At Rayito de Sol, we understand the value of bilingualism for children. Incorporating a second language into reading time is a great way to get the whole family involved in a child’s language journey. Many parents feel intimidated by the concept of attempting to speak Spanish at home, but children’s books can help ease your fears. Here is list of some of our favorite Spanish children’s books, and what you can expect to learn.
Juan Bobo Busca Trabajo
Juan Bobo is a young Puerto Rican boy who is on a search to find work. The name Juan Bobo is translated to English as “Simple John”. His name is descriptive of his abilities. Even when given simple instructions, Juan has a hard time doing things right. No matter how hard he tries, he always makes a mistake. But his blunders are made entertaining in this illustrative and cheerful story. Learn life lessons and Spanish by reading Juan Bobo Busca Trabajo.
Besos for Baby: A Little Book of Kisses
Half in English, half in Spanish, Besos for Baby is formatted like a traditional bilingual book. You and your child can learn Spanish words to describe the love between a parent and child. This Spanish children’s book is perfect for parents who are nervous about introducing the Spanish language into reading time.
Alrededor Del Mundo Con Cantinflas
Mario Fortino Alfonso Moreno Reyes was a famous Mexican film actor, producer, and screenwriter. He continues to be beloved by the Spanish speaking world for his humor and word choice. In Spanish speaking countries, he is known as Cantinflas. Go on a journey around the world with the curious Cantinflas. Visit Los Estados Unidos (The United States), Francia (France), and Brasil (Brazil). You will learn about places, culture, and the Spanish language in this book of adventure.
Te Quiero Más
Te Quiero Más is a sweet Spanish children’s book about love. Originally written in English, this New York Times bestselling picture book is also available in Spanish. Reading this book with your child is a great opportunity to bond. Using rhyme, rhythm, and beautiful illustrations, this flip book is a circle story which means that love never has to end.
Elefantitos
Elefantitos is an accordion fold book which promotes interactive reading. This short story is based on the traditional Mexican song “un elefante se balanceaba” which teaches kids about numbers and counting. Using bright colors, puppets, and lift-the flap features, numbers are depicted in an engaging way. This book is written in both English and Spanish. Read it forwards to read it in Spanish, and backwards to read it in the English adaptation.
La Oruga Muy Hambrienta
The Very Hungry Caterpillar is one of the most popular children’s books that has ever been written. This book has been translated into many languages, and Spanish is one of them. It’s just as good in Spanish as it is in English.
Los Pollitos
This Spanish children’s book is one of many which allows you to read it in both Spanish and English. It’s a dual language baby book. Its cover is a striking yellow, its characters are adorable chickens, and its illustration is endlessly entertaining. Based on the popular song “Los Pollitos Dicen”, you can sing or read along to this adorable Spanish children’s book.
El Monstruo De Colores
This story features a mixed up monster who has his colors all confused. Luckily, he has great friends to help him sort things out. They sort through the colors, identify the feeling the color conveys, and use beautiful metaphors and images to help their friend the monster. Your child will learn that no emotion is bad.
El Pastel Está Tan Arriba
The protagonist of this story is a hungry bear named Oso. He is interested in a cake sitting in a window, but it’s too far up. He recruits local animals to try to reach the cake. In this story of cake and hunger, you will learn about prepositions, names of animals, cooperation, and sharing.
