5 Fun Children’s Books About Tacos by Latinx Writers

Tacos are one of the most popular foods not just in Mexico or Latin America but the world over and there’s even a day dedicated to it. In the U.S. nearly 5 billion tacos are consumed each year so it’s not a total shock that we’ve got a whole day in celebration of tacos. That’s right, Oct. 4 is known as National Taco Day and there’s no better way to celebrate than with enjoy a good taco (or three) but we thought it would also be fun to share some of our favorites children’s books about tacos. We’re all about celebrating tacos, and all food from throughout Latin America, all year long and we love that there are so many books dedicated to this delicious food that originated in Mexico. Read on to learn more about five of the children’s books about tacos that we are loving, all by Latinx authors.

How to Fold a Taco by Naibe Reynoso

This bilingual book incorporates fantasy to show creative ways to fold a taco including wrestlers, dragons, and magicians through beautiful illustrations by Ana Varela. While the story itself is fun and creative, it’s also an educational book on practicing motor skills and encouraging kids to be imaginative. Bonus: There’s a kid-friendly taco recipe and a little history about the taco as well.

How to Fold a Taco by Naibe Reynoso

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Vitamina T for Tacos by Mando Rayo & Dr. Suzanne García-Mateus

When a book is both educational and fun it’s definitely a win, especially for kids and Vitamina T for Tacos is just that. Part alphabet book, part taco guide, this Spanglish book comes to life with illustrations by Martha Samaniego Calderón that are meant to truly represent Latinx culture (they even include “ch,” “ll,” and “ñ,” letters). The authors are both Mexican-American from Texas and the descriptions reflect the culura and cuisine authentically. There’s “Jalapeño: Te pica pero te gusta” and “W” is for weenies con huevos” Latinx children will relate to the text but everyone, regardless of their background, will enjoy it and perhaps learn something new.

Vitamina T for Tacos by Mando Rayo & Dr. Suzanne García-Mateus

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Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin

The 2012 best-selling book takes the image of fire-breathing dragons to a whole new level with these anti-spicy salsa loving dragons. While these dragons absolutely love tacos of all kinds, they can’t stand spicy salsa so when they get a taste it’s a truly fiery disaster. This book, with illustrations by Daniel Salmieri, is so beloved there’s even a second book, Dragons Love Tacos 2: The Sequel. 

Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin

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Stef Soto, Taco Queen by Jennifer Torres

This middle-grade chapter book is a all about embracing who you are and being proud of your roots. Estefania “Stef” Soto is teased at school and called the “Taco Queen” because of her family’s taco truck business. While she’s wished Tia Perla, the taco truck, would cease to exist, when it feels like that might become a reality, she becomes its unlikely champion.  The book features Spanish phrases included in the dialogue, Latinx characters, and a peek into the culture and reality of the food truck business.

Stef Soto, Taco Queen by Jennifer Torres

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¡Vamos! Let’s Go Eat by Raul the Third

This book is part of the ¡Vamos! collection and takes place in a border town with lead character Little Lobo getting ready to watch a show with wrestling star El Toro. After getting lunch orders from The Bull and his friends to help prepare for the event, Little Lobo shows readers the food trucks that sell his fave foods including Mexican-Korean tacos. The book also includes a glossary of Spanish words used in the book and the English definition and encourages readers to look up the other Spanish words used in the book. We also love that this book shows fusion cuisine as that’s truly become a huge part of food truck culture, especially between Mexican Korean cuisine.

¡Vamos! Let’s Go Eat by Raul the Third