozo?
This is another gem from Carmen Tafolla about a quintessential element in Mexican culture: the rebozo (shawl), which mamas and abuelitas (grandmothers) use for many magical purposes across generations. Symbolic articles of clothing, like the rebozo, are physical manifestations of unconditional love in families.
Bilingual Books for Kids Ages 4-9
Be Bold! Be Brave!: 11 Latinas who made U.S. History
This dynamic collection of biographies features 11 ground-breaking American Latinas who were changemakers and pioneers in the history of the U.S. These inspirational Latinas, like Sonia Sotomayor and Ellen Ochoa, have proved success in their professions, and their impact is still felt today.
Just Ask!: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You / ¡Solo Pregunta!: Sé Diferente, Sé Valiente, Sé Tú (English and Spanish separate versions)
There is beauty in differences, and learning opportunities abound for our children when they are exposed to diversity. This is written eloquently by Associate Justice to the Supreme Court Sonia Sotomayor, who utilizes her own experience of being diagnosed at a young age with diabetes to highlight the challenges and strengths of feeling different and how these diverse stories brighten our lives.
¡I Have a Secret! / ¡Tengo un Secreto!: Yunito's Adventures-Las Aventuras de Yunito
Have you ever had a secret about yourself that you’re embarrassed to share? Yunito certainly does, and if he only shares his first name, he can continue to guard his secret. Join him in his journey of self-discovery and cultural pride as he understands the beauty of loving all parts of himself.
From North to South / Del Norte al Sur
Families are separated regularly because of immigration issues in the U.S., and this story brings one of these heartbreaking and hope-filled stories to life. José misses his mamá greatly ever since she was deported because she didn’t have the documentation to stay in this country. But hope still exists as he travels with his papá to Mexico to be reunited with his beloved mamá.
Just in Case: A Trickster Tale and Spanish Alphabet Book
Señor Calvera, a skeleton from the Day of the Dead festivities, is having trouble finding the perfect present to give to his abuelita (grandmother) on her birthday. Due to a misunderstanding, he decides to give her multiple gifts—one for every letter in the alphabet. Señor Calvera learns along the way that the best gift is something that cannot be wrapped with a bow.