The word "parent" is not just a noun. It's also a verb.
Tatuajes takes on the stereotypes, demonstrating in a non-preachy fashion how reductive such assumptions can be; and, it does so in language that is easily accessible and relatable to the target ages. Based in part on events that occured to López during his first year teaching in the D.C. School System, the interactions between our teacher, Sr. Mendoza, and his students are true-to-life, funny and fun!
Of course, in picturebook fashion, the story involves a duck, a mouse and an adventure. But, everything is intricately woven in a carefully, thoughtfully, written piece, lovingly translated by Mustelier. I can hear the Cuban accent ringing throughout.
A roundup of titles available in Spanish and English that can help you reinforce bilingual skills.
Also, some key-tips for how to increase vocabulary in two languages at once!
The illustrations are dark (it is nighttime after-all) and vivid. They practically jump off the page in bold colors. The dialogue is streamlined and engaging. A solid bedtime story.
This book plays on many levels and handles the difficult themes of inclusion/exclusion, friendship, otherness and differences with subtle clarity and dexterity. It is great for children as young as those in PK and could easily teach a lesson to Middle Schoolers.
This Pura Belpre Illustration Winner is a wonder to behold. López’ illustrations are nothing less than glorious and balance the line between elegance and grace as daintally as Teresa Carreño could play a glissando on the piano.
On a walk with her Grandfather, our young protagonist declares that she is not hungry. Undeterred (as most adults would be at such a declaration), her Grandfather assures her that by the time they reach home, she will have a ravenous appetite.
In this impeccable Spanish Language translation of Engle’s The Flying Girl, we learn the story of Aida de Acosta Breckenridge, an American socialite and the first woman to fly a powered aircraft, solo. De Acosta, of Cuban and Spanish descent, was taught to fly by Alberto Santos-Dumont, known in Brazil, his native country, as the father of aviation.
Guided by the gentle hand of her grandmother Bella comes to realize that accomplishment takes work and perseverance; even Bella’s siblings get in on the lessons!