11 Books That Celebrate Día de los Muertos

Every year, from November 1 to November 2, comes the time to pay homage to those who’ve passed. I’m referring to El Día de los Muertos, a holiday celebrated in Mexico and other Latin American countries. During these two days, it’s believed the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest and that we can communicate with the spirits of our deceased loved ones. Calaveras, marigolds, and La Catrina are just a few of the symbols commonly associated with the special occasion. 

Over the years, Day of the Dead celebrations have become popular across the United States. One event I enjoy attending happens at the Hollywood Forever cemetery in Los Angeles. It features many elaborate altars that families have made commemorating the memory of relatives and friends who are no longer with us. 

The history of El Día de los Muertos is vast and it’s a tradition that holds much significance. If you want to learn more about the holiday, this list is for you. Following is a collection of books for kids and adults that give deeper insight into the occasion. 

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1.Celebrate the World: Día de los Muertos  by Hannah Eliot and Jorge Gutierrez

While this board book was made for children, adults will enjoy it too. It explains the meaning behind the Day of the Dead in a festive way for kids. The vivid illustrations alone make Celebrate the World: Día de los Muertos ($8.36) entertaining to page through. Notably, the drawings were created by Jorge Gutierrez who is a Golden Globe–winning Mexican illustrator. The book has received a 4.9 star rating out of 975+ reviews and is a #1 bestseller.

Celebrate the World: Día de los Muertos, $8.36, available at amazon.com.

2. Dining with the Dead: A Feast for the Souls on Day of the Dead by Mariana Nuño Ruiz and Ian McEnroe

If you do an online search for Día de los Muertos cookbooks, this will be the first to come up. There aren’t many official Day of the Dead culinary books, so if you enjoy cooking and want authentic recipes, definitely get Dining with the Dead: A Feast for the Souls on Day of the Dead ($40). Author Mariana Nuño Ruiz was born and grew up in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. Her abuela taught her how to make traditional Mexican dishes at a young age and she never lost her appreciation for cooking. Her cookbook contains over 100 recipes accompanied by stunning images. Learn how to make moles, pan de muerto, and more. Out of 36 reviews, the book has a 4.8 star rating.  

Dining with the Dead: A Feast for the Souls on Day of the Dead, $40, available at amazon.com.

3. Day of the Dead: The History of a Celebration by Artes de México Magazine

Artes de México is a magazine based in Mexico with a mission to explore the country’s cultural heritage through its publications. Its bilingual book, Day of the Dead: The History of a Celebration ($35), was just released in October 2024 and gives an intimate look into the customs surrounding the holiday. In it, you’ll find essays on the tradition’s indigenous roots, connection to the occult, and ritual practices. Plus, there are captivating illustrations and photographs throughout the pages. It’s definitely a collector’s item for book lovers and anyone who holds reverence for the Day of the Dead.   

Day of the Dead: The History of a Celebration, $35, available at amazon.com.

4. The Day of the Dead: A Visual Compendium by Chloë Sayer

When many of us think of El Día de los Muertos, images of sugar skulls and faces painted like La Catrina are probably some things that come to mind. The Day of the Dead: A Visual Compendium ($21.26) studies how the tradition has been visually represented throughout history. Author Chloë Sayer is a scholar who has specialized in Mexican art and culture for decades. She talks about how artists such as José Guadalupe Posada, Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, and others have influenced the visual representation of the Day of the Dead. Overall, the publication has gotten a 4.7 star rating out of 25 reviews.  

The Day of the Dead: A Visual Compendium, $21.26, available at amazon.com.

5. The Day of the Dead: A Celebration of Death and Life by Déborah Holtz and Juan Carlos Mena

If you’re on the hunt for newer resources, check out The Day of the Dead: A Celebration of Death and Life ($51.71). The publication debuted in September 2024 and takes a more modern approach to how it discusses the holiday. Chapters cover music and dance, contemporary street art of Mexico, and how the tradition has evolved. There are also a variety of eye-catching photographs that show how the holiday is celebrated by the people of Mexico. Plus, it’s hard not to be drawn in by the book cover alone. 

The Day of the Dead: A Celebration of Death and Life, $51.71, available at amazon.com.

6. Llewellyn’s Little Book of the Day of the Dead by Jaime Gironés

Llewellyn’s Little Book of the Day of the Dead ($12.58) is a pocket-sized guide you can take with you on the go. It was written by Jaime Gironés who is based in Mexico City and writes extensively about witchcraft and spirituality in Mexico and Latin America. In addition to providing a brief overview of the holiday’s history, he shares how to make your own paper marigold flowers, how to set up an altar, and provides a meditation ritual. His book has received a 4.8 star rating from 62 reviewers.     

Llewellyn’s Little Book of the Day of the Dead, $12.58, available at amazon.com.

7. Mi Familia: Celebrating the Day of the Dead by Camila Hernandez

This is a wonderful book if you want to teach your hijos about the significance of El Día de los Muertos. Mi Familia: Celebrating the Day of the Dead ($12.59) follows a little girl named Valentina as she shares how her family honors the holiday. She talks about decorating their home, baking pan de muerto, and other festivities. It’s filled with colorful illustrations and is written in both English and Spanish. By the end, your kids will have a newfound appreciation for the tradition. To date, it has garnered a 4.8 star rating out of 60 reviews.

Mi Familia: Celebrating the Day of the Dead, $12.59, available at amazon.com.

8. The Ofrenda That We Built by Jolene Gutiérrez and Shaian Gutiérrez

The nursery rhyme “The House That Jack Built” is reimagined within the context of the Day of the Dead in The Ofrenda That We Built ($15.89). The story highlights the significance of the altar in Día de los Muertos celebrations. The rhyming makes it a great book to read aloud to your kids. The vivid drawings also reveal how an ofrenda comes together, step by step. If you want to learn how to create an altar in your home with your family, this book will show you how. Fifty reviewers have given it a 5 star rating.   

The Ofrenda That We Built, $15.89, available at amazon.com.

9. Day of the Dead Crafts: More than 24 Projects that Celebrate Dia de los Muertos by Kerry Arquette, Andrea Zocchi, and Jerry Vigil

If you love arts and crafts and DIY projects, you’ll enjoy what this book has to offer. Day of the Dead Crafts ($12.19) gives you the chance to unleash your creativity and hand make meaningful mementos to commemorate deceased relatives and friends. Since Día de los Muertos is known for its beautiful decorations, it makes sense to have an instructional book that guides readers on how to create their own. Activities explain how to make calaveras, masks, jewelry pieces, and more. Out of 85 reviews, the book has a 4.6 star rating.  

Day of the Dead Crafts: More than 24 Projects that Celebrate Dia de los Muertos, $12.19, available at amazon.com.

10. Dia De Los Muertos: A Photographic Exploration of Art and Culture by Michael W. Ocasio

Explore the Day of the Dead through stunning images in Dia De Los Muertos: A Photographic Exploration of Art and Culture ($58.95). The book takes readers on a visual journey and focuses on celebrations in Los Angeles. Through the photographs captured, it showcases how the tradition has seeped into mainstream culture and received wide acceptance by all sorts of communities. Michael W. Ocasio shares pictures of Aztec dance performances, elaborate altars, face painting, and more. The book was released this year and is a wonderful resource if you want to learn how the tradition is celebrated in the present day.  

Dia De Los Muertos: A Photographic Exploration of Art and Culture, $58.95, available at amazon.com.

11. Day of the Dead in the USA, Second Edition: The Migration and Transformation of a Cultural Phenomenon by Regina M Marchi

Day of the Dead in the USA, Second Edition ($30.95) is a good choice if you’re interested in getting an academic perspective of the tradition. The text is a cultural exploration into how El Día de los Muertos has been welcomed by mainstream society and how it’s celebrated in the United States. It considers the impact of current events on the holiday and discusses its popularity in video games and films, among other topics. The book takes a step back to contemplate on how the Day of the Dead continues to transform and spread its powerful message.

Day of the Dead in the USA, Second Edition: The Migration and Transformation of a Cultural Phenomenon, $30.95, available at amazon.com.