Do you like animated movies? Have you seen the trailer for Coco, Disney and Pixar’s newest animated movie?
According to Disney’s website, opens a new window Coco is about a boy, named Miguel (voiced by newcomer Anthony Gonzalez, opens a new window), who “despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music, dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz (voiced by Benjamin Bratt, opens a new window). Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector (voiced by Gael García Bernal, opens a new window), and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel's family history.”
Coco is inspired by the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos, opens a new window (Day of the Dead) and imagery from Mexican folk art.
Can’t wait for the movie? The library has you covered. Check out these picture books that are inspired by Latin-American cultures and people.
Funny Bones
"A portrait of the Mexican political cartoonist best known for his calavera animated skeleton depictions traces his life and artistic career while describing how his skeleton drawings have become synonymous with Mexico's Día de los Muertos festival."
Just A Minute
"In this version of a traditional tale, Senor Calavera arrives at Grandma Beetle's door, ready to take her to the next life, but after helping her count, in English and Spanish, as she makes her birthday preparations, he changes his mind."
Two White Rabbits
"Traveling with her migrant worker father on the roof of a train known as The Beast, a little girl watches the passing scenery, from animals to soldiers, while making regular stops for her father to earn money as they move toward the U.S. border in search of a better life."
Tìa Isa Wants A Car
"Tia Isa and her niece try to save enough money to buy a car to take the whole family to the beach."
Biblioburro
"After amassing piles of books, Luis, a voracious reader, dreams up a way to share his collection with 'faraway villages.' He starts with two burros--one for himself, one for books--and heads off. Tough terrain and menacing bandits challenge him along the way, but at last he reaches a remote town, where he holds a story hour and loans titles to eager kids before returning home to his wife and reading late into the night." This is based on a real person, Luis Soriano, opens a new window, who brings books to children in a remote area of Colombia using his two donkeys, Alfa and Beto.
Mango, Abuela, and Me
"When Mia's Abuela comes to live with Mia and her family, she helps her learn English while Mia learns Spanish, both with the help of a parrot named Mango."
The Cazuela That the Farm Maiden Stirred
"A cumulative tale of a farm maiden who, aided by a group of animals, prepares "Arroz con Leche," or rice pudding. Includes recipe and glossary of the Spanish words that are woven throughout the text."
Book Fiesta!
"Children read aloud in various settings to celebrate of El Día de los niños, or Children's Day, in this bilingual story. Includes facts about Mexico's annual celebration of children (April 30) and the book fiestas that are often included."
Chato's Kitchen
"To get the "ratoncitos," little mice, who have moved into the barrio to come to his house, Chato the cat prepares all kinds of good food: fajitas, frijoles, salsa, enchiladas, and more."
Drum Dream Girl
"Follows a young Cuban girl in the 1930s as she strives to become a drummer, despite being continually reminded that only boys play the drums, and that there's never been a female drummer in Cuba. Includes note about Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, who inspired the story, and Anacaona, the all-girl dance band she formed with her sisters."
The Quiet Place
"A little girl moves to the United States from Mexico with her family and writes letters to her aunt in Mexico about her new life."
Round Is A Tortilla
"A little girl discovers things that are round, square, and rectangular in her Hispanic American neighborhood."
What's your favorite book or movie inspired by a Latin American Culture? Let us know in the comments.
