The Gato Taco: A Hilarious, Rhyming, Spanish-Sprinkled Children's Book

by Didi Dragon, Lenaska Ti (illustrator)

A laugh-out-loud, rhyming adventure that will leave kids laughing and practicing their Spanish!

When a curious cat named Gato smells a taco, he’ll do anything to get a bite—even if the muchacho says, “Tacos are NOT for gatos!”

But with every layer of beans, onions, and salsa, Gato learns a tummy-rumbling maybe tacos aren’t for cats after all…or are they?

With playful rhymes and Spanish words, this hilarious tale is perfect for kids who love food, fun and a touch of spice!

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Cats

34 pages, Paperback

Published November 28, 2024

About the author

Sorry to disappoint, but Didi Dragon is not actually a dragon. She has one dragon-like tendency, though, which is she can only sleep in cold, dark rooms, kinda like a cave. Otherwise she’s rather jumpy with sudden noises, and hiccups if her tacos are too spicy. If she could have a super power, it would be to fly, of course. She likes to roller skate, dance while cleaning, and play futbol. She’s not very good at those things, but it sure looks like she has fun.

Oh yeah, she’s currently writing Cavities vs. Toothpaste.

Reviews

[Isabel Schmieta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just read this book via TikTok and it was 10/10 can recommend 🙂‍↕️

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT6FKomkU/

[Alisha (booksmellz) · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Gato the cat smells a taco, he’ll do anything to get a bite, even with the muchacho telling him “Tacos are NOT for gatos!”

Do I have any children?

No.

Did I put a request in for my library to purchase this title after seeing the title alone in a presentation?

Yes.

Have I now had nearly all of my librarian coworkers read it?

Also yes.

This is just super cute and funny with the mixing of Spanish words with the English words, I definitely came away from this having learned new Spanish words.

[Ernie Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really funny and taught me a couple words in Spanish too!

[LeAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious 🤣

[Kristen Barenthaler · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Gato Taco is a lively, rhyming, Spanish‑sprinkled picture book by Didi Dragon with illustrations by Lenaska Ti. A curious cat’s quest for a forbidden taco anchors a playful premise that invites kids to repeat phrases, giggle at mischief, and pick up everyday Spanish words along the way—ideal for read‑alouds with ages 3–7.

Its biggest strengths are musical cadence and momentum: the refrains are catchy, the food imagery is delightfully over‑the‑top, and the humor lands without talking down to young readers. At times the middle stretch circles one joke a bit too long, but the payoff is warm and satisfying, and the bilingual bits feel natural rather than forced.

Lenaska Ti’s vibrant illustrations add motion and personality to every spread, amplifying the gato’s expressive antics and keeping the action visually clear for younger audiences.

Verdict: a charming, high‑energy pick for families who want a fun story that doubles as a light language‑learning boost—sweet, silly, and just spicy enough.

[Sirah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sir. Please give the gato a taco. Tacos are good for gatos, yes?

This book is merely the story of a cat desiring and eating a taco, but it's crafted with such silly rhymes and funny wordplay that it's a delight to read all the way through.

[Connie T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The curious gato (cat) in this book will do anything to get a taste of a taco, even when it gives him an upset stomach. Spanish words are sprinkled throughout the text but their meaning is evident in this cute, humorous story.

[Jessica Lemon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actually adorable. Will be sending my nephews a copy.

[char · Rating 5 out of 5]

dit was zo grappig omg

[Andrea Trenary · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌮 🐈‍⬛

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just read on TikTok and I’m going to get copies for the young people in my life! It’s fun and educational (as retro as that sounds) and the gato was super cute.

[Melissa Regalado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Im a child at heart what can I sayyy I love children’s books. fr tho this book had no business being so silly n cute making me laugh

5 stars bc it teaches the kiddos Spanish

[Magali Calderón · Rating 5 out of 5]

LO AMÉ
fan de las ilustraciones y es muy gracioso, dios bendiga a los que suben libros infantiles a tiktok

[Vittoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too cute 😊

[Masiel Danae Turcios · Rating 3 out of 5]

Me lo leí en cinco minutos y me mato de risa.

[Emily Heredia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny and tiene gatos

[Katie Sapphire-Star · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great but silly kids book that teaches some Spanish (but in a way that rhymes so it's easier to know how to pronounce words) and has cats and fart jokes, what's not to love!?

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

My bilingual kids loved this book. Its cute and funny and i enjoyed reading it to them and hearing them giggle.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

We received this fun book as a gift. It is a laugh-out-loud children's book sprinkled with Spanish words. A fun way to learn, while also laughing at the cat's antics. We also loved the cute illustrations.