Bea loves lions but does not like sand — “too gritty, too sticky and too scratchy” — and so she is not thrilled when her mother tells her that they’re heading to the beach. But a sand lion and imagination help Bea recognize the joy of being seaside. End papers are filled with information about lions in this childlike, joy-filled book. Also available in Spanish/English: Bea en el mar/Bea by the Sea.
Bea by the Sea
A snowy landscape: “Brrr… Invierno. Winter.” But winter turns to spring, then summer, followed by autumn, and finally a new year. Single words in both English and Spanish combine with gentle illustrations to present children and families throughout the seasons.
Dias y dias / Days and Days
Simple concepts are presented in straightforward language in both Spanish and English. On each sturdy double page is a crisp illustration that uses simple line and flat form. The result is a precise, highly accessible look at the basic concepts of near and far. You may also want to share Lejos / Far (opens in a new window).
Cerca / Close
After Little Lobo and his dog, Bernabe, finish breakfast, they load their wagon to deliver to the various merchants. While they deliver the goods, they take time to watch the dancing, smell the churros, and even draw stripes on the newly made “zonkey”. Humor abounds in the graphic tour of Mexican culture complete with Spanish words. A glossary concludes this cheery introduction to a country and its language.
¡Vamos! Let’s Go to the Market
As in her other books, the author presents counting from one to ten (in numerals as well as Spanish and English words) in the context of a fiesta! Colorful illustrations and rhyming text create a dynamic book to share aloud and perhaps inspire a party!
One Is a Piñata: A Book of Numbers
Two children — one from New York City, the other from Mexico City — express concern about moving to a new place. Spritely, detailed illustrations visually convey the many similarities between the children’s interests and the places to which they are moving. Notable places in both cities (e.g., Lincoln Center, the Palacio de Belles Artes) conclude this encouraging look at similarities among people. The Spanish edition, Un nuevo hogar (opens in a new window), is also available.
A New Home
Nature comes alive in each classic haiku accompanied by an expressive, imaginative painting. The poems appear in both English and Japanese, which is also transliterated to facilitate pronunciation.
My First Book of Haiku Poems: A Picture, a Poem and a Dream
What happens when you plant a seed? With a bit of care, something grows. The first children’s librarian from Puerto Rico, Pura Belpré (for whom an American Library Association literary award is named) planted seeds of stories throughout New York City where she worked, introducing children to tales from her homeland in Spanish and English. Illustrations bring the time and period to life.
Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré
Bilingual book celebrates the bond between parent and child in the animal kingdom. Babies — whether in snowy dens, warm lagoons, cozy nests, or living rooms — are carried and cuddled, nurtured and nuzzled.
Cuddled and Carried / Consentido y cargado
Join the celebration from morning until evening. It’s presented in rhyming English with Spanish seamlessly incorporated. “No one’s working, closed tiendas./ Bright balloons and meriendas.” Unfamiliar words can be found in the cheerful illustrations (but there’s a glossary just in case!).
Our Celebración!
On her birthday Carmela is finally old enough to go with her brother as he runs errands throughout the community. Although her brother can be annoyed by Carmela, he shows her a field of wishes when most needed. Childlike illustrations extend and enhance the warm story which is also available in Spanish, Los Deseos de Carmela. (opens in a new window)
Carmela Full of Wishes
As a Galápagueña, Valentina spends her days observing the natural world around her. This bilingual story was inspired by the childhood of Valentina Cruz, whose family was one of the first permanent inhabitants of the Galápagos. Valentina is now a biologist and naturalist guide who has dedicated her life to the conservation of the islands.
Galápagos Girl / Galapagueña
Join a young boy and his father on a daring journey from Mexico to Texas to find a new life. Theyll need all the resilience and courage they can muster to safely cross the border (la frontera) and to make a home for themselves in a new land. Based on co-author Alva’s own experience as a young boy. Back matter includes information on immigration, a history of the U.S. and Mexican border, and photos of Alva’s family and hometown.
La Frontera: El viaje con papá / My Journey with Papa
A festive and colorful celebration of the Mexican and Latin American holiday. The rhyming narrative introduces the traditions practiced during El Día de los Muertos or the Day of the Dead, from the sugary, skull-shaped candies (calaveras) and altars built in remembrance of the dearly departed to decorating tombstones and picnics at the cemetery. Spanish words are sprinkled throughout.
Día de los Muertos
El príncipe knows this girl is the one for him, but, as usual, his mother doesn’t agree. The queen has a secret test in mind to see if this girl is really a princesa, but the prince might just have a sneaky plan, too. Readers will be enchanted by this Latino twist on the classic story, with bilingual text and vibrant art inspired by the culture of Peru.
La Princesa and the Pea
Two tall giraffes greet an ostrich trying asking the bird how it feels. Ultimately, they all decide that they’re quite pleased to have found new friendships and are thrilled to share a fiesta. Expressive illustrations and the bilingual text depict the joy of the experience.
How Are You?/ ¿Cómo estás?
Every day is a celebration, from Sunday with grandparents to an all-play day Saturday. Short, lively poems are exuberantly illustrated and presented in Spanish and English.
Family Poems for Every Day of the Week / Poemas familiares para cada día de la semana
In this introduction to Halloween for the young, a child and parents choose a pumpkin, carve it, make a costume and then go trick or treating. Patricelli’s signature child is initially fearful of the costumed creatures gathering treats but comes to appreciate it by the end. Humorous illustrations and brief text are ideal to share with first time trick or treaters.
Boo! / ¡Bu!
Faster than a speeding waistband, more powerful than boxer shorts, it’s the first illustrated chapter book about Captain Underpants, America’s funniest superhero! (In Spanish)
Las aventuras del Capitán Calzoncillos
With lively illustrations and bilingual English and Vietnamese text, this colorful ABC book introduces Vietnam’s culture to young readers.
Vietnam A to Z
Marta is a little girl who is learning that it’s all in how you look at things! To a roaring lion, “Marta is tranouila. Quiet. Very quiet.” But “To a rabbit, Marta is ruidosa! Loud. Very loud.” Opposites are presented in simple English and Spanish complemented by charming illustrations in a muted palette.
Marta! Big and Small
Niño is back and is hard to defeat – except when the horrible little girls don’t play by the rules! Almost surreal illustrations add humor and surprise as they roll across the pages to a cozy conclusion. Spanish and English are used throughout for a vivacious romp.
Rudas: Niño’s Horrendous Hermanitas
Sam is the man who takes good care of his car, driving it to work as a bus driver. In this blinigual version of the book, Sam’s simple saga is presented in Spanish and English, equally charming in both languages.
My Car/Mi carro
Marisol McDonald likes the letter M and most words that begin with it. Except for MONSTER. The night noises Marisol hears turnout not to be a monster at all. The satisfying story is recognizable, reassuring and entertaining, presented in both English and Spanish.