Books
30+ Amazing Bilingual Spanish Books For Kids
Written by Katie Hintz-Zambrano
Sep 13, 2024
There are numerous benefits to raising bilingual children. And with 13% of the U.S. population speaking Spanish at home (that’s over 50 million people!)—it is the second-most popular language in the country. So, whether your family already speaks Spanish or if you are trying to teach your child the language, finding great bilingual Spanish books for kids is key.
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 through October 15), we’ve rounded up our favorite bilingual children’s books from Penguin—most have an English version and Spanish version, while others have Spanish woven throughout a primarily English text.
In addition to giving your children access to Spanish language stories, these books also celebrate the true stories of boundary-breaking Latinx figures, shed a light on the diversity of Spanish-speaking cultures in the U.S., and include joyous tales for the whole family to enjoy. Disfrutar!
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When Lola's teacher asks the students to draw a picture of where their families immigrated from, all the kids are excited. Except Lola. She can't remember The Island—she left when she was just a baby. But with the help of her family and friends, and their memories—joyous, fantastical, heartbreaking, and frightening—Lola's imagination takes her on an extraordinary journey back to The Island.
As she draws closer to the heart of her family's story, Lola comes to understand the truth of her abuela's words: “Just because you don't remember a place doesn't mean it's not in you.”
Gloriously illustrated and lyrically written, Islandborn is a celebration of creativity, diversity, and our imagination's boundless ability to connect us—to our families, to our past, and to ourselves. (Description via Amazon)
Islandborn, written by Junot Díaz, illustrated by Leo Espinosa, $16.73, Bookshop and Amazon.
Lola: Edición en español de Islandborn, illustrated by Leo Espinosa, $17.66, Bookshop and Amazon.
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Dolores Huerta always knew that helping others in her community was important. So when she became a teacher and saw how hard it was for her students from farm families to find enough to eat, she knew there was more she could do. Dolores became a labor rights activist, fighting for better conditions for farm workers. She started unions so that workers would be treated more fairly. And she was also a leader of the women's rights movement. Though she faced discrimination for her gender and her ethnicity, she persisted and helped make life better for farm workers, Latinos, and women across the country.
In this chapter book biography by award-winning author Monica Brown, readers learn about the amazing life of Dolores Huerta—and how she persisted.
Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton, black-and-white illustrations throughout, and a list of ways that readers can follow in Dolores Huerta's footsteps and make a difference! A perfect choice for kids who love learning and teachers who want to bring inspiring women into their curriculum. (Description via Amazon)
She Persisted: Dolores Huerta, written by Monica Brown and Chelsea Clinton, illustrated by Alexandra Boiger and Gillian Flint, $15.80, Bookshop and Amazon.
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Barrio Logan, one of San Diego’s oldest Chicane neighborhoods, once brimmed with families and stretched all the way to the glorious San Diego Bay. But in the decades after WWII, the community lost their beach and bayfront to factories, junkyards, and an interstate that divided the neighborhood and forced around 5,000 people out of their homes.
Then on April 22, 1970, residents discovered that the construction crew they believed was building a park—one the city had promised them years ago—was actually breaking ground for a police station. That’s when they knew it was time to make their voices heard.
Barrio Rising invites readers to join a courageous young activist and her neighbors in their successful twelve-day land occupation and beyond, when Barrio Logan banned together and built the colorful park that would become the corazón of San Diego's Chicane community. (Description via Amazon)
Barrio Rising: The Protest that Built Chicano Park, written by María Dolores Águila, illustrated by Magdalena Mora, $17.66, Bookshop and Amazon.
El barrio se levanta: La protesta que construyó el Parque Chicano, written by María Dolores Águila, illustrated by Magdalena Mora, $17.66, Bookshop and Amazon.
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While Roja picks flowers on the way to her grandma's, a mean wolf sneaks away with her cape to surprise Abuelita. But Grandma's no fool and Roja's no ordinary chica. They send that hungry lobo packing with a caliente surprise!
This spirited retelling of Little Red Riding Hood has accessible Spanish rhymes and fresh illustrations, with hip cultural details throughout. (Description via Amazon)
Little Roja Riding Hood, written by Susan Middleton Elya, illustrated by Susan Guevara, $17.66, Bookshop and Amazon.
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From an award-winning author and illustrator, a warm, gentle ode to cherished visits from grandparents and the people and places that make us who we are even if we haven’t met them yet.
It’s been three years since Abuela’s last visit, and Dulce revels in every tiny detail—from Abuela’s maletas full of candies in crinkly wrappers and gifts from primos to the sweet, earthy smell of Peru that floats out of Abuela’s room and down the hall.
But Abuela’s visit can’t last forever, and all too soon she’s packing her suitcases again. Then Dulce has an idea: maybe there are things she can gather for her cousins and send with Abuela to remind them of the U.S. relatives they’ve never met.
And despite having to say goodbye, Abuela has one more surprise for Dulce—something to help her remember that home isn’t just a place, but the deep-rooted love they share no matter the distance. (Description via Amazon)
A Maleta Full of Treasures, written by Natalia Sylvester, illustrated by Juana Medina, $17.66, Bookshop and Amazon.
La Maleta de Tesoros, written by Natalia Sylvester, illustrated by Juana Medina, $17.66, Bookshop and Amazon.
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Sonia Sotomayor is the first Latina Supreme Court Justice in the history of the United States, but her road there wasn't easy. She overcame many challenges along the way, including a diagnosis of diabetes at age seven. But she didn't let that stop her from achieving her dream and inspiring children all over the world to work hard and believe in themselves.
Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton, black-and-white illustrations throughout, and a list of ways that readers can follow in Sonia Sotomayor's footsteps and make a difference! A perfect choice for kids who love learning and teachers who want to bring inspiring women into their curriculum. (Description via Amazon)
She Persisted: Sonia Sotomayor, written by Meg Medina and Chelsea Clinton, illustrated by Alexandra Boiger and Gillian Flint, $5.57, Bookshop and Amazon.
Ella persistió: Sonia Sotomayor, written by Meg Medina and Chelsea Clinton, illustrated by Alexandra Boiger and Gillian Flint, $9.25, Bookshop and Amazon.
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Come join Rosalba and her grandmother, her Abuela, on a magical journey as they fly over the streets, sights, and people of New York City, which sparkles below.
The story is narrated in English, and sprinkled with Spanish phrases as Abuela points out places that they explore together. The exhilaration in Rosalba’s and Abuela's story is magnified by the loving bond that only a grandmother and granddaughter can share. (Description via Amazon)
Abuela, written by Arthur Dorros, illustrated by Elisa Kleven, $8.63, Bookshop and Amazon.
Abuela (Spanish Edition), written by Arthur Dorros, illustrated by Elisa Kleven, $8.36, Bookshop and Amazon.
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When Carmela wakes up on her birthday, her wish has already come true—she's finally old enough to join her big brother as he does the family errands. Together, they travel through their neighborhood, past the crowded bus stop, the fenced-off repair shop, and the panadería, until they arrive at the Laundromat, where Carmela finds a lone dandelion growing in the pavement. But before she can blow its white fluff away, her brother tells her she has to make a wish. If only she can think of just the right wish to make…
With lyrical, stirring text and stunning, evocative artwork, Matt de la Peña and Christian Robinson have crafted a moving ode to family, to dreamers, and to finding hope in the most unexpected places. (Description via Amazon)
Carmela Full of Wishes, written by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson, $17.66, Bookshop and Amazon.
Los deseos de Carmela, written by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson, $17.66, Bookshop and Amazon.
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Classic favorites get a modern Latino twist, with Spanish sprinkled throughout
The itsy arañita climbed up the water spout. Down came la lluvia and washed la araña out.
Classic Mother Goose rhymes get a Latino twist in this cozy collection. From young Juan Ramón sitting in el rincón to three little gatitos who lost their mitoncitos, readers will be delighted to see familiar characters in vibrant, luminous scenes brimming with fanciful details.
La Madre Goose will make a playful multicultural addition to every modern bookshelf. (Description via Amazon)
La Madre Goose: Nursery Rhymes for Los Niños, written by Susan Middleton Elya, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal, $15.80, Bookshop and Amazon.
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favorite panza of all is Mamá’s. Her panza is capable of remarkable things, and she loves it as an important part of herself. Her panza was also his first home. Even before he was born, it cradled and held him.
When he’s feeling shy and needs a place to hide or when he wants somewhere to rest during a bedtime story, Mamá’s panza is always there.
With affirming text by Isabel Quintero and vivid art by Iliana Galvez, Mamá’s Panza is a young boy’s love letter to his mother, along with a celebration of our bodies and our bellies. (Description via Amazon)
Mamá's Panza, written by Isabel Quintero, illustrated by Iliana Galvez, $17.66, Bookshop and Amazon.
La panza de mamá, written by Isabel Quintero, illustrated by Iliana Galvez, $17.66, Bookshop and Amazon.
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Singer-songwriter José-Luis Orozco has assembled a collection of finger rhymes and other action songs from Latin America. Including favorites such as "The Wheels on the Bus" as well as folk songs from a variety of Spanish-speaking countries, Diez Deditos is a treat for the eyes, ears, and fingers.
Lyrics are presented in both English and Spanish, and easy-to-follow musical accompaniment and diagrams for the corresponding actions are also provided. As in the companion volume De Colores, bright collage illustrations by Elisa Kleven complete the appeal of this fun-filled book. (Description via Amazon)
Diez Deditos and Other Play Rhymes and Action Songs from Latin America, written by Jose-Luis Orozco, illustrated by Elisa Kleven, $9.29, Bookshop and Amazon.
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A heartfelt picture book based on the author-illustrator's own experiences, about a boy who moves to the U.S. mainland from Puerto Rico and realizes that New York City might have more in common with San Juan than he initially thought.
Miguel's pet frog, Coquí, is always with him: as he greets his neighbors in San Juan, buys quesitos from the panadería, and listens to his abuelo's story about meeting baseball legend Roberto Clemente.
Then Miguel learns that he and his parents are moving to the U.S. mainland, which means leaving his beloved grandparents, home in Puerto Rico, and even Coquí behind. Life in New York City is overwhelming, with unfamiliar buildings, foods, and people. But when he and mamá go exploring, they find a few familiar sights that remind them of home, and Miguel realizes there might be a way to keep a little bit of Puerto Rico with him—including the love he has for Coquí—wherever he goes. (Description via Amazon)
Coquí in the City, written and illustrated by Nomar Perez, $17.66, Bookshop and Amazon.
De aquí como el coquí, written and illustrated by Nomar Perez, $17.66, Bookshop and Amazon.
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Maren the whale shark loves her life as the biggest, brightest fish in the sea. She spends her days exploring the water around her and finding fresh new snacks as she travels. But one day, the ocean goes dark and Maren’s adventures come to a halt. With only the glow from the scales on her back and her best friend, Remy the remora, by her side, Maren sets out on her greatest quest yet—to cross the ocean and ask the Aztec goddess Huixtocihuatl about the darkness and to figure out how to bring back the light. Along the way she meets new friends and exemplifies the power of sharing!
Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes 30 Under 30 Honoree, globally renowned shark scientist, and author of Mother of Sharks, is back to introduce a variety of fish and other fun sea creatures in this picture book celebrating community, friendship, and supporting others in times of need. Brought to life by Rocío Arreola Mendoza’s stellar illustrations, this ocean adventure is sure to educate and excite young readers about the sea while passing along positive lessons to be used on land. (Description via Amazon)
Sea of Constellations, written by Melissa Cristina Márquez, illustrated by Rocío Arreola Mendoza, $18.59, Bookshop and Amazon.
Océano de constelaciones, written by Melissa Cristina Márquez, illustrated by Rocío Arreola Mendoza, $18.59, Bookshop and Amazon.
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An exuberant picture book celebrating the life and legacy of Selena Quintanilla, beloved Queen of Tejano music.
From a very early age, young Selena knew how to connect with people and bring them together with music. Sing with Me follows Selena's rise to stardom, from front-lining her family's band at rodeos and quinceañeras to performing in front of tens of thousands at the Houston Astrodome.
Young readers will be empowered by Selena's dedication—learning Spanish as a teenager, designing her own clothes, and traveling around the country with her family—sharing her pride in her Mexican-American roots and her love of music and fashion with the world. (Description via Amazon)
Sing with Me: The Story of Selena Quintanilla, written by Diana López, illustrated by Teresa Martinez, $17.66, Bookshop and Amazon.
Canta conmigo: La historia de Selena Quintanilla, written by Diana López, illustrated by Teresa Martinez, $17.66, Bookshop and Amazon.
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Luci was born without a shadow. Mamá says no one notices. But Luci does. And sometimes others do too. Sometimes they stare, sometimes they tease Luci, and sometimes they make her cry. But when Luci learns to look at what makes her different as a strength, she realizes she has more power than she ever thought. And that her differences can even be a superpower.
From three-time Pura Belpré Award honoree Lulu Delacre comes a heartfelt and uplifting story with a timeless message: what sets you apart is often what makes you great. (Description via Amazon)
Luci Soars, written and illustrated by Lulu Delacre, $16.73, Bookshop and Amazon.
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A beautiful, lyrical story about a girl who moves from her home in Central America to the United States, and everything she leaves behind and longs for—especially her Abuela—as she makes a new life.
Rocio has grown up in Central America, but now she and her family are moving to the United States. Rocio does her best to adjust to a new way of living, but there are many things she misses from her old life—Abuela’s cooking, Abuela’s pinata creations, Abuela’s warm hugs, and of course, Abuela herself most of all.
But Abuela finds a way to send Rocio something special just in time for her birthday—a gift wrapped with lots of love—and that fills Rocio to the brim. (Description via Amazon)
Con Mucho Amor, written by Jenny Torres Sanchez, illustrated by André Ceolin, $17.66, Bookshop and Amazon.
With Lots Of Love, written by Jenny Torres Sanchez, illustrated by André Ceolin, $17.66, Bookshop and Amazon.
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Lucas goes to the perfect school in the perfect neighborhood. And when he gets perfect grades, he feels like he fits right in.
But life at home is not so perfect. His dad’s old work truck keeps breaking down. His mom works long hours at her job at the diner. And Lucas has to share his small room with his baby sister.
One night, Lucas is awakened by a strange light, which he follows all the way to the place where the perfect people live. Everything there is more beautiful than he could have imagined. But the longer Lucas stays, the more he wonders what it really means to be perfect. Does it mean never making mistakes? Does it mean rejecting his bustling neighborhood and his loving family? And what’s so great about being perfect, anyway?
From award-winning talents Matt de la Peña and Paola Escobar comes this heartwarming, uplifting picture book about a boy, at home in two worlds, discovering what it means to be at home with himself. (Description via Amazon)
The Perfect Place, written by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Paola Escobar, $17.66, Bookshop and Amazon.
El lugar perfecto, written by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Paola Escobar, $17.66, Bookshop and Amazon.
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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 scared, and can still find joy and hope in the midst of sadness. (Description via Amazon)
Mi Ciudad Sings, written by Cynthia Harmony, illustrated by Teresa Martinez, $16.73, Bookshop and Amazon.
Mi ciudad canta, written by Cynthia Harmony, illustrated by Teresa Martinez, $17.66, Bookshop and Amazon.
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Early one Saturday morning, a boy prepares for a trip to The Other Side/El Otro Lado. It's close—just down the street from his school—and it's a twin of where he lives. To get there, his father drives their truck along the Rio Grande and over a bridge, where they're greeted by a giant statue of an eagle.
Their outings always include a meal at their favorite restaurant, a visit with Tío Mateo at his jewelry store, a cold treat from the paletero, and a pharmacy pickup. On their final and most important stop, they check in with friends seeking asylum and drop off much-needed supplies.
My Two Border Towns by David Bowles, with stunning watercolor illustrations by Erika Meza, is the loving story of a father and son's weekend ritual, a demonstration of community care, and a tribute to the fluidity, complexity, and vibrancy of life on the U.S.-Mexico border. (Description via Amazon)
My Two Border Towns, written by David Bowles, illustrated by Erika Meza, $17.66, Bookshop and Amazon.
Mis dos pueblos fronterizos, written by David Bowles, illustrated by Erika Meza, $17.66, Bookshop and Amazon.
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When Diana Taurasi was a girl, professional women's basketball didn't exist in the U.S. But she worked hard to create opportunities for herself, winning championships throughout college and eventually going on to play for the WNBA with the Phoenix Mercury and winning multiple Olympic gold medals.
In this chapter book biography by award-winning author Monica Brown, readers learn about the amazing life of Diana Taurasi—and how she persisted.
Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton, black-and-white illustrations throughout, and a list of ways that readers can follow in Diana Taurasi's footsteps and make a difference! A perfect choice for kids who love learning and teachers who want to bring inspiring women into their curriculum. (Description via Amazon)
She Persisted: Diana Taurasi, written by Monica Brown and Chelsea Clinton, and illustrated by Alexandra Boiger and Gillian Flint, $13.94, Bookshop and Amazon.
Ella Persistió: Diana Taurasi, written by Monica Brown and Chelsea Clinton, and illustrated by Alexandra Boiger and Gillian Flint, $9.25, Bookshop and Amazon.
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This modern classic celebrates the tradition of tamales and family bonding at Christmas.
Christmas Eve started out so perfectly for Maria. Snow had fallen and the streets glittered. Maria's favorite cousins were coming over and she got to help make the tamales for Christmas dinner. It was almost too good to be true when her mother left the kitchen for a moment and Maria got to try on her beautiful diamond ring.
This is the story of a treasure thought to be lost in a batch of tamales; of a desperate and funny attempt by Maria and her cousins to eat their way out of trouble; and the warm way a family pulls together to make it a perfect Christmas after all. (Description via Amazon)
Too Many Tamales, by Gary Soto, Ed Martinez, Alma Flor Ada, and F. Isabel Campoy, $8.36, Bookshop and Amazon.
¡Qué montón de Tamales!, by Gary Soto, Ed Martinez, Alma Flor Ada, and F. Isabel Campoy, $8.36, Bookshop and Amazon.
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For fans of The Little Blue Truck, Red Truck, and The Little Engine That Could, a rhyming ode to a colorful South American bus and the collective spirit of its people.
This joyful and rhyming picture book written by a debut author and illustrated by the beloved creator of Nightlights and Hicotea follows the iconic bus, or chiva, as it navigates the rugged Andes mountains, celebrating the rich culture and landscape of Colombia that was so beautifully showcased in Disney’s Encanto. (Description via Amazon)
I Am La Chiva!: The Colorful Bus of the Andes, written by Karol Hernández, illustrated by Lorena Alvarez Gómez, $17.66, Bookshop and Amazon.
¡Me llamo la Chiva!: El colorido bus de los Andes, written by Karol Hernández, illustrated by Lorena Alvarez Gómez, $17.66, Bookshop and Amazon.
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As the sun sets over another gorgeous day at la Playita Del Condado in Puerto Rico, Meli doesn't want to go home. She loves the ocean more than anything, and with only five minutes left at the beach, she knows exactly where her last stop should be: the tidal pools. They are small universes of their own teeming with critters and creatures of the ocean. While looking into the pools, she meets a crab, Jaiba, who takes her on a dreamlike underwater adventure, teaches her about the importance of shark conservation, and reveals Meli's ultimate destiny: to become the Mother of Sharks.
Blending the autobiographical with the fantastical, Melissa Cristina Márquez shares her incredible story not only to dispel myths about these misunderstood creatures but also to pave the way for Latinas in STEM.
Paired with Devin Elle Kurtz's vibrant, emotive illustrations, this picture book is an irresistible journey through the wonders of the ocean and, above all, a rallying cry for marine conservation. (Description via Amazon)
Mother of Sharks, written by Melissa Cristina Márquez, illustrated by Devin Elle Kurtz, $18.59, Bookshop and Amazon.
Madre de los tiburones, written by Melissa Cristina Márquez, illustrated by Devin Elle Kurtz, $18.59, Bookshop and Amazon.
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Angélica has spent the summer in the Dominican Republic with her tías and primas, her grandparents, and their parrot, but soon she’ll have to say goodbye. The end of summer means returning home to start school on another shore.
Before she leaves, her grandfather gives her the perfect gift. It's something with the power to make people dance as fast as the wings of a hummingbird: a güira. Angélica falls in love with this musical instrument, though nobody shares her enthusiasm at first.
“What is that sound,” they say, “pennies inside a tin cup?” But on a hot, sunny day, in the land of Washington Heights, where the frío frío woman scrapes ice for a long line of customers and the men on the corner plunk dominoes on a makeshift carboard table, Angélica shows her neighbors the power of la güira.
Angélica and la Güira lovingly explores music and community, the wisdom and guidance of our elders, and the joy and freedom of dancing in the street. No matter where we are, music brings us closer to home. (Description via Amazon)
Angélica and la Güira, written by Angie Cruz, illustrated by Luz Batista, $17.66, Bookshop and Amazon.
Angélica y la güira, written by Angie Cruz, illustrated by Luz Batista, $17.66, Bookshop and Amazon.
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The Princess and the Pea gets a fresh twist in this charming retelling with Spanish sprinkled throughout, winner of the Pura Belpré Medal for Illustration.
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, and captivated by the vibrant art inspired by the culture of Peru. (Description via Amazon)
La Princesa and the Pea, written by Susan Middleton Elya, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal, $17.66, Bookshop and Amazon.
La princesa y la arveja, written by Susan Middleton Elya, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal, $17.62, Bookshop and Amazon.
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Take a walk through the Bronx and what do you see? CIRCLE wheels on a classic tricycle, a vast DIAMOND where the Yankees play baseball, colorful TRIANGLE flags above the bodega, and more!
Bronxshapes, the second board book in a new series, teaches young readers about shapes through Bronx native Alex Rivera's eye-catching photographs and creative design.
The small, square, trim (7" x 7”), and sturdy pages are a perfect format for toddlers, and the content inside promotes language acquisition and concept learning in both English and Spanish. (Description via Amazon)
Bronxshapes, written and illustrated by Alex Rivera, $7.99, Amazon.
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Clara visits her abuelo and many, many cousins in California every year. And every year, her family tells tall tales about her abuelo’s orange groves: There’s magic! There’s mischief! There’s monstruos! But Clara’s never been to the orange groves. And she’s determined to change that.
So when her cousins aren’t looking, Clara sneaks into her abuelo’s truck and makes her way to the orange groves. Once Abuelo spots her, he and Clara have a wondrous time serenading oranges, bravely defending the groves against gophers, and eating some delicious tacos with—WHEW—just a little bit of spice.
Soon, Clara has magical tall tales to tell of her own. For she’s no longer just a visitor: She belongs to the groves, and the groves belong to her. (Description via Amazon)
In the Groves, written and illustrated by Andrea Cruz Floren, $17.66, Bookshop and Amazon.
En los naranjales, written and illustrated by Andrea Cruz Floren, $17.66, Bookshop and Amazon.
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Every night when Sonia goes to bed, Mami asks her the same question: How did you help today? And since Sonia wants to help her community, just like her Mami does, she always makes sure she has a good answer to Mami's question.
In a story inspired by her own family's desire to help others, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor takes young readers on a journey through a neighborhood where kids and adults, activists and bus drivers, friends and strangers all help one another to build a better world for themselves and their community.
With art by award-winning illustrator Angela Dominguez, this book shows how we can all help make the world a better place each and every day. (Description via Amazon)
Just Help!: How to Build a Better World, written by Sonia Sotomayor, illustrated by Angela Dominguez, $16.73, Bookshop and Amazon.
¡Solo Ayuda!: Como Construir Un Mundo Mejor, written by Sonia Sotomayor, illustrated by Angela Dominguez, $16.73, Bookshop and Amazon.
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When Daisy Ramona zooms around her neighborhood with her papi on his motorcycle, she sees the people and places she's always known. She also sees a community that is rapidly changing around her.
But as the sun sets purple-blue-gold behind Daisy Ramona and her papi, she knows that the love she feels will always be there.
With vivid illustrations and text bursting with heart, My Papi Has a Motorcycle is a young girl's love letter to her hardworking dad and to memories of home that we hold close in the midst of change. (Description via Amazon)
My Papi Has a Motorcycle, written by Isabel Quintero, illustrated by Zeke Peña, $17.66, Bookshop and Amazon.
Mi papi tiene una moto, written by Isabel Quintero, illustrated by Zeke Peña, $17.66, Bookshop and Amazon.
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Night after night, a young girl watches her mami set up a cot in the living room for guests in their Washington Heights apartment, like Raquel (who's boring) and Edgardo (who gets crumbs everywhere). She resents that they get the entire living room with a view of the George Washington Bridge, while all she gets is a tiny bedroom with a view of her sister (who snores). Until one night when no one comes, and it's finally her chance! But as it turns out, sleeping on the cot in the living room isn't all she thought it would be.
With charming text by Hilda Eunice Burgos and whimsical illustrations by Gaby D'Alessandro, The Cot in the Living Room is a celebration of the ways a Dominican American community takes care of one another while showing young readers that sometimes the best way to be a better neighbor is by imagining how it feels to spend a night sleeping on someone else's pillow. (Description via Amazon)
The Cot in the Living Room, written by Hilda Eunice Burgos, illustrated by Gaby D'Alessandro, $17.66, Bookshop and Amazon.
La Camita de la Sala, written by Hilda Eunice Burgos, illustrated by Gaby D'Alessandro, $17.62, Bookshop and Amazon.
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Derived from Mexican Indigenous wisdom, this series of poetic board books center around establishing an authentic, heartfelt connection with nature.
Using Mexican concepts, this poignantly lyrical series invites young children to pay witness to nature, to value it, and to become a steward of the planet. Water is essential to all life on earth—it helps us grow, it feeds us, it cleanses us, and it heals us. Its fluidity touches and gives life to every being, showcasing the power of universal interconnectedness.
Acclaimed middle-grade author Aida Salazar lovingly turns her attention to the youngest readers, bringing her signature lyrical text—in English with a few Spanish words interwoven. With vibrant, mystical art, this book is a truly meaningful and formative experience for all young readers. (Description via Amazon)
When Moon Blooms, written by Aida Salazar, illustrated by Caribay M. Benavides, $8.36, Bookshop and Amazon.
When Water Flows, written by Aida Salazar, illustrated by Caribay M. Benavides, $8.36, Bookshop and Amazon.
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Feeling different, especially as a kid, can be tough. But in the same way that different types of plants and flowers make a garden more beautiful and enjoyable, different types of people make our world more vibrant and wonderful.
In Just Ask, United States Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor celebrates the different abilities kids (and people of all ages) have. Using her own experience as a child who was diagnosed with diabetes, Justice Sotomayor writes about children with all sorts of challenges—and looks at the special powers those kids have as well.
As the kids work together to build a community garden, asking questions of each other along the way, this book encourages readers to do the same: When we come across someone who is different from us but we're not sure why, all we have to do is Just Ask. (Description via Amazon)
Just Ask!: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You, written by by Sonia Sotomayor, illustrated by Rafael López, $16.73, Bookshop and Amazon.
¡Solo pregunta!: Sé Diferente, Sé Valiente, Sé Tú, written by by Sonia Sotomayor, illustrated by Rafael López, $17.66, Bookshop and Amazon.
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Pura Belpré grew up in Puerto Rico surrounded by stories. When she moved to New York and was offered the chance to work at the New York Public Library, she was thrilled to be able to help share her stories with children—especially multicultural and multilingual children like her.
She persisted in bringing Spanish and bilingual storytelling and books to libraries across the city and across the country, and she wrote books and stories of her own to bring even more of her culture to people everywhere. Pura gave Spanish speakers in New York and around the country the opportunity to read and find community in ways they never had before, and she changed the way libraries reach readers even to this day.
In this chapter book biography by bestselling and award-winning author Meg Medina, readers learn about the amazing life of Pura Belpré—and how she persisted.
Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton, black-and-white illustrations throughout, and a list of ways that readers can follow in Pura Belpré's footsteps and make a difference! A perfect choice for kids who love learning and teachers who want to bring inspiring women into their curriculum. (Description via Amazon)
She Persisted: Pura Belpré, written by Meg Medina, Marilisa Jiménez García, and Chelsea Clinton, illustrated by Alexandra Boiger and Gillian Flint, $6.50, Bookshop and Amazon.
Ella persistió: Pura Belpré, written by Meg Medina, Marilisa Jiménez García, and Chelsea Clinton, illustrated by Alexandra Boiger and Gillian Flint, $9.25, Bookshop and Amazon.
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Author-illustrator Carlos Aponte takes readers on a journey to the heart of Puerto Rico in this enchanting picture book set in Old San Juan.
Carlitos lives in a happy home with his mother, his abuela, and Coco the cat. Life in his hometown is cozy as can be, but the call of the capital city pulls Carlitos across the bay in search of his father. Jolly piragüeros, mischievous cats, and costumed musicians color this tale of love, family, and the true meaning of home. (Description via Amazon)
Across the Bay, written and illustrated by Carlos Aponte, $17.66, Bookshop and Amazon.
Al otro lado de la bahía, written and illustrated by Carlos Aponte, $16.69, Bookshop and Amazon.
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Perla is a mighty dog who has two superpowers—making people love her, and roaring like a lion. When she finds out her human brother, Nico Rico, is being bullied at school, she knows she has to step in! But what will Perla do?
In a charming and poignant story about the bond between child and pet, Isabel Allende makes her children's literary debut. (Description via Amazon)
Perla The Mighty Dog, written by Isabel Allende, illustrated by Sandy Rodríguez, $17.66, Bookshop and Amazon.
Perla la súper perrita, written by Isabel Allende, illustrated by Sandy Rodríguez, $17.66, Bookshop and Amazon.
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As the first Latina Supreme Court Justice, Sonia Sotomayor has inspired young people around the world to reach for their dreams. But what inspired her? For young Sonia, the answer was books! They were her mirrors, her maps, her friends, and her teachers. They helped her to connect with her family in New York and in Puerto Rico, to deal with her diabetes diagnosis, to cope with her father's death, to uncover the secrets of the world, and to dream of a future for herself in which anything was possible.
In Turning Pages, Justice Sotomayor shares that love of books with a new generation of readers, and inspires them to read and puzzle and dream for themselves. Accompanied by Lulu Delacre's vibrant art, this story of the Justice's life shows readers that the world is full of promise and possibility—all they need to do is turn the page. (Description via Amazon)
Turning Pages: My Life Story, written by Sonia Sotomayor, illustrated by Lulu Delacre, $16.73, Bookshop and Amazon.
Pasando páginas: La historia de mi vida, written by Sonia Sotomayor, illustrated by Lulu Delacre, $16.73, Bookshop and Amazon.
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