Do you love Spain and want to share this passion with the little ones? Check out this ultimate list of Spain books for kids, and ignite your family’s travel wanderlust right from home. These engaging stories will not only teach children about Spain’s rich culture, history, and landmarks but also inspire a sense of adventure and curiosity.
- This post contains affiliate links from which I earn a commission (at no extra cost to you). For more info, please read my disclosure. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Spain Books for Kids
Visiting Spain Through Books
Books are a wonderful way to spark the imagination of young readers, introduce them to different cultures, and offer a virtual travel experience right from the comfort of home.
Whether you’re planning a family trip to Spain or simply want to enrich your bookshelf with Spanish-themed books, this collection of charming books about Spain for kids is sure to inspire your family. It could even fuel your own Spain Travel Bucket List!
Additionally, on our blog, you’ll find more articles related to Spain and family travel, such as:
- Favorite International Illustrators from Around the World (read it)
- Traveling with Kids from Home (read it)
- Must-Visit Spots in Spain with Kids (read it)
- Barcelona with Kids (read it)
- Top Spanish Legends (read it)
- Spain Itinerary for Families (read it)
Spain Children´s Books for All Ages
This post about Spain books for kids includes suggestions for children aged 3 to 9. While most of the research was done for my own kids (who are currently 5 and 7 years old), I recommend double-checking the age recommendations for each book. Personally, I don’t pay much attention to these guidelines and simply choose books that I think my kids will enjoy. Sometimes that means explaining parts of the story or reading certain sections out loud to them.
That being said, as kids grow up so quickly, you can expect me to start adding recommendations for teens as well.
Additionally, if you’re learning Spanish and enjoy unique illustrations, you can easily pick up one of these Spain books for kids. Let’s be realistic: if you’re a complete beginner in Spanish, I wouldn’t recommend diving into classical Spanish literature or trendy contemporary novels right away. Children’s books are a fun and engaging way for adults to start learning Spanish, especially for beginners. These books often feature simple language, colorful illustrations, and repetitive phrases, making them an excellent resource for building vocabulary and understanding basic sentence structures.
Where do I get the books
I shop most of the Spain books for kids at Casa del Libro bookstores, or via Amazon. My favorite place to discover audiobooks for road trips is Libro.fm.
Excite your children for their upcoming travels with this fun and interactive journal. Transport your children across Spain with scavenger hunts, challenges and activities that will engage your young readers to participate more and get their noses out of their devices.
In City Trails: Barcelona, join Lonely Planet explorers Marco and Amelia as they hunt for more secrets, stories and surprises in another of the world’s great cities. You’ll discover human pyramids, dancing eggs, a witch school, and lots more!
An American child travels to Buñol, Spain, to take part in the town’s annual raucous celebration of the tomato. La Tomatina is a large organized food fight in which residents wear goggles and spend the day throwing crushed ripe tomatoes until the streets are covered in one ruby red, pulpy mess.
Cute Spain Books for Kids
1. Don Quixote for Kids
If you could pick just one thing to represent Spain on the global stage, what would it be? You might immediately think of fiesta, siesta, sangria, or even bullfights. However, I’ll argue that there is nothing as truly Spanish as Don Quixote, one of the world’s most iconic novels. This masterpiece not only cemented Miguel de Cervantes as one of the most famous Spaniards in history but also played a major role in shaping the world’s view of Spain. With its rich themes, humor, and deep insight into the human condition, Don Quixote stands as a timeless symbol of Spain’s cultural heritage, resonating with readers across generations and continents.
One of the top experiences on a first-timer Spain Bucket List should be a book-themed road trip through the Spanish region of Castile-La Mancha following the steps of Don Quixote. However, I should mention that the Don Quixote region in central Spain might not be as exciting for younger children – it’s like a desert with occasional villages. While the history and landmarks are fascinating, they may be more appreciated by older kids.
Introducing your kids to the world of Don Quixote can be a fantastic idea. It’s a must-read for children worldwide, especially when considering the cultural richness it brings.
The books you can check out: Don Quijote Children Bilingual Book, Don Quixote (The Rogue Swan Adventure Series), The Misadventures of Don Quixote, Don Quixote Illustrated Abridged Children Classic, and Adventures of Don Quixote.
2. Barcelona & Gaudi
The vibrant Gaudi decorations in Barcelona could easily grab the attention of any small child. Check out A Dragon on the Roof: A Children’s Book Inspired by Antoni Gaudí and Antoni Gaudí: Create Your Own City Sticker Book.
Alternatively, you can also try to explore with the little ones Spain Coffee Table Books with some real-life photos of Gaudi Landmarks.
Also, if you plan to visit Barcelona with kids, you might find handy Barcelona City Trails and 50 Fun Things To Do in Barcelona with Kids.
Considered by many to be the first and possibly greatest novel ever written, Miguel de Cervantes’s tale of two neighbors against the world is retold for children by Cervantes scholar and translator Tom Lathrop. Jack Davis brings the humor and satire of Don Quixote roaring to life with his hilarious and insightful famous cartoon style.
Set in Casa Batlló, one of Antoni Gaudí’s most renowned buildings, this joyful story introduces young readers to the architect’s work, inciting their curiosity and imagination along the way. While her nanny is sleeping, young Paloma hears a noise. She climbs the stairs of her house until she reaches the roof, where a dragon is perched.
Headed to Barcelona with kids? Want to ensure your young explorers get the most out of their incredible opportunity to experience the Catalan capital? Then you’ve come to the right place! Mission Barcelona takes your young travelers through the famous sights of Barcelona, engaging them in an exciting scavenger hunt as you explore city landmarks together.
3. Corrida & The Story of Ferdinand
Another popular children´s book set in Spain is The Story of Ferdinand. It´s a famous tale of the bull who rather wanted to smell flowers than fight in bullfights. It´s a great read to embrace talks about Spanish culture, and habits, and even exchange opinions on the subject of the Spanish corrida.
Also, Maria the Matador is an empowering read for little girls.
4. Salvador Dali & Spanish Art
If you ever plan to visit Catalonia – you´ll definitely end up making a stop at the Dali Theatre Museum in Figures. Even though I should confess that I am not a fan of Dali’s Artworks, somehow my kids loved everything inside the museum.
So, if you like surrealist art yourself – sharing this hobby with your kids might be a great idea to bond over something. It´s just one of those unique Spanish museums that spark the curiosity of the little ones (even though it is not the most child-oriented one, in my opinion).
You can start introducing your kids to the mind-blowing world of Salvador Dali with Just Being Dalí: The Story of Artist Salvador Dalí, Salvador Dalí: Activities for Kids, Salvador Dalí and the Surrealists, Salvador Dali – Getting to Know the World’s Greatest Artists, and Who Was Salvador Dalí?.
Also, you might like another kids’ book on Joan Miro, an iconic Spanish painter and sculptor from Barcelona – Long Journey of Joan Miro.
Salvador Dalí just couldn’t help being himself. When he was little, he wasn’t like the other children; he was a daydreamer who liked to play pretend. When he grew up, he became an artist, but he didn’t want to make art that looked like everyone else’s. He became the most famous painter of his time after he made a picture of melting clocks.
Maria loves tea parties and dancing and wearing her hair in pigtails, but more than anything in the world…Maria loves churros. She’ll do anything to get her hands on more of them, even enter a bullfight. To win, she must outsmart the other matadors who don’t think she’s big enough, fast enough, or strong enough. With determination and creativity, spunky Maria will dance her way to victory – and into readers’ hearts.
A true classic with a timeless message, The Story of Ferdinand has enchanted readers since it was first published in 1936. All the other bulls would run and jump and butt their heads together. But Ferdinand would rather sit and smell the flowers. And he does just that, until the day a bumblebee and some men from the Madrid bullfights give gentle Ferdinand a chance to be the most ferocious star of the corrida – and the most unexpected comic hero.
5. Spanish Festivities & La Tomatina
Unique local celebrations are an integral part of the Spanish lifestyle, and they offer a colorful glimpse into the country’s vibrant culture.
La Tomatina, one of the most famous festivals in Spain, is an iconic event celebrated annually in Buñol near Valencia. Known as the world’s biggest food fight, it’s an exciting, albeit messy, spectacle that draws participants from all over the globe. For children, one of the most engaging ways to learn about this thrilling tradition is through books. A perfect example is Food Fight Fiesta: A Tale About La Tomatina and 64-Piece Jigsaw Puzzle for Kids. This book will definitely capture the attention of young readers as they explore the fun and chaos of the festival.
While I personally wouldn’t recommend taking young children to La Tomatina (given the overwhelming crowds and the nature of the event), it makes for a fascinating and lively story to read. As a piece of literature about Spain, this book is an exciting and educational adventure that brings the vibrant spirit of the festival right into your home.
6. New Year & Christmas in Spain
Spain, like many other countries around the world, is known for its unique holiday traditions.
One of the most well-known customs is eating grapes on New Year’s Eve – one grape for each of the twelve midnight chimes. This tradition is said to bring good luck for the coming year. The book The Lucky Grapes shares the story of a little boy, Rafa, and the enchanting experience of this holiday ritual.
Christmas in Spain is not complete without Villancicos (traditional Christmas carols) and the Reyes Magos (Three Wise Men in English). In fact, many Spanish children receive their most coveted gifts not from Santa on Christmas, but from the Reyes Magos on January 6th. If you’re not familiar with this tradition, the Three Wise Men – Melchor, Gaspar, and Balthasar – followed the North Star to Bethlehem to greet baby Jesus and present him with gifts. Traditionally, in Spain, the religious celebration of Epiphany, marking the arrival of the Three Kings, is when children receive their gifts.
In my family, we are more “Santa and Home Alone” types, but at school, my kids write their wish letters to the Reyes Magos instead of Santa Claus. When it comes to our Spanish friends and family, it’s a 50/50 split. Some give the kids small gifts at Christmas and save the main presents for Reyes Magos, while others do the opposite.
You can read more about this tradition in one of these books: The Three Wise Men: A Christmas Story, The Story of the Three Wise Kings, The Wise Men Who Found Christmas, The Story of the Wise Men, Three Wise Queens: A Story of the Nativity Gifts, We Three Kings, The Three Wise Men, Three Kings Day Bilingual Book, The Christmas Horse and the Three Wise Men, and If the Three Kings didn’t have their camels.
For more, details on Christmas in Spain – check my post about Christmas Madrid.
More Spain Children’s Travel Books:
Here, you´ll find more ideas on Spain books for kids:
- My First Book Spain
- ABC Spain Bilingual Book
- Spanish Picture Dictionary Coloring Book
- Show Me The Way to Spain
- 60 Facts About Spain
Popular Children´s Books Authors in Spain
If you’re looking for a gift from Spain for the little ones, a new book is always a fantastic choice! Let’s explore what kids are reading here in Spain.
Below, you’ll find a list of trending children’s book authors from Spain.
The great news is that many of these beloved Spanish books are already available in English, so you can easily surprise any Spain enthusiast by gifting their kids a book from one of the popular authors and illustrators in Spain today. Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or just because, these books make perfect gifts for young readers!
- Anna Llenas – The Color Monster, The Color Monster Goes to School, and Dr. Color Monster ( we also love the Color Monster board game)
- Susanna Isern – The Lonely Mailman, A Mystery in the Forest, The Winter Train, The Music of the Sea, Bear Wants to Fly, The Voice of the Forest, Daniela The Pirate, and I was not Invited to the Birthday
- Olga de Dios – Leotolda, Searching, Blue Monster, and Pink Monster
- Mar Pavon – Clucky and the Magic Kettle, A Very, Very, Very Noisy Tractor, Could it happen to anyone?
- Miriam Tirado (her books are only available in Spanish for now) – El hilo invisible / The Invisible Thread, Tengo un volcán, and Sensibles
- Marta Altes – I am an Artist, My Grandpa, The King Cat, My New Home, New In Town, It Wasn´t Me, Five More Minutes, Little Monkey (also, Marta Altes illustrated Just So Stories – one of my youngest daughter all-time favorites)
- Rocio Bonilla – The Highest Mountain of Books in the World, What Color Is a Kiss?, In the Neighborhood, The Big Book of Superpowers (written by Susanna Isern, illustrated by Rocio Bonilla)
Spanish is My Superpower takes an empathetic approach to being bilingual and teaches children how amazing and unique it is to be able to speak more than one language. Told from childrens’ perspective, this story provides parents, teachers, and counselors with an entertaining way to teach children the value of speaking Spanish and being bilingual.
- A Game for all ages based on the best-selling book series by Anna llenas with original art.
- A great way to talk to the little ones!
- Designed by dani Gomez and Joseph m. Allué, winner of awards for his design of children games.
- 2-5 players, 25 minutes play time
- Ages 4+
Myriam Tirado is one of the most popular Spanish children’s book authors today, known for incorporating deep messages into her fairytale stories. El Hilo Invisible is a story about the bonds that unite us. It’s a remarkable way to address the topic of separation with children, whether it’s due to starting school, the death of a loved one, or a breakup.
Read more about exploring Spain with kids:
- Family Holidays in Spain – Top 5 Destinations to Enjoy with Kids (read it)
- 10-day Spain Itinerary for Families from Barcelona (read it)
- Our Favorite Travel Essentials for Kids +Toys On The Go (read it)
- Where to Enjoy Snow in Spain with Kids (read it)
- Barcelona Weekend with Kids: Top things to see and do (read it)
- Valencia With Kids: Top Places Your Children Will Love (read it)
- 5 Epic Reasons to Visit the Spanish Pyrenees with Kids (read it)
- My Favorite Cool Places to Visit in Spain with Kids (read it)
- Travel-themed Activities With Kids: Our Creative Playroom Tour (read it)
- Kids Bookish Inspiration: Favorite International Illustrators Around the World (read it)
- Visiting PortAventura with kids (read it)
For more Spain travel tips check out my Pinterest board Spain Travel Collection and Flipboard Travel to Spain.
- Accommodation: For short stays, I usually book via Agoda, Booking, and Hotellook
- Tours&excursions: My favorites for guided tours are GetYourGuide and Viator
- Museums&attractions: Get mobile tickets for attractions via Tiqets (use ATC5 code for a 5% discount via this link)
- Semi-private & private tours: LivTours is my favorite place for unique & crafted experiences in Europe
- For Foodies: Eatwith is a unique platform for finding culinary experiences with locals around the world
- Audio guides: Book audio excursions & tours in 35+ countries via WeGoTrip
- Flights: Find the best deals with Skyscanner, WayAway, and Kiwi
- Driving in a new country? – Check out Tripiamo guides (do not miss Tripiamo Driving in Spain Guide)
- Train&bus tickets: Currently, I book via Trainline, Busbud, and Omio
- Car rental: To find the best deals, I use Rental Cars and Discover Cars
- Top E-Sim: GigSky helps me to avoid roaming fees and provides connectivity everywhere (even on a cruise ship)
- Internet Security on the road: Connect safely to public Wi-Fi and bypass censorship with NordVPN
- Transfers: For individual transfer services, I like GetTransfer and Kiwitaxi
- Suitcases&Luggage: Discover where to store your luggage on the go with Radical Storage
- Travel Insurance: Find the best trip insurance plans via VisitorsCoverage and EKTA
- Compensation for delayed/canceled flights: Check out AirHelp and Compensair
- Renting Bikes: To find motorcycles, scooters, quads, and bicycles, I use BikesBooking
- Package Tours: Head to CheapOair and Expedia
- For Bloggers: To monetize my blog, I work with Travelpayouts and Stay22
Recent Comments