Kids & Parents
Five Countries, One Birthday
09.22.15
Can you name 5 countries that all celebrate the anniversary of their independence on September 15?
Need a hint?
September 15 is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragu
Still thinking?
You probably have met someone from one of these countries here in Des Plaines.
Give up?
The countries are Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.
The anniversary of the independence of these Latin American countries marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15.
The library has lots of ways to help you learn about the contributions, heritage and culture of Hispanic and Latino Americans. Family Storytime in English and Spanish is an authentic, interactive way to learn some new words. Mango Languages and Rosetta Stone are a more structured way to learn Spanish online.
Check out these award winners to start exploring.
Book Fiesta!: Celebrate Children's Day/Book Day= Celebremos El día de los niños/El día de los libros
by Pat Mora
illustrated by Rafael López
A colorful bilingual book that celebrates El día de los niños (The Day of the Child), a popular holiday in Mexico. Since 1996, Book Day (El día de los libros) shares the party.
Just a Minute : a Trickster Tale and Counting Book
by Yuyi Morales
Grandma tricks the trickster in this funny tale. Learning to count is fun in this English language read-aloud, with embedded Spanish words for numbers.
Niño Wrestles the World
by Yuyi Morales
Check out the video to learn how to pronounce the names of the luchadores, then enjoy reading the book. Great fun to act out the story!
Viva Frida
by Yuyi Morales
photography by Tim O'Meara
Simple, bilingual text accompanies beautiful illustrations in this introduction to Frida Kahlo, the famous Mexican artist.
Portraits of Hispanic American Heroes
by Juan Felipe Herrera
paintings by Raúl Colón
Short biographies introduce a diverse group of Hispanic Americans. The author is currently the California Poet Laureate. Includes beautiful portraits of fascinating people.