Although younger preschoolers won’t understand the history of Mexican Independence Day (September 16), they will have fun hearing stories about the culture of Mexico. There are plenty of craft ideas, from coloring a printout of the Mexican flag to making papel picado or tissue paper flowers. Be sure to check out 25 Latino Craft Projects by Ana-Elba Pavon and Diana Borrego. This handy book has great advice on doing bilingual storytimes as well as craft ideas.
Guy, Ginger. FIESTA!
A very simple story, with a few Spanish words, about a birthday party.
Mora, Pat. UNO, DOS, TRES = ONE, TWO, THREE.
Two sisters count in English and Spanish, trying to find a birthday present for Mother.
Aardema, Verna. BORREGUITA AND THE COYOTE.
In this folktale from Mexico, a sheep outwits a coyote. The kids can make the repeated animal sounds found throughout the story.
Winter, Jeanette. JOSEFINA.
A counting book about the real-life artist Josefina Aguilar, who makes painted clay figures.
Ryan, Pam Munoz. MICE AND BEANS.
While a grandmother prepares for a birthday party, mice have plans of their own.