Why am I passionate about this?

I have lived in Mazatlán, Mexico, for the last 6 years and have explored much of this beautiful country, from the Pacific coast to Mexico City to Puerto Peñasca and the region around the Sea of Cortez. It’s fascinating and varied, and the people here are welcoming and kind. I teach art to primary school children at a local school and love sharing Spanish and English books with them about Mexico. These are some of my favorite books that my students love.


I wrote...

As The Sun Rises, Morning in Mazatlan

By Carolyn Watson-Dubisch ,

Book cover of As The Sun Rises, Morning in Mazatlan

What is my book about?

Juan and Maria love Saturdays when they get to go to Playa Bonita with their Dad, but getting up before…

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of Mi Ciudad Sings

Carolyn Watson-Dubisch Why I love this book

This book is set in Mexico City, when a little girl takes her dog for a walk through her vibrant neighborhood, suddenly there is an earthquake! Everything goes completely silent, and then she sees the people race around and help friends and neighbors who are in trouble. She looks down to discover the baker’s little dog, alone and afraid. She scoops him up and decides to help him home.

Such an enchanting book. The illustrations are spectacular and detailed and so incredibly appealing, and the story mixes in some Spanish words, but it’s done in a way that makes it easy to follow. The flow of this book is absolutely flawless and perfectly captures life in Mexico City.

By Cynthia Harmony , Teresa Martinez (illustrator) ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Mi Ciudad Sings as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 3, 4, 5, and 6.

What is this book about?

After experiencing a devastating earthquake, the spirit of a charming and vibrant Mexican neighborhood might be shaken, but it cannot be broken.

As a little girl and her dog embark on their daily walk through the city, they skip and spin to the familiar sounds of revving cars, clanking bikes, friendly barks, and whistling camote carts. But what they aren't expecting to hear is the terrifying sound of a rumbling earthquake...and then...silence.

With captivating text and lively, beautiful illustrations, this heartwarming story leaves readers with the message that they can choose to be strong and brave even when they are…


Book cover of Just Down the Street: Justo a la vuelta

Carolyn Watson-Dubisch Why I love this book

Two cheerful deer take us on a tour of their city of Mazatlán, Mexico. I love the tone of this book—wide-eyed enthusiasm for this fascinating city.

The book is bilingual in English and Spanish and is full of humor and the incredible sights and sounds of Mexico. It makes you want to hop on a plane and explore. The story is in verse and is great for reading in my class, particularly kindergarten. The art adds a lot, and the Spanish translation is very well done.

By R.H. Bynum , Carolyn Watson-Dubisch (illustrator) , Zanny Medel (translator)

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Just Down the Street as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Grandma and Pop-Pop have moved to Mazatlan. They LOVE it!! Anything they ever need is so close, it's Just Down the Street. You will see Mazatlan through their eyes. You may also learn a few Spanish words along the way. Their days are filled with friends, fun and sun. The only thing missing is their family, who they wish lived Just Down the Street.


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Book cover of The Time-Jinx Twins

The Time-Jinx Twins by Carol Fisher Saller,

Twelve-year-old identical twins Ellie and Kat accidentally trigger their physicist mom’s unfinished time machine, launching themselves into a high-stakes adventure in 1970 Chicago. If they learn how to join forces and keep time travel out of the wrong hands, they might be able find a way home. Ellie’s gymnastics and…

Book cover of Grandma's Chocolate/El Chocolate de Abuelita

Carolyn Watson-Dubisch Why I love this book

Grandma comes home from her visit to Mexico with a suitcase full of surprises. Inside was a wonderful little drum and a clay bird whistle. After playing music, Sabrina learns more about Mexico, from Mayan Princesses to cities of gold and chocolate, of course. Cacao seeds were used as money in the times of the Mayans! They also like to have melted chocolate poured over bowls of snow, just like a chocolate snow cone. After an afternoon of making traditional Mexican hot chocolate, Sabrina starts to understand that chocolate is an important part of her ancestor’s history.

I loved all the history and the illustrations in this bilingual book, and of course, I love chocolate!

By Mara Price , Lisa Fields (illustrator) , Gabriela Baeza Ventura (translator)

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Grandma's Chocolate/El Chocolate de Abuelita as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 5, 6, 7, and 8.

What is this book about?

When Sabrina's grandmother visits from Mexico, she brings gifts that make Sabrina feel like a Mayan princess.


Book cover of The adventures of Rynnie Roo and Tater Too!

Carolyn Watson-Dubisch Why I love this book

The Rynnie Roo books are always such fun, and this one is no different. This book takes the reader on an adventure as they explore the animals that live in the Yucatan jungles of Mexico. It includes some words from the Mayan language and even talks about the many, many dinosaur bones that have been found in the region as well as the types of dinosaurs that were common there.

I love the characters Jean Johnson has created for this series and the fact that she actually grew up in the Yucatan jungle. It’s always great fun to read this one to my students here in Mazatlán, Mexico. They love learning about the other side of their country.

By Jean Johnson , Tara Kieschnick (editor) ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The adventures of Rynnie Roo and Tater Too! as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Rynnie Roo the Kangaroo is going on another adventure! This time Tater Tot the Parakeet joins her in the fun as they visit the Yucatan jungle, make new friends, and discover new animals and dinosaurs!In this book, kids will learn about the Mayan Indian language still spoken in this part of Mexico, including how to say “please” and “thank you.” Be sure you check out Rynnie Roo's Adventures for more locations and learning fun!


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Book cover of The Time-Jinx Twins

The Time-Jinx Twins by Carol Fisher Saller,

Twelve-year-old identical twins Ellie and Kat accidentally trigger their physicist mom’s unfinished time machine, launching themselves into a high-stakes adventure in 1970 Chicago. If they learn how to join forces and keep time travel out of the wrong hands, they might be able find a way home. Ellie’s gymnastics and…

Book cover of Dear Primo: A Letter to My Cousin

Carolyn Watson-Dubisch Why I love this book

Two cousins, Charlie and Carlito, write to each other about their lives. Charlie is in the United States and talks about riding the subway to school in the big city and playing basketball with friends. Carlito is in the country in Mexico and walks to school each day past the “burro” (donkey) and the “nopales” (cactus), and plays football with his friends. Some things seem different but in many ways their lives are alike.

The art is a simple style but really charming and colorful and has won an honor award for the illustrations. There are Spanish words peppered through the book and what I really like is that it shows the strong connection between the two countries. In many ways, the United States and Mexico are also cousins.

By Duncan Tonatiuh ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Dear Primo as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

From first-time Mexican author and illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh comes the story of two cousins, one in America and one in Mexico, and how their daily lives are different yet similar. Charlie takes the subway to school; Carlitos rides his bike. Charlie plays in fallen leaves; Carlitos plays among the local cacti. Dear Primo covers the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of two very different childhoods, while also emphasizing how alike Charlie and Carlitos are at heart. Spanish words are scattered among the English text, providing a wonderful way to introduce the language and culture of Mexico to young children.Inspired by…


Explore my book 😀

As The Sun Rises, Morning in Mazatlan

By Carolyn Watson-Dubisch ,

Book cover of As The Sun Rises, Morning in Mazatlan

What is my book about?

Juan and Maria love Saturdays when they get to go to Playa Bonita with their Dad, but getting up before the sun is so hard! Will it be worth it? An immersive book that brings you the sights, sounds, and even tastes of Mexico with local recipes in the back of the book.

Discover the stunningly beautiful beaches of Mazatlán through the eyes of a child. The joys of Banda (the local music) and the wonder of sea turtles will lure you into the magic of this Mexican seaside city. A picture book for ages 2 - 5.

Book cover of Mi Ciudad Sings
Book cover of Just Down the Street: Justo a la vuelta
Book cover of Grandma's Chocolate/El Chocolate de Abuelita

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