Poems in English and Spanish, each one a little gem about life in Mexico – "Iguanas on the Taxco Road," "Corn," "Adobe Brick," "Street Dogs," "Downtown, Mexico City," and more. Warm, soft-pastel illustrations. (Picture book)

When Senor Calavera comes to call on Grandma, she's only too happy to go with him, but she has one house to sweep, two pots of tea to boil, three pounds of corn to make into tortillas… An irresistible tale, fabulously illustrated. (Picture book)

On the Day of the Dead, as Nando and his mother prepare to go to the cemetery, Nando wonders how he will know his Tio Fernando's spirit. Nando goes to the market to buy things to remind him of his uncle – bread of the dead, marzipan candy, an orange and black paper goblin. Story in English and Spanish. (Picture book)

Exuberant and wonderful poem of the Day of the Dead, a big celebration in Mexico with food and music to entertain the dead who have returned to visit their relatives. Poem in English and Spanish. (Picture book)

Mexico from A to Z with colorful calaveras, skeletons for the Day of the Dead – an angel sits on a pink cloud, a bruja (witch) stirs the pot, a candelera (candlemaker) sells her candles, it's a fiesta with all the dancing calaveras. Bright illustrations in a folk-art style are a delight. (Picture book)

Diego Rivera, the famous painter, drew everywhere as a child, and when he grew up, Diego painted what he saw, people on the Day of the Dead, fiestas, scenes of the deserts and jungles, murals that tell the story of Mexico. Vibrantly illustrated, this is a gem! (Picture book)

For Frida, imagination was everything. Magical, marvelous story of Frida Kahlo, one of Mexico's best-loved artists, who took her tears and painted miracles. Fabulous, original illustrations. (Picture book)

Fifteen different Mexican folktales – the tailor who sells his soul to the devil, the witch who turns seven brothers into blue oxen, the two Marias – one with a golden star, the other with two horns, the boy who magically turns himself into a flea. Colorfully illustrated. (Chapter book, illustrations)

Retelling of a Mexican myth, the sky god (Tezcatlipoca) sends the wind god (Quetzalcoatl) to the House of the Sun to bring music to earth. Quetzalcoatl returns with the best singers and musicians, who teach all creatures to sing and play, and fill the forests, valleys and oceans with music. Gorgeously illustrated collages with ancient Mexican motifs. (Picture book)

A farmer is plowing his field, when a small hole in the ground becomes a big hole, white smoke billows out and, crack, the earth opens up. The farmer's field turns into the volcano Paricutin! (Easy reader)

Kids can read for themselves about the art of ancient Mexico – clay sculptures, gold charms, giant stone heads, bright wall paintings, jade mosaics of the Olmecs, Maya and Aztecs. Gorgeous photographs and imaginative, easy-to-read explanations. This is a gem. (Easy reader)

The Mystery of the Maya
Peter Lourie

Explore the ancient Maya ruins of Palenque, the "jewel of the jungle." Once a great city, after Palenque was abandoned, it disappeared, until rediscovery in the early 1800's. Exciting story of this "lost city," and ongoing archeology at Palenque today. (Picture book)

Pik, challenges the mighty god Chac to a ball game – if Pik wins, Chac will bring the rain. A jaguar, quetzal bird and the sacred cenote help Pik win against Chac. Dazzling cut-paper illustrations. (Picture book)

Pictorial history of the Maya, from the great civilization to European conquest and the Maya today, plus fun facts about the ancient Maya – flat foreheads and large noses were beautiful, cacao beans were used as money, jade was highly prized. (Picture book)

In his dreams, Mario flies with the flamingos to Chichen Itza, explores the rivers and jungle around the Mayan ruins, listening to the sounds of howler monkeys, jaguars and macaws. (Picture book)

Super introduction to ancient Maya daily life, art and architecture, math and glyphs, plus activities and crafts – make a jaguar shield, temple pyramid, or macaw headdress, play a game, try Maya foods (corn cakes, chicken), and drinks (chili chocolate), create masks, weaving. (Activity book)

A delightful introduction to Mexico in rhymes and pictures – hop aboard a canyon train, climb the pyramids, celebrate festivals, dance to mariachi bands, explore the capital city, swim in turquoise waters, plus simple Spanish words. Two page, colorful illustrations, and perfect for younger kids. (Picture book)

Fun facts about Mexico – the Maya invented chewing gum, chia pets are popular toys, the smallest dogs in the world, Chihuahuas, come from Mexico. (Picture book)

Illustrated history, daily life, traditions and culture of Mexico, with lots of activities. Make tortillas or a pinata, celebrate a fiesta, build a Maya pyramid, weave a belt, drink Mexican hot chocolate, paint a mural, and more. (Activity book)