As a kid, there’s nothing better than having your parents read you a children’s book. But if you’re Latino, it’s harder to find books that reflect your identity and culture. The Cooperative Children’s Book Center found that roughly 92% of children’s books feature white characters, and only 1.5% feature Latino characters, despite Latinos being closer to 17% of the country’s population–and a growing section of our nation’s youth.

In order to spread the joy, we thought we’d try something different and invite author and illustrator Yuyi Morales, winner of the Pura Belpre Award for children’s books, to read to us an enhanced version her latest story, “Niño Wrestles the World.” She also shares with us her memories of discovering children’s literature in the U.S. for the first time, and where her inspiration comes from.

 Photo illustration courtesy of author.