"Spooky" Picture Books (and a few chapter books!) Featuring Legendary Creatures of Central & South America

OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS, A NUMBER OF NEW KIDS BOOKS have been published that feature and celebrate cryptids, or legendary creatures, such as el cucuy, brujas, and more. I love so many of them and thought you might, too! Check these out:

*The chupacabra ate the candelabra by Marc Tyler Nobleman & illustrated by Ana Aranda is a silly take on the fearsome chupacabra, made not so scary by this twist on the legend. A troop of goats take on the chupacabra, only to find out they are NOT actually his favorite food! 

*El cucuy is scared, too! by Donna Barba Higuera (of The Last Cuentista fame, among others) and illustrated by Juliana Perdoma tells the story of Ramón, whose move to a new place is scary. El cucuy ends up being a comfort to him as they face change together.

*Gustavo, the ghost written and illustrated by Mexican author,illustrator Flavia Z. Drago. I haven't read this one yet, but the reviews rave about the integration of culture, bravery, and courage as this little ghost is nervous about the arrival of Days of the Dead. Flavia has also written two other books in the same series, Leila, the perfect witch and Vlad, the fabulous vampire. 

*Flavia has just come out with a new book, C is for Chupacabra, and I could not love it more! Featuring legendary creatures across Central and South America, it is both beautifully illustrated and just a teeny bit creepy-in a good way!

Books by/with Latinx folks

*Valentina Salazar is NOT a monster hunter by Zoraida Córdova is a super fun chapter book with mysterious twists and turns that even I didn't figure out until the end.  A great read for upper elementary and middle school students. 

*Benita y las criaturas nocturnas written by Mariana Llanos (Run, little Chaski!) & illustrated by Cocoretto. Featuring creatures from Peruvian folklore, this is a wonderfully illustrated book that takes the "scary" out of scary monsters under the bed and beyond. Check out Barefoot Book's trailer for the book here!

*Zombies don't eat vegetables! by Jorge Lacera and Megan Lacera. If you've missed this book up to this point, now's a great time to grab it! With lots of Colombian foods, this is a hilarious take on zombies and what they *might* eat!

*Vampirita and the angry mob, Book 1 also by Mariana Llanos and illustrated by Laura Brenlla is a favorite of mine! Published this past summer, it is a hilarious story of a vampire family that moves from Perú to the United States; Vampirita desperately wants to return home but her attempts to do so flop in silly ways. And, the illustrations are fantastic!

SO EXCITING! Book 2, Vampirita and the Musical Mayhem is now out, and a great follow up to Book 1. 

Vampirita and the Angry Mob

*The enchanted life of Valentina Mejía by Alexandra Alessandri, a chapter book perfect for middle grade kids, is also a huge favorite of mine. Set in Colombia, it is infused with culture, adventure, and mystery-including la Patasola, la Madremonte, la mano peluda and more. Every chapter ends as a cliff hanger which makes it a dynamite read aloud. The story, which also infuses climate change and environmentalism is always a hit with my students!

*The Cursed Moon by Angela Cervantes is a middle grade horror chapter book that had me creeped out, but couldn't put it down it was soooo good! Kids who love scary stories will LOVE this book!

and don't miss @Tentis on Instagram-they make the cutest stuffies of El Salvadoran creatures, such as el cadejo!

For your classroom, don't miss our 0-100 Number Cards featuring legends like el chupacabra, el jichi, and more!  

Grab it here!