The history of Hispanic children's literature in the U.S. begins in 1889 with the publication of the journal La Edad de Oro in New York City by José Martí, the renowned Cuban nationalist writer. Cuban independence was not a subject of this children's journal, however; the stories are typical Victorian children's literature, with fiction emphasizing traditional values such as obedience to one's parents, and educational articles on Mexican ruins, Buddhism and animist religions, and famous European writers, painters, and musicians. Only four issues were published.

All the peoples of the earth have their own versions of how they, the earth and the heavens were created. Legends were a way for people to explain natural phenomena, and to let them believe they had some control over them.

Fingerplays and rhymes are our introductions to stories. All over the world, people do fingerplays with very small children, who love the repetition and anticipation. Spanish folk songs and nursery rhymes describe the colors, sights and sounds of growing up in Latin America.

Some celebrations mark religious holidays, others the seasons, and still others milestones in people's lives such as births, weddings and funerals. Sometimes even towns have their own special traditions.

Hispanic children live on both the American continents. Although they have Hispanic culture in common, their lives can be very different.

Which Hispanic authors and illustrators do you know? Some write in Spanish, some in English; all describe the Latino experience in the U.S. Much recent publishing focuses on the challenges and difficulties of assimilation, immigration both legal and illegal, as well as universal experiences of growing up.