I love books and I've passed on my love of reading to both my kids, especially my daughter. One of the ways I've done this is by making sure that my kids have access to all kinds of books, particularly in Spanish or in both languages, since I'm trying to raise them bilingual.
Here's a list of some of my children's favorite bilingual books. As you'll see, there's something for everyone's interests.
Read more ¿Qué más?: 10 Best gifts for bilingual kids
Hopefully you'll get inspired and get a few for your bilingual children this Christmas.
I Know the Rivers Loves Me by Maya Christina Gonzalez
From the illustrations to the beautiful story about the importance of taking care of the environment, there's nothing not to like about this bilingual book written and illustrated by the talented Maya Christina Gonzalez!
Amazon, $8.06
Santiago the Dreamer in Land Among the Stars by Ricky Martin
Ricky Martin's book is about a topic all parents worry about when it comes to their kids: teaching them to be self-confident–something, I'm sure, the author knows about just a little…
Amazon, $14.02
Marisol McDonald and the Clash Bash by Monica Brown
This is the second book Monica Brown writes about Marisol McDonald, a little bicultural girl who breaks all stereotypes about what it means to be a girl and to be Latina.
Amazon $13.93
Merry Navidad by Alma Flor Ada and F. Isabel Campoy
Written by aclaimed author Alma Flor Ada, Merry Navidad: Christmas Carols in Spanish and English is perfect to teach your kids typical villancicos.
Amazon, $14.02
Ten Little Puppies by Alma Flor Ada and F. Isabel Campoy
The reason I love this book so much is because it reminds me of my childhood. Although I'm not Mexican, I spent part of my childhood there and this is one of the songs I was taught there that I've managed to carry with me to this day. And now, thanks to Alma Flor Ada and F. Isabel Campoy, I've taught it to my kids!
Amazon $13.06
Book Fiesta! by Pat Mora
This list wouldn't be complete without Pat Mora, a prolific author who's penned many children's book that your kids will love. One of them is Book Fiesta, mostly because it explores the importance of books and reading.
Amazon $13.83
Arrorró, mi niño: Latino Lullabies and Gentle Games by Lulu Delacre
Perfect if you don't remember all those lullabies your abuelita used to sing to you in Spanish when you were little. It's also a great baby shower gift for a Latino baby!
Amazon $8.05
My Colors, My World by Maya Cristina Gonzalez
Another one by amazing author/illustrator Maya Christina Gonzalez, but this one is for the little ones. Teach your kids their colors in both languages using this beautifully illustrated board book with bold and vibrant images they will love.
Rene Has Two Last Names by Rene Colato Lainez
Rene Colato Lainez has written so many cool bilingual children books that it's hard to choose just one! Since my kids have two last names (my husband's and mine), I chose this one because it's perfect to explain this issue to little kids in a similar situation.
Amazon $13.79
Poems to Dream Together by Francisco X. Alarcon
If you haven't read poetry to your kids, you must start now! And this is the perfect book to do it with!
Amazon $2.68
Mimi's Parranda by Lydia Gil
Written by Lydia Gil, this is the perfect bilingual book to introduce your kids to the concept of the Puerto Rican parranda.
Amazon, $15.26
A Gift from Papá Diego by Benjamin Alire Saenz
Saenz is an accomplished adult novel writer whose written several children books that my kids enjoy. This one in particular explores what living in a border town is all about for a little boy called Diego.
Amazon $8.76
Guacamole: A Cooking Poem by Jorge Argueta
Who doesn't love guacamole? This book is basically a recipe for guac in poem form! This is not the only time author Jorge Argueta does this. Check out the one about arroz con leche, frijoles and tamales!
Amazon $14.47
Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote: A Migrant's Tale by Duncan Tonatiuh
The perfect book to explain to your kids the hardships of crossing the border illegally. It's a tough subject, but one that should be explored and Duncan Tonatiuh, who also illustrates the story, gives us a great way to do it.
Amazon $12.91
Hello, Círculos! Shapes in English & Spanish
Last but definitely not least, any of the bilingual board books in the Arte Kids series. Created to teach kids basic concepts like numbers, colors and shapes (as is the case in the one featured here) using artwork found in the San Antonio Museum of Art. How clever is that?
Hello, Círculos! $6.36
