Families who loved Abuelita's Gift: A Día de Muertos Story by Mariana Rios Ramirez often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child is navigating their first holiday season after the loss of a grandparent or is struggling to feel connected to a loved one who has passed away. It is an ideal resource for families looking to introduce or celebrate the traditions of Dia de Muertos while focusing on the personal, creative ways we maintain bonds with those we miss. The story follows young Julieta as she prepares for the holiday, feeling the heavy absence of her Abuelita and worrying that she doesn't have the 'perfect' gift for the ofrenda. Through a gentle and culturally rich narrative, the book explores themes of grief, memory, and the realization that love is a lasting legacy. It is developmentally appropriate for children ages 4 to 8, providing a concrete way to discuss the abstract concept of death through the lens of celebration and remembrance. Parents will appreciate how it validates a child's unique way of grieving and honors the special, individual relationship between a grandparent and grandchild.
