10 Latino Children’s Books About Love and Friendship

Juanito is the sweetest little boy who happily dispenses kisses to everyone he loves: A kiss for his sister, two for his papa, three for mama, and so on. No one is spared his generous affection — not even his teachers or barber!

To buy: Cinco Puntos Press, $16

Friendships happen between people of all different backgrounds, races, ethnicities and beliefs. In this touching tale, award-winning author Pam Muñoz Ryan shows that love and affection can always develop and exist despite differences, time and distance.

To buy: Amazon, new and used

One of Tomie dePaola’s sweetest little books for children, this version is perfect for bilingual families. A great bedtime read aloud, “Te Amo Sol” shows children playing outdoors and saying “I love you” to all of the natural wonders around them.

To buy: Amazon, $7

BFFs will absolutely love this book about two strong-willed girls who each want to play make believe in their own way. Only through love and compromise do they find a way to reconcile and continue onward.

To buy: Amazon, $13

“Te quiero” is a treasury of four bestselling picture books. Available in English or Spanish, it highlights the beautiful love between a mother and her child.

To buy: Amazon, new and used

The Spanish tale of Señor Cat and his ill-fated marriage to the beautiful Moorish gatita has crossed the ocean, and versions of this story can be found throughout Latin America. By the end of the book your nenes will rejoice that cats have more than one life to live!

To buy: Amazon, new and used

Only the most skillful storytellers can make the relationship between a cockroach and a mouse beautiful and moving! Your family will love this sweet and clever retelling of the Cuban folktale about the romance between Cucarachita Martina and Ratoncito Pérez.

To buy: Barnes and Noble, $13

The love between a child and his or her grandparents is sacred and cherished. In this touching story, author Alma Flor Ada explores the relationship between a young girl and her two sets of grandparents. Saturdays are reserved for Grandma and Grandpa, while Sundays are spent with Abuelita y Abuelito.

To buy: Amazon, $8

A beautiful story about the love between a girl and a river, this sweet picture book emphasizes the connection that we all have with nature. Maya Christina Gonzalez’s lively illustrations perfectly convey the movement of water and will sweep you away into the joy of being outdoors.

To buy: Amazon, $9

Some of the best friendships we have are with our primos! Author Amy Costales honors these close bonds in this story about a family that spends Sundays together strolling down Fourth Street, discovering vendors and enjoying the carnival rides.

To buy: Amazon, $15