Classic nursery rhymes are creatively reimagined in this bilingual picture book. The softly colored illustrations are absolutely adorable. Rhymes in this book include: “Mary Had a Little Lamb”, “Baa Baa Black Sheep”, “This Little Piggy Went to Market”, and other classics. This is perfect for teaching both English and Spanish. English Language Learners whose primary language is Spanish will be familiar with Spanish words while learners whose primary language is English will benefit from learning a second language. The book has a helpful glossary with definitions of Spanish words translated into English. It also includes explanations of how to pronounce the words. A great resource for teachers teaching the English or Spanish language to young students. ema
Title: La Madre Goose: Nursery Rhymes For Los Niños
Author: Susan Middleton Elya
Illustrator: Juana Martinez-Neal
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
Copyright: 2016
Original Language: English and Spanish
Original Copyright: 2016
ISBN: 978-0399251573
Hardcover pages: 32
Age range: 5-8
Genre: Picture Book and Nursery Rhymes
Authors’ ethnicity: American
Authors’ residence: California
Illustrator’s ethnicity: Peruvian
Illustrator’s residence: Arizona
Subjects: Bilingual, Nursery Rhymes

In this picture book, composed of three stories, Lucy adventures around town with her animal friends. They eat lunch, search for treasure, and help eggs hatch all while enjoying each other’s company. The muted water-color and pencil illustrations capture the youthful spirit of Lucy and her companions. Young readers will love the adorable narrative and enjoy the fun surprises throughout the book! amo

A timely novel gives a face to the immigrants that struggle to get from Central America into the United States. Jamie’s cousin, and best friend, Miguel is murdered by the local gang in Guatemala: the Alphas. They will come for Jamie and his cousin Ángela next unless they find a way to escape. Together the two frightened teens take the only road available to them; they ride a truck out of Guatemala into Mexico. From there they head on a long and arduous journey full of dangerous gangs, violence, and a few kind allies to find their way to the safety of the United States. The teens team up with others, including a dog named Vida, to find Jamie’s older brother in the United States. Throughout their journey Jamie draws the landscapes and people and even earns money for his pencil illustrations. Alexandra Diaz seamlessly intertwines Spanish phrases into the book including resources such as a glossary, an author’s note, further reading suggestions, and a bibliography at the end of the novel. amo

During a harsh, cold winter storm, a small girl’s favorite branch falls off a tree. Devastated, she protects her branch from being taken away to get chopped up. With the help of her kind neighbor, Mr. Frank, she is able to save her favorite branch and transform it into something completely new, but just as much fun. Their time together is full of sanding, measuring, sawing, and varnishing the wood until their new creation is complete. This picture book, illustrated with bright paintings, captures the many emotions of a young child who is leaning how to overcome a sad moment to create new joy. amo

In this retelling of the classic fairytale, The Princess and the Frog, the prince and princess are great friends. The two have no worries in sight except the fact that a grumpy fairy placed a curse on the prince. The prince cannot have too much fun or misfortune will strike. Lovers of fairytales will enjoy noticing familiar fairytale characters in this beautifully illustrated story. The illustrations give a whimsical quality that sets the tone of how magical the gift of friendship can be. ema