Are you doing a unit on Argentina? These children's books are a great way to study and introduce this culture to kids. There are both fiction and nonfiction books included in this list for early readers. Let's celebrate the culture and customs of Argentina! 

Argentina is a large country in South America with many unique customs and traditions. Immerse your students in these fun children's books. Read the books to your students for an added level of connection. Or have your students read them by themselves if they are up to the task.

Nick and Aya Travel to Argentina by Khadizhat Witt

"This is a book about a four-year-old girl Aya and her ten-year- old brother Nick flying to Argentina from the United States together with their parents for vacation. The story takes its readers first to Buenos Aires followed by Bariloche, where the family then starts their adventure driving a rented minivan throughout Patagonia. Children learn the names of some of the existing plants, animals, fish, national landmarks and food items typical for Argentina."

The Magic Bean: A Legend from Argentina by Nancy Van Laan

"The evil bird who lives on top of the magic tree that grows in the Argentine pampas has the power to stop the rain, so one summer, a little boy risks everything to save his village from dying of thirst by taking a stand against the powerful bird."

On the Pampas by Maria Cristina Brusca

"Brusca, a city child from Buenos Aires, recounts a summer spent at her grandparents' estancia on the Argentine pampas. Although she has visited before, this time she participates more fully in the daily life of the gauchos. She and her cousin ride and care for the horses, rope calves, help with the cattle roundup, collect the giant eggs of the nandu, and learn to dance the zamba at Grandmother's birthday asado."

The Blacksmith and the Devil by Maria Cristine Brusca

"A familiar folktale motif is that of the clever man who outwits the devil. In this zesty retelling, based on an Argentinian source, that man is Juan Pobreza, a poor blacksmith who reshoes a mule belonging to St. Peter and charges nothing for the job. Touched, St. Peter asks the man to name three wishes. Juan, sure that Peter is not who he claims to be, makes three seemingly senseless wishes that help him out later when he must deal with the agents of the devil. In the twist at the end, Pobreza finds himself barred from both heaven and hell."

Gauchada by C. Dre Lamm

"The gauchada offered in this story is a necklace—a token made by a gaucho’s own hand and given with love. First it is given to a grandmother, who cherishes it until she feels moved to give an unexpected gift to someone else. In this way, the necklace passes from hand to hand—from heart to heart. It travels farther than the gaucho who made it will ever roam. But each time the necklace is given, his story is told and his message is understood: Love is meant to be given."

Animal Poems of the Iguazu by Francisco X. Alarcon

"The animals of the Iguazú speak for themselves, creating a collection of poems that will resonate with readers of all ages."

Exploring Word Cultures: Argentina by Joanne Mattern

"Covering history, geography and culture, this book is easy-to-read and inclusive of colorful photographs and fact boxes."

Argentina (Explore the Countries) by Julie Murray

"Welcome to Argentina - home to the Andes Mountains, Patagonia, and the bustling city of Buenos Aires! Informative, easy-to-read text and oversized scenic photos draw in readers as they learn about Argentina's history, government, major cities, land features, natural resources, culture, and more! Maps, a timeline with photos, and fun facts complement the text."

Pope Francis: Builder of Bridges by Emma Otheguy

"Jorge Bergoglio was a typical boy growing up in Buenos Aires, Argentina, jumping into pick-up soccer games and listening to lively music on the city streets. His grandma Rosa taught him the importance of doing good and inspired his passion to help others. This passion and years of hard work led him to become a Jesuit priest, a bishop, and then a cardinal."

Spanish-English Picture Dictionary by Catherine Bruzzone

"It's never too soon to start teaching boys and girls a second language, and this book presents pages filled with cheerful color pictures that help teach Spanish words to English-speaking children in early grades. It presents more than 350 illustrations of familiar objects, with nine pictures on each page. Every picture is labeled with its English word, followed by its Spanish equivalent. "

Are you looking for engaging resources for introducing Argentina?

Check out these engaging resources for early readers! 

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