Great Stories for Kids that Celebrate Hispanic Heritage
Posted on October 12, 2018
by Maria R
What Can You Do With a Paleta? by Carmen Tafolla
 What makes this story one of my favorite books is the fantastic illustrations portraying a vibrant colorful barrio expecting the arrival of the paletas wagon because it brings happiness to the neighborhood. The only logical thing to do with a paleta is to eat it. However, many other possibilities of what you can do with it are revealed in the story. Paletas are popsicles made of fresh fruit. They come in many colors and flavors. The color palette used in the gorgeous illustrations not only reflect the hues of the paletas but also bring their sweetness page after page. This is yet another great reading selection to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month this year. “What can you do with a paleta?” by Carmen Tafolla is just one of the great books on the 101 Picture Book Challenge list. Borrow it from the Library: Book (bilingual edition – Spanish/English) or eBook Audience: Ages 0-8 |
Reading Beyond the List
If you like “What Can You Do with a Paleta?” you may also enjoy these great stories exploring Hispanic heritage.
In My Family = En Me Familia by Carmen Lomas Garza The author describes, in bilingual text and illustrations, her experiences growing up in an Hispanic community in Texas. Borrow it from the Library: Book (bilingual edition – Spanish/English) Audience: Ages 6-12 |
Green is a Chile Pepper : A Book of Colors by Roseanne Greenfield Thong A little girl discovers all the bright colors in her Hispanic American neighborhood. Borrow it from the Library: Book, eBook, Read-along eBook or eAudiobook Audience: Ages 0-8 |
El Barrio by Debbi Chocolate ; illustrated by David Diaz A young boy explores his vibrant Latino neighborhood, with its vegetable gardens instead of lawns, Nativity parades, quinceañera parties, and tejana and salsa music. Borrow it from the Library: Book Audience: Ages 0-8 |
What is the 101 Picture Book Challenge?
The 101 Picture Book Challenge is for anyone at any age. Librarians hand picked the titles on the list which includes classics, new titles and everything in between.
To get started, register online. You can track your progress online or if you prefer a paper log booklet, pick one up at your neighborhood Library. The books are organized into categories, but you can read the books in any order and at your own pace. When you read all 101 titles, you earn a free picture book (while supplies last).
This is the latest in a series of blog posts exploring some of the things we love about these books.
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