Travel & Go: Explore Puerto Rico Through Children's Books
- kindlittleexplorer
- Nov 5, 2021
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 4
Books are one of the best ways to help children experience a place—whether you're about to travel there or simply want to learn about it from home. For us as a military family raising our kids away from Puerto Rico, books have become one of our favorite ways to keep the island’s magic alive.
Maybe you’re a Puerto Rican parent hoping to pass on your culture, or maybe you're planning a family trip to Puerto Rico and want your child to get excited before the flight—either way, these children's books are a perfect way to “travel” to the island through stories.
Think of this as a passport to Puerto Rico—through pages, not planes.
Why We Travel to Puerto Rico Through Books
My husband and I were both born and raised in Puerto Rico, but as a military family, we've spent nearly a decade moving from state to state. While we like to visit the island once a year to see family and reconnect with our roots, most of the year we live far from the food, music, and language of our little Isla del Encanto.
That’s why books about Puerto Rico have been such an important tool in our home. They help our kids build cultural pride, spark curiosity, and stay connected to the stories, symbols, and traditions that make Puerto Rico so special.
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Tiny Travelers Puerto Rico Treasure Quest, Coqui, The Golden Flower: A Taino Myth from PR, La Viejita Ramonita, El ABC de la Comida Puerto Riqueña, Across the Bay, Goodnight Puerto Rico, Taino Tales The Secret Hummingbird, Kiki Kokí
Children’s Books That Celebrate Puerto Rico
These books highlight everything from Puerto Rican legends and landmarks to food, animals, and family life. Use them to prepare for your trip, deepen your child’s appreciation for their heritage, or simply explore a new culture together
by Susie Jaramillo
I loved getting this book for my 3-year-old before we went on our family vacation to Puerto Rico. It took my little reader on a quest to discover some of the things that make Puerto Rico so special. It is a rhyme-based book featuring seek-and-find activities, such as finding the "pasteles". It also features many Spanish words with a phonetic English pronunciation provided.
by Valeri Ortiz
A cute little story about Coqui, the tiny tree frog that lives in a rainforest in Puerto Rico. He doesn't make the same "ribbit" sound as most frogs do, so he teaches his friend his unique song, as well as some new words in his native language, Spanish.
by Nina Jaffe
A well-told tale about a myth from one of the indigenous cultures of the West Indies that explains how a golden flower first brought water to the world and how Puerto Rico came to be.
by Lisette Marie Diaz Aponte
Meet Ramonita, an elderly woman living with Alzheimer's disease whose spirit is lifted with the help of a special friend. Readers are transported back in time to their childhood in Puerto Rico.
by Lizmer Montalvo Juliá
Teach the ABCs (written in Spanish and translated into English) along with Puerto Rico's food and culture. Children will learn about Puerto Rico's food, culture, and traditions with each letter of the alphabet. It has colorful and beautiful illustrations that will take the reader on an imaginary journey through the island's towns such as Guayama, Cabo Rojo, San Juan, Ponce, and Culebra.
by Carlos Aponte
A heartfelt story with a lesson about the true meaning of home. Living in Puerto Rico, Carlitos is a boy who lives with his mother, his Abuela, and Coco the cat. Life in his hometown is as cozy as can be, but the call of the capital city pulls Carlitos across the bay in search of his father.
by Lisa Bolivar Martinez
Good Night Puerto Rico features some of Puerto Rico's most famous sights, such as OLD San Juan, El Morro, El Yunque, Cuevas de Camuy, and many more. It is beautifully illustrated, and nostalgic for readers who hold the island of Puerto Rico dear in their hearts.
by Vicky Weber
Taíno Tales: The Legend of Coquí by Vicky Weber introduces readers to a cherished Puerto Rican legend inspired by the island's indigenous Taíno culture. Through vibrant storytelling and stunning illustrations, the book recounts the origins of the iconic coquí frog, a beloved symbol of Puerto Rico. This engaging tale weaves themes of bravery, sacrifice, and the deep connection between people and nature, making it a delightful way to explore Puerto Rican heritage and the enchanting folklore of the Taíno people. Perfect for young readers and families looking to celebrate cultural stories.
by Vicky Weber
The Secret of the Hummingbird is part of the Taino Tales series by Vicky Webber. In this story, children will learn about the Taino culture by retelling the Taino legend of how the hummingbird came to be.
by Ed Rodriguez
A Spanish-language tale about a little Taino boy who is too lazy to help his tribe, and so the Moon Goddess turns him into a tree frog. For him to turn back into a human, he must rescue his new frog friends from pirates. Kiki Kokí has a heartwarming message and is an adorable hero!
by Susan L. Roth & Cindy Trumbore
Parrot Over Puerto Rico by Susan L. Roth and Cindy Trumbore is a captivating nonfiction book that tells the incredible story of the Puerto Rican parrot, one of the world’s most endangered birds. Through stunning, layered collage art and poetic narration, the book explores the parrot’s history, the threats it faced, and the remarkable conservation efforts that helped bring it back from the brink of extinction. This award-winning book beautifully weaves together natural history and human determination, offering an inspiring tale for readers of all ages.
by Anna Orenstein-Cardona
The Tree of Hope: The Miraculous Rescue of Puerto Rico’s Beloved Banyan by Anna Orenstein-Cardona tells the heartwarming true story of the iconic banyan tree in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. When Hurricane Maria devastated the island, the beloved tree, a symbol of strength and unity for generations, was severely damaged. This beautifully illustrated book shares the inspiring journey of how the community came together to save and restore the tree, symbolizing resilience, hope, and the enduring spirit of Puerto Rico. Perfect for teaching children about environmental stewardship and the power of community.
Make it an Experience: Travel Ideas to Pair with Each Book
Book | Where to Go in Puerto Rico |
Visit San Juan, El Morro, and try local pasteles | |
Explore El Yunque and listen for frogs at night | |
Take a nature walk or a birdwatching tour in El Yunque | |
Make a travel journal of each place mentioned | |
Ride the ferry or drive from Cataño to Old San Juan | |
Visit the banyan tree in San Juan (Plaza de Armas) | |
Visit a local market or cook a Puerto Rican meal as a family |
Traveling to Puerto Rico?
Click Here for The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Puerto Rico with Kids
You don’t need a plane ticket to introduce your child to Puerto Rico—you just need a good story. These books are more than just entertainment; they’re windows into the island’s music, nature, heritage, and heart. Whether you’re packing for a trip or reading from your living room, may these stories inspire your little explorer.
Happy Reading!
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