When my children were growing up, Spanish books in the area where we lived were scarce. My mom and sister would send books to me from Puerto Rico, or my friends that had older kids would share their books sent from México or another Spanish speaking country. Bilingual books were non-existent or at least I don’t remember finding any all those years ago.
Today, there are abundant choices and children can enjoy reading in Spanish an identifying themselves with the character they are reading about and learning about culture and traditions.
From books for little ones thanks to Lil’Libros and Canticos, to subscription boxes with Spanish and bilingual children’s books curated by BookLandia Box and Sol Book Box for the older kids, to free subscription books via ReadConmigo, for example, there are many choices for our children’s home libraries that preserve their native language. There are also many publishing houses that have taken notice and are making the time to publish books with bilingual and/or Spanish stories. And the best part? English-speaking parents raising children with Spanish as their second language can also nurture the language at home by being able to read the English version of a bilingual children’s book.
One new book in the market is ¡Todos a Celebar! A Hispanic Customs and Traditions Alphabet Book, written by award-winning Latina author and bilingual education professor, Dr. Ma. Alma González Pérez and recently published Texas based publisher by #Del Alma Publications, whose mission is to meet the bilateral challenges of the Hispanic learner. Engaging and educational, and geared for children ages 5 to 9, the book aims to teach children the letters of the alphabet while also offering culturally relevant words that promote language and culture. With colorful photographs depicting cultural activities or events, ¡Todos a Celebrar! is a beautiful book with words that explain a Latino costume, action or place in an easy and friendly way.
¡Todos a celebrar! is the second book in Dr. González Pérez alphabet series. The first in the series, ¡Todos a Comer! A Mexican Food Alphabet Book, was released in 2017, and the third, ¡Todos al Rodeo! A Vaquero Alphabet Book will be available in 2020. In all three books, the letters of the alphabet are used to teach children about the Spanish language and culture.
“Hispanic customs and traditions have transcended borders, especially in the United States where Hispanics have become the largest minority. It is critically important that children of all nationalities learn more about these customs and traditions. These books teach all children about the Hispanic/Latino way of life,” said Dr. González Pérez.
It is the author’s hope that ¡Todos a Celebrar! will help Hispanic children develop a better understanding of the many contributions of their ancestors to the American way of life.
“The purpose of the book is twofold,” she added ,“To build background about customs and traditions and to provide an extension of learning.”
I suggest reading the book out-loud and in both languages. Take advantage of the questions posed after each word description. It would make for a fun family-nite experience. One that can be repeated often.
¡Todos a Celebrar! is available via the publisher’s website www.delalmapublications.com or via Amazon. A must have book for your home library!
Bai, Bai
Maritere
