If you are raising bilingual children, one of the most important things you can do is read to them. Books are the best way to expose children to new vocabulary and to expand their knowledge in both their languages. A great option for families in which one parent is bilingual, but the other one is not–which seems to be the case for many families in this country–is bilingual children's books. Written in both English and Spanish, they are great for dad to read in one language and for mom (or grandma) to read in another language. Here are 10 bilingual books perfect for preschoolers.
Image via iStock
A celebration of books and children, Book Fiesta, written by prolific author Pat Mora, is a must-have in bilingual homes.
Book Fiesta — Amazon.com $12.88.
The Dog Who Loved Tortillas/La perrita que le encantaban las tortillas by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
This is a cute story that probably goes on in many households when a new pet is added to the family. Who does the pet belong to? To the whole family, as the children in this story find out.
The Dog Who Loved Tortillas/La perrita que le encantaban las tortillas — Amazon $5.87
Let Me Help! ¡Quiero ayudar! by Alma Flor Ada is about a perico that wants to help during the Cinco de Mayo celebration in San Antonio.
Let Me Help! ¡Quiero ayudar! — Amazon $8.96.
Marisol McDonald Doesn't Match/Marisol McDonald no combina by Monica Brown
This beautiful book about race, culture and diversity was awarded the American Library Association's 2012 Pura Belpré Honor because it best portrays and celebrates the Latino cultural experience.
Marisol McDonald Doesn't Match/Marisol McDonald no combina — Amazon $17.95
I Know the River Loves Me/Yo sé que el río me ama by Maya Christina Gonzalez
Teach your kids about nature and the importance of taking care of our environment with this bilingual book written and gorgeously illustrated by Maya Christina Gonzalez.
I Know the River Loves Me/Yo sé que el río me ama — Amazon.com, $9.95
Lover Boy/Juanito el cariñoso by Lee Merrill Byrd is a fun book for kids to learn how to count to ten in both languages... and it's all about besos!
Lover Boy/Juanito el cariñoso — Cinco Puntos Press $15.95
Marina and the Little Green Boy/Marina y el niño verde by Antonio Vicente y Miguel Ordóñez
This is the first book in a loveable series about a girl, Marina, and her Martian friend, the little green boy. Your kids will find it funny!
Marina and the Little Green Boy/Marina y el niño verde — Amazon $4.50.
Un Regalo Misterioso/A Mysterious Present by Adriana Pacheco
This is only one in a series of delightful bilingual books that are colorfully illustrated and come with a CD to follow the story along in either English or Spanish.
Un Regalo Misterioso/A Mysterious Present — Heritage Language's website $9.95
From North to South/Del Norte al Sur by René Colato Laínez
What I love the most about René Colato Laínez' bilingual children's books is that he covers bicultural topics like no one else. In this book, he explores immigration, deportation and what it does to families.
From North to South/Del Norte al Sur Walmart.com $15.95
Mimis Parranda/La parranda de Mimi by Lydia M. Gil
If you're Puerto Rican, you know what a parranda is… and if not, you need to find out and this book will tell you all about this wonderful Christmas tradition!
Mimis Parranda/La parranda de Mimi — Amazon $12.70
