Children's Books that Feature Venezuela

This week, we're diving into South America again! This time, we're sharing a roundup of some amazing children's books that feature Venezuela. 

We know you'll find some of these stories absolutely engaging and want to add them to your home library!

This post contains affiliate links.

Picture Books with Venezuelan Characters

There aren't a lot of Venezuelan-themed children's books that I could find, so in stead of separating them by language (English, Spanish, or bilingual), I'm just listing them all here. 

Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln (English)

Manos que bailan: Cómo Teresa Carreño tocó el piano para el presidente Lincoln (Spanish)

by Margarita Engle

I had never heard of Teresa Carreño, the prodigy pianist from Venezuela who began playing the piano as a little girl and composing her own music by the time she was 6. Not only did she play for President Lincoln as noted in this lovely story, but apparently for the famous composers Rossini and Liszt, too!

In Dancing Hands, we learn about Teresa's love of music and how she developed her talent in her homeland of Venezuela. We also read about how she and her family were forced to flee to the United States when Venezuala erupted in a revolution...only to arrive in the middle of the U.S. Civil War. The story goes on to chronicle the events that led to her performing for President Lincoln and his family in the White House.

Roberto's Trip to the Top (English only)
by John B. Paterson Jr.

Breathtaking vistas and bustling scenes await a boy and his uncle when they ride the teleférico to the top of a mountain in Venezuela.

Up, up, up goes Roberto, aboard a cable car, heading to the top of El Avila. Share his excitement as he sees deep ravines and spectacular views, and meets the people and wildlife that live on the mountainside, on his first big adventure!

Wings and Dreams: The Legend of Angel Falls (bilingual)

by Irania Macías Patterson

The highest waterfall in the world, Venezuela's magnificent Angel Falls, is the backdrop for a newly imagined folktale vibrantly illustrated with full-color original art.

A dark shadow falls over the Pemones Indians as conquerors from the north invade the ancient land. A wise shaman sends young Takupi on a perilous journey to seek out safety for his people in a secret southern land seen only in the shaman's dreams. It's a place where man can touch the soft clouds, grateful eagles carry children on their backs, and rushing waters bathe a scorched and withering land.

Armed with only a few token gifts to protect him, Takupi must face frightening obstacles in his quest. Along the way, he discovers, as everyone must, the depth of his own courage--and his destiny.

Chipi Chipis, Small Shells of the Sea / Chipi Chipis, Caracolitos Del Mar (bilingual)

by Irania Macías Patterson

Nature, sea and wind take on a life of their own in this beautiful tale inspired by authentic Venezuelan family traditions. Original illustrations help tell the story all while introducing the reader to a new language and culture.

The Caiman (English version)
La caimana (Spanish version)

When Faoro the clockmaker adopts a baby alligator, he has no idea that someday their story will travel far and wide. But the town of San Fernando de Apure would never forget this kind young man and his adoring alligator, who played with the neighborhood children, took part in Faoro’s wedding, and, eventually, mourned his loss. Now their story is being shared with the world.

In this delightful picture book first published in Venezuela, the author brings us back to her own childhood in Venezuela, as one of the children who used to visit this famous caiman, to tell the story of a man who loved animals and how his friendship with his alligator sparked a lasting legacy.

Venezuela ABCs: A Book About the People and Places of Venezuela

Oil, mangoes, and Angel Falls. International beauty contest winners and the golden legend of El Dorado. Wander inside this beautiful book to learn the ABCs of what makes Venezuela a South American jewel.

Fun Facts About Venezuela

Pair any of these books with my Fun Facts About Venezuela: A Country Coloring Activity. This download is an excellent introduction or supplement to a lesson on Peru. 

It includes a printable map and fact passage! Just have your kids read about a person, place, or thing related to Venezuela, then have them find it on the map and color it in. Available in English or Spanish, it's simple and fun.

This product now contains an added page of additional learning resources to extend the learning with related books, online articles, and videos.

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Children's Books that Feature Peru

This week, we're taking a look at Peru. And to start things off, here's a roundup of some amazing children's books that feature Peru. We know you'll find some of these stories absolutely engaging and want to add them to your home library!

This post contains affiliate links.

Picture Books with Peruvian Characters

Sharuko: El Arqueólogo Peruano Julio C. Tello / Peruvian Archaeologist Julio C. Tello

Written by Monica Brown

Illustrated by Elisa Chavarri

Here's the book description, but let me tell you. I've already seen the book and it is such a great story. If you have young children who love adventure and are looking for some inspiration, this is it.

Growing up in the late 1800s, Julio Tello, an Indigenous boy, spent time exploring the caves and burial grounds in the foothills of the Peruvian Andes. Nothing scared Julio, not even the ancient human skulls he found. His bravery earned him the boyhood nickname Sharuko, which means brave in Quechua, the language of the Native people of Peru.

At the age of twelve, Julio moved to Lima to continue his education. While in medical school, he discovered an article about the skulls he had found. The skulls had long ago been sent to Lima to be studied by scientists. The article renewed Julio's interest in his ancestry, and he decided to devote his medical skills to the study of Peru's Indigenous history.

Over his lifetime, Julio Tello made many revolutionary discoveries at archaeological sites around Peru, and he worked to preserve the historical treasures he excavated. He showed that Peru's Indigenous cultures had been established thousands of years ago, disproving the popular belief that Peruvian culture had been introduced more recently from other countries. He fostered pride in his country's Indigenous ancestry, making him a hero to all Peruvians. Because of the brave man once known as Sharuko, people around the world today know of Peru's long history and its living cultural legacy.

Kusikiy a Child from Taquile, Peru by Mercedes Cecilia

The author created an original myth that draws us into the kaleidoscopic a world of a Peruvian child. KUSIKIY lives in The Andes Mountains of Peru in a small island in Lake Titikaka. In the peaceful community of Taquile, Kusikiy's father cultivates potatoes and Quinoa; his mother, like her mother and grandmother, weaves traditional designs into her textiles recording the important events. Children easily identify with Kusikiy's love for family and his concerns for the effects of climate changes on Mother Earth, as well as with his desire to be of help to his town. This is a book that gives parents and educators a visual and appealing way to engage children in a dialogue about traditional cultures, the meaning of community, sustainability and caring for our environment.

Kutu the Tiny Inca Princess / La Ñusta Diminuta by Mariana Llanos

This book was my pick a few years ago for the Multicultural Kid Blogs' Read Around the World Summer Series. Read my full review!

In this sweet story, you'll follow tiny KUTU's adventure in the Inca Empire. If you like mighty girls, then you are going to fall in love with KUTU and her courage and perseverance. In this bilingual book, written in English, Spanish and bits of Quechua, we'll meet Ch'illik'utu (Kutu), a princess the size of a cob of maize. When a terrible drought devastate the city of Cusco, where she lives, Kutu sets out on a courageous quest to save her people.

Maria Had a Little Llama / María Tenía Una Llamita by Angela Dominguez

With gorgeous, Peruvian-inspired illustrations and English and Spanish retellings, Angela Dominguez's Maria Had a Little Llama / María Tenía Una Llamita gives a fresh new bilingual twist to the classic rhyme. Maria and her mischievous little llama will steal your heart.

La Princesa and the Pea
by Susan Middleton Elya

Absolutely adorable! I love the idea of this bilingual book and the beautiful illustrations.

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.

Up and Down the Andes
by Laurie Kreb

This book is just a visual delight with its vibrant illustrations!

This rhyming text takes readers from Lake Titicaca all the way to the city of Cusco for the highly popular Inti Raymi festival, celebrated in June each year.

La selva de Zonia (Spanish version)
Zonia's Rain Forest (English version)
by Juana Martinez-Neal

I featured this book a couple of years ago. Read my full review here.

This book is a remarkably beautiful story that highlights an indigenous culture and nature. It follows a young girl, Zonia, who represents the largest group of indigenous people - the Asháninka - that live in the Peruvian Amazon. Zonia spends each morning responding to the rainforest's call. Her interactions with native wildlife are lovingly depicted on each page. Until one day, she discovers something that she's never seen before...

The Llama's Secret - A Peruvian Legend by Palacios

A Peruvian rendition of the Great Flood story, in which a llama warns the people and animals to seek shelter on Huillcacato to avoid the rising sea, Mamacocha.

Secret of the Andes by Ann Nolan Clark

This is not a picture book, but I'm including it on this post because it is a lovely story and deeply moving. It is best suited for children ages 9 and up.

 

Cusi, a modern Inca boy, leaves his home high in the Andes mountains to learn the mysterious secret of his ancient ancestors. Accompanied by his pet llama, Misti, he slowly discovers the truth about his birth and his people's ancient glory. Now he must prove himself worthy to be entrusted with the fabulous secret from the past.

Fun Facts About Peru

Pair any of these books with my Fun Facts About Peru: A Country Coloring Activity. This download is an excellent introduction or supplement to a lesson on Peru. 

It includes a printable map and fact passage! Just have your kids read about a person, place, or thing related to Peru, then have them find it on the map and color it in. Available in English or Spanish, it's simple and fun.

This product now contains an added page of additional learning resources to extend the learning with related books, online articles, and videos.

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New Bilingual Explore with Animals Series for PreK

The following is a sponsored book post with NicaGal.com. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

One of the most frequent requests I get is for elementary teaching materials in Spanish. So many parents  are looking for the materials that will support their children's bilingualism, especially those starting their homeschool journey. Today's post highlights the new bilingual Explore with Animals series from NicaGal.com.

Several years ago, there was the most excellent Spanish-language magazine available for children ages 8 to 12 called Iguana Magazine. The force behind that magazine was the talented Christianne Meneses Jacobs. She created that wonderful resource from scratch and eventually it was purchased by Cricket Magazines. (That's a story for another day.)

Since then, Christianne has been developing her NicaGal line which includes her podcast, Latino Book Chat, and now her bilingual book series for preschoolers.

Bilingual Preschool Skills Books

There is a list of fundamental skills and specific concepts that every preschooler should learn before entering kindergarten. Among these concepts are the ability to recognize numbers 1 through 10 or higher and to identify colors. Many preschoolers also begin learning alphabet recognition in preparation for learning to read in kindergarten. 

NicaGal's new bilingual and Spanish animal-themed books focus on these three concepts and are a wonderful addition to any home library. 

Bilingual & Spanish Book of Colors

These books are absolutely fabulous. Los colores / Colors includes vibrant images that really help to teach young children their colors. And using animals is a great way to engage preschoolers who are fascinated by them. I love the simplicity and focus of the text which directs children to learn.

Parents and children can ask each other additional questions about the images, or point out things that they notice or like. In addition, the back of the book includes a few ideas for easy activities that parents can do with their children that reinforces color recognition. 

This book is available in a bilingual format (shown above), as well as Spanish-only. 

Spanish or English Book of Numbers

123 Animales or 123 Animals is another sweet counting book that helps children learn numbers 1 though 20. Again, they are colorful and simple with two opportunities for children to count: on one page, count the shapes under the text box, and on the other page count the animals. 

This book is available in two formats: English-only and Spanish-only.

Spanish Alphabet Book

And finally, the book ABC Animales, is a fun way to learn the alphabet. Each letter is associated with a type of animal and includes text with a brief description of the animal and some interesting facts about it.  Again, great pictures and a section at the back for additional activities. This particular abecedario is only available in Spanish. 

If you have a bilingual elementary student who is learning many of these concepts or needs some materials to reinforce their learning, consider adding this series from NicaGal to your child's lessons. 

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Book Review: Mis Cuentos Ecológicos

The following is a sponsored post with Nacho Books. All thoughts and opinions are the writer's own.

This review is one of a series of educational books in Spanish available from the new Nacho Books website. Find additional reviews in this series here. 

Stories about Caring for the Planet

Mis Cuentos Ecológicos is a hard-cover Spanish story book from Nacho Books that transports children to a magical world through nine short fairy tale-like stories that focus on the importance of taking care of the natural world. Each tale introduces how human actions harm nature and how personal decision making can make a difference in keeping animals and the environment clean and happy. 

Talking animals, walking trees, messages in the sky all implore humans to reverse their ways before nature is destroyed. The protagonists in each story realize the value of recycling, stopping deforestation, not using pesticides, keeping land and water clear of trash and reducing harmful pollution. 

The full-page illustrations are vibrant and full of emotion. Each page shows the contrast of emotional responses from animals and humans when the right and wrong decisions are made. 

It’s target audience is beginner and fluent Spanish speakers in K-2nd grade (5-8 years old). The stories present a clear right and wrong choice for the environment, and consequences for the wrong choices like littering, polluting, or not recycling are severe. They do not shy away from the stark reality that some human behaviors can have dire consequences. 

Animals, humans and mythical beings send clear messages about what the right choices should be and the stories always end with people realizing their errors and restoring the environment to what it was. It also presents the government and companies as being easily and quickly convinced of what needs to change and their being on board for immediate and dramatic action. 

The book presents several environmental issues as clear moral choices. Possible conversations that could develop from these stories could be about personal choices and systemic change and what role young people can play in taking care of the planet as well as who the power holders are, i.e. governments and companies. 

Click over to Nacho Books to order this and other titles to support your child’s emerging reading and listening comprehension in Spanish as well as their understanding of pressing environmental issues. 

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Monika Aldarondo is a former arts educator, and current photographer and creative shape-shifter with Puerto Rican roots. She posts about her bilingual home/un-schooling journey on Instagram @librolovinmama. Her photography and creative projects can be found at laancla.com.

The Mega List of Spanish Comics for Kids

The following is a guest post by Vanessa Ruiz from Families Embracing Diversity. This post contains affiliate links.

You probably know by now that homeschooling isn’t for the faint of heart, especially if you are trying to do it bilingually. Reading comics and graphic novels in Spanish may be just what you need to keep the routine fun and your kids engaged. Here are some of our favorites:

Comics and Graphic Novels in Spanish (originally written in Spanish)

Domingo Teporingo by Marcos Almada Rivero
Ages 8-10

This is a four-part series (Verano, Otoño, Invierno, and Primavera) about a rabbit who lives in the forest near Popocatépetl, a volcano in Mexico. Readers follow the rabbit on his adventures, alongside his friends, throughout the changing seasons.

Mortadelo y Filemón by Francisco Ibáñez
Ages 7+

These comics were first published in 1958. There is even a 60-year anniversary edition that gives us a glimpse of the characters sixty years later.

The series tells of Mortadelo and Filemón, two awkward secret agents, and their work in the T.I.A. (a play off of the C.I.A). However, their crime fighting adventures rarely go as planned, leaving readers laughing and eager to read more.

This comic was originally written in Spanish but became so famous that it has been translated into twelve different languages.


13, Rue del Percebe by Francisco Ibáñez
Ages 7+

This comic is by the same author as the last but it isn’t quite as well known. 13, Rue del Percebe is based around a drawing of an apartment building. You get an inside look at all of people who live inside the apartment building going about their every-day lives... and sometimes doing not so everyday things.


La Matadragones by Jamie Hernandez
Ages 8+

This graphic novel was released in both English and Spanish but since it is based upon Latin American tales, I put it in the originally written in Spanish category. “La Matadragones” or the Dragon Killer, takes classic tales from Isabel Campoy and Alma Flor Ada and gives them a modern-day spin.


Zipi y Zape by José Escobar
Ages 7+

This is a Spanish comic that was first released in 1948. It tells the story of two mischievous twins and the turmoil they create wherever they go. The series was so popular that there are several movies, a TV series, and even video games based on the characters.

Liniers (AKA Ricardo Siri)
Ages 4+ (depending on the title)

This is the name of the artist instead of the comic itself because he has many great titles to choose from but they aren’t presented in a series like many of the other authors listed. Liniers is an Argentine comic artist who has been publishing comics since 1997. Some of his famous works are:

Macanudo- a daily comic strip originally published in Argentine newspapers but quickly gained fame world wide.

Conejo de Viaje- the animated stories of Liniers, represented by a rabbit, traveling throughout France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Argentina, and Antarctica.

El Globo Grande y Mojado- The story of two children out exploring the fun side of a rainy day.

Buenas Noches, Planeta- An imaginative tale about the adventures of a child’s stuffed animal, Planeta, after the child goes to sleep.

Escrito y Dibujado por Enriqueta- A young girl’s experience writing her first book.

Pafman by Cera and Ramis
Ages 7+

This Spanish comic series is a great one for superhero fans. However, this superhero is not your typical muscular, bad guy beating, macho man. Instead, he is clumsy and looks nothing like a superhero. However, he and his side kick, a talking cat/inventor, do everything they can to save the world from evil.


Mafalda by Quino
Ages 7+

This comic was written by another Argentine creator, Quino. Malfalda is the story of a six year old girl with a big personality. The first Mafalda comic was published in 1964 in an Argentine magazine, revealing this six year old girl’s comic interpretation of the adult world. Mafalda quickly became well-known and loved throughout the world.

Translated Comics and Graphic Novels in Spanish

Hombre Perro (Dog Man) Series by Dav Pilkey
Ages 6-12

This series is the story of a literal Dog-Man who has the head of a dog and the body of a police man. The conjoined pair solve crimes and get into some funny situations. The pages are filled with child-friendly humor, puns and word play that will make both you and your child smile. At the moment, there are ten books in the Dog Man series and most have been translated into Spanish.


Capitan Calzoncillos by Dav Pilkey
Ages 7-10

This is another ten part series by Dav Pilkey that has been translated into Spanish. In this series, two kids hypnotize their school principal and turn him into a superhero- Captain Underpants. With corny jokes, potty humor and pranks galore, it may be just the series you need to get your reluctant reader hooked on a book.


Zita la Viajera Espacial by Ben Hatke
Ages 9-12

When Zita’s best friend is abducted by aliens, she heads into space to save the day. To her own surprise, she becomes a space super hero, fighting aliens of all kinds to save her friend. The space creatures will keep a smile on your face while the adventure keeps you wanting to read more.

This book is also part of a series. The next two are Zita, la Leyenda and Zita, el Retorno.


El Temerario Jack by Ben Hatke
Ages 8-12

This series is by the same author as Zita. In fact there is even a book with Jack and Zita together. The story tells of a young boy Jack, who trades his mom’s car for a box of seeds. When he plants the seeds, he gets a garden full of aliens and the crazy adventures begin.

As you may have guessed, this is a modern day spin off of Jack and the Beanstalk mixed with a little bit of science fiction.


Astérix by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo
Ages 7-12

This series has also been around for more than 60 years with 39 different volumes. Although it was originally a French series, it is has since been translated into over 100 languages.

The series tells of Asterix, a small but strong warrior from Gaul, defending his village from the Roman Empire alongside his friends. They work together to beat the impossible odds and keep everyone safe.


El Club de las Baby-Sitters (The Baby-Sitters Club) by Raina Telgemeier/Ann M. Martin
Ages 7-11

These graphic novels are a modern day version of Ann Martin’s series the Baby-Sitters Club, which was wildly popular in the 90’s. At the moment, there are four graphic novels in this new series but more of the 130 original novels are set to be converted into graphic novels in the coming years.

The Baby-Sitters Club is about a group of friends who run a babysitting business in their community. The stories show the ups and downs of running their business and prove that with determination and perseverance, you can create something big.


Fantasmas by Raina Telgemeier
Ages 8-12

Really, any translated graphic novel by Raina Telgemeier is bound to be a great read. This one tells of a family who moved to northern California to give the youngest child a better life with her cystic fibrosis. Come to find out, Day of the Dead is a big deal in this new community and it ends up being just what both sisters need to come to terms with their new reality. Some of her other popular titles are Drama, Sisters, and Smile.



Cuando Brillan Las Estrellas: Una Novela Gráfica Necesaria by Victoria Jamieson
Ages 9-12

This book tells the tale of two brothers growing up together in a refugee camp. They face constant struggles- not enough food, not much to do, and no medical care. Yet, they are able to create a sense of family despite their difficult situation. This story has the perfect mix of heartbreak, hope and humor.


Perdidos en NYC by Nadja Spiegelman
Ages 8-12

Pablo, a young boy, gets separated from his classmates in New York City. At first he isn’t sure how he will ever find them again but thanks to some basic knowledge of the city and a new friend he meets along the way, his story has a happy ending.


El Cartero del Espacio by Guillaume Perreault
Ages 8-11

A postman gets a new route that takes him much further than he’s ever gone before- to space! However, he is dedicated to his job and will do whatever it takes to get his packages delivered, even if it means a crazy outer space adventure to unknown planets.


Super Sorda by Cece Bell
Ages 8-10

In this graphic novel, the author tells her story of losing her hearing and using a hearing aide. The device helps her hear everything she needs to, and some things she doesn’t, but it also makes her feel like an outcast. Eventually, she finds a way to use what made her feel different to find her place among her peers.

Where to Find Comics and Graphic Novels in Spanish

Your Local Library

Although we don’t all live in diverse areas with lots of Spanish options at the local library, most libraries have a program where you can check out books from any of the libraries within their network, often called inter-library loan.

Which means, even if you local library has a dismal Spanish section, you may be able to check out Spanish language books anyway. You can often find what is available through the library’s website or by asking a librarian.

TOON Graphics
Toon Graphics has a plethora of leveled readers in graphic novel form to help your new reader gain confidence in their reading abilities while having fun. They have an entire section dedicated to graphic novels that have been translated into Spanish.

Amazon.com
As you can see by the links above, all of these titles are available on Amazon.com.

Bookshop.com
This online bookstore supports local book stores with each purchase. So, you can still shop local online. You can also find the majority of the titles listed above on their website.


Hopefully, now that you have this giant list of comics and graphic novels in Spanish and know where to find them, you and your child can spend hours reading, and laughing, in Spanish together.

image source: © Can Stock Photo / studiostoks

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Vanessa Ruiz is a mother of two bilingual boys, former Spanish teacher and early childhood educator turned writer. She also runs the website, Families Embracing Diversity, a resource to help families learn to embrace our differences today in order to give our children a better tomorrow.

In her spare time she enjoys reading books on diversity and culture, traveling when possible with her family and friends, and spending time outdoors.

MamaLingua GO! for Bilingual Families

Have you heard? MamaLingua has launched an amazing new website! 

MamaLingua GO! is a digital library offering an endless library with over 15,000 books from publishers around the world, especially Latin America and Spain. They have curated these books based on fluency levels on their carrousel. Mama Lingua is currently customizing reading plans on the learning platform side so anyone can engage with a reading plan and self learn. They are also collaborating with educators in Latin America making Spanish lessons affordable, authentic and a wonderful cultural experience.

Owner, Aileen Passariello says:

I have been heads down building this platform for the last two years in a goal to support families raising bilingual kids. After working with various dual language programs and families, the #1 question i heard was "How do I support my bilingual learner?" MamaLingua GO! has an unlimited amount of authentic Spanish books (English ones, too), virtual Spanish tutors, guided reading plans, and more. It is accessible with dyslexic features and text-to-speech supporting all bilingual learners, no matter the age, fluency, interest, or preferences. 

This is such a fabulous resource for families! If you're convinced you need this for yours, don't wait! Go and sign up today!

The Giveaway

We have TWO giveaways! MamaLingua has graciously offered a subscription to MamaLingua GO! for one reader (a $75 value), AND 5 Spanish lessons for another reader.

To enter, simply use the Rafflecopter below. 

¡Buena suerte!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Nature Study Book Series in Spanish - Giveaway!

 

Today's Back-to-School giveaway is a fantastic collection of nature study books by the homeschool curriculum company, Nobis Pacem. You can read more about this Spanish curriculum company that follows the Charlotte Mason method of homeschooling here on my site.

This series is designed for children up to 9 years old, but may be enjoyed by the entire family. Here's what Nobis Pacem says about them:

Children are, by nature, curious, and nature is a propitious place for them to enjoy, and apply, that curiosity.

The study of nature prepares them for the scientific understanding they will use throughout their education, through the acute observation of nature that leads to natural scientific discoveries and fuels the thirst for knowledge and more scientific discoveries.

Nature is found in all the subjects we will study, from science, literature, and art to how nature has affected the course of history.

This book series is designed to make it easier for parents to promote the study of nature, in a simple way since everything is included.

The Giveaway

Nobis Pacem is graciously offering a complete set of this book series to one MommyMaestra reader. 

To enter to win, simply use the rafflecopter below. 

¡Buena suerte!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

New Spanish Titles from Candlewick & Giveaway

The following is a sponsored book post in collaboration with Candlewick en español! All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Did you know that Candlewick Press has a line of Spanish-language children's books?

There are some really fantastic titles included, such as Schomburg: El hombre que creó una biblioteca, Imagina, Alma y cómo obtuvo su nombre, and Llegar a Ser Pedro just to name a few.

They have a new Instagram account for just the Spanish language books called Candlewick en español - I encourage you to follow them to learn about new releases and a few that have been around a while, but you might not have known about.

Candlewick sent me two titles with which I was not familiar, and they are both absolutely lovely. Read more about them below...

This post contains affiliate links. 

Ventanas by Julia Denos

You may be familiar with the original English version, Windows (aff). This story centers around a young boy who is taking his dog for a walk through his neighborhood on a fall evening. It describes the things he sees along the street, as well as the glimpses he gets of people in their homes. As the windows around him light up like "faroles de papel" (paper lanterns), he sees dancing, hugging, cooking, people eating dinner, doing yoga, and more.

What I love best is the sense of comfort and serenity that goes along with reading this book. Maybe we don't all live in this neighborhood, but perhaps we have in the past or know people who do. Maybe it's the neighborhood you wish you lived in or one that you'd like to visit. 

I also like the sense of community that it reflects - something that we all long to have and which we strive to nurture in our children.

Here's a peek at the inside...

We frequently talk in our Hispanic & Bilingual Homeschoolers group about Spanish books that aren't just poor translations of English titles. That's definitely not the case with this story. It's translated by the amazing Puerto Rican poet and children's book author, Georgina Lázaro.

La selva de Zonia by Juana Martinez-Neal

This book is a remarkably beautiful story that highlights an indigenous culture and nature. It follows a young girl, Zonia, who represents the largest group of indigenous people - the Asháninka - that live in the Peruvian Amazon. Zonia spends each morning responding to the rainforest's call. Her interactions with native wildlife are lovingly depicted on each page. Until one day, she discovers something that she's never seen before...

An absolutely gorgeous book visually, Martinez-Neal's illustrations include species not commonly seen in children's books, such as coatis, cock-of-the-rocks, pink dolphins, and even a red-tailed boa. 

What's even more creative and meaningful is the background of the illustrations. It was one of the first things I noticed, and I wondered if the author had used some sort of handmade paper because you can see small marks and creases. You know what? It turns out that she used actual banana bark paper handmade by women from the Amazon. Absolutely amazing. Download the press kit to learn more about the background of the story and to see some incredible pictures. I can't help but think that the original illustrations (in book form?) are an invaluable work of art. 

In the back of the book, the author also includes the entire story written in Asháninka. What a wonderful resource to share with children! There's also a description of the Asháninka people, facts about the Amazon, threats to the Amazon, snapshots of the animals in the story (with their scientific names), and a list of links to learn more.

Here's an interview with the author...

I found the video on her website, which is also FULL of GREAT resources!! There's an excellent teacher's guide that you may download for free, and tons of links to extend the learning. 

The Giveaway

Candlewick has kindly offered to giveaway two copies of each title to MommyMaestra readers for a total of 4 winners! In my opinion, these are must-have additions to your home libraries.

To enter, simply use the rafflecopter below. 

¡Buena suerte!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cometa Creativa: A Preschool Spanish Workbook

 

The following is sponsored post with Nacho Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. 

The new school year is quickly approaching for many, but for some of us, schooling happens year round. We take long breaks whenever we need them to clear our minds or to travel. My middle kid is taking a month off for summer, but my preschooler comes up to me almost daily asking to "do school."

A Spanish Preschool Activity Book

Right now, he is in love with Cometa Creativa 1, a preschool workbook that is in Spanish. You can find a copy on Nacho Books' website. 

It is great for both Spanish-speaking students AND for introducing Spanish to your preschooler. It uses art as the bridge for language acquisition. This activity book is full of opportunities to color, trace, match, cut and paste, and more. It covers important concepts such as color and number recognition, opposites, shapes, and introduces the vowels. 

The layout is perfect, too. It is a big book, or at least bigger than your traditional 8.5 x 11. Actually, it is about the size of a placemat (approx. 9 x 13 in.). 

Each page can potentially be removed from the book in case your child is easily distracted or you want your child to only focus on the one activity at a time. And if you do remove them, they come with holes already punched in the side in case you want to keep them all together as your child completes them. I've chosen to leave them in the book for now, since my preschooler likes having it all in front of him and doesn't seem to move on until he has finished each activity. 

The front of the page has an activity with some simple directions. The back of the page is for the parent or educator and lists the objective(s) of the activity, theme, contents, suggested methodology, teaching and learning strategies, as well as additional activities that allow your child to dive deeper.

My preschooler is about to turn four and has just now discovered the joy of coloring, so introducing him to this book just happens to come at the perfect time. He loves this book as you can tell from the picture. The cover is already showing wear from him getting it out and plopping it open everywhere.

Here's a little peak at some of the pages:

And finally, the very last section of the book introduces English vocabulary and is intended, I believe, as an introduction to English as a second language. The instructions are still in Spanish for the parent, but the activities have English words. 

Overall, I think it is an excellent activity book for young children. And it is long lasting with more than 200 pages (100+ activities) for preschoolers to enjoy.

A Discount for YOU!

MommyMaestra readers can get a 30% discount on any order of Nacho Books. Just use this link and the discount code MommyMaestra at checkout.