Teachers who work with English as a Second Language learners will find ESL/ESOL/ELL/EFL reading/writing skill-building children's books, stories, activities, ideas, strategies to help PreK-3, 4-8, and 9-12 students learn to read.
Pat Mora
Author Pat Mora shares her love of books and reading in all cultures. Her "bookjoy" is celebrated in April — and all year long — with El día de los niños/El día de los libros, Children's Day/Book Day. Now in its 12th year, "Dia" celebrates literacy which includes more than just reading. It also embraces the delight that all children share in everyday activities. Read about some of these in books — in English and/or in Spanish, to share Ms. Mora's bookjoy!
Find out what the animals in the zoo do once it's closed for the night in this lively, rhyming alphabet book. Jaunty illustrations add humor and meaning to words presented in two languages.
Celebrate the native foods of the Americas — peanuts, blueberries, corn, potatoes, tomatoes, and more — through haiku poetry and stunning artwork. A perfect selection for April, celebrating El día de los niños/El día de los libros (a reading celebration created by Pat Mora) and National Poetry Month!
Cecilia and her cat, Chica, create a special birthday present for her great-aunt's 90th birthday — a basket filled with things Cecilia and her tía have shared. This affectionate autobiographical story is illustrated with warm colors, suggestive of Mexican American traditions.
This picture book biography introduces an unusual girl who grew up to become a well-known and much loved scholar and poet. When Juana was only three years old, she followed her sister to school but continued her education beyond that of most 18th century Mexican women. She studied at the university, and ultimately joined a convent where she wrote and collected books. Handsome, detailed paintings illustrate the period in which Juana lived while evoking Mexican folk art.
Crow knows where to find water amid rocks and how to get it even though it's below the reach of his beak. The predictable patterns and repetition of words in this simple retelling of a fable invites participation. Bold illustrations use broad shapes and confident line in strong borders contained in a small format ideal for a new reader or to share on a lap.
Confeti: Poemas para niños
Spanish words are incorporated naturally into this bright collection of poems that depict a day's activities in the Southwest. Vivid illustrations complement the verse to evoke the author's Mexican American background.
Dona Flor has gigantic proportions and unusual skills such as understanding the language of plants. Eventually, her talents are appreciated by the villagers in this attractively illustrated, richly told original tale. Winner of Pura Belpre Award. Also available in Spanish.
A Hispanic family's preparation for dinner is presented in easy words in both Spanish and English. Warm illustrations depict an affectionate family enjoying their daily routine. This is the first book in Pat Mora's My Family/Mi Familia series, a four-book collection of easy-read bilingual books.
Meet desert animals and hear the sounds they make, presented both in English and Spanish. Repetition is used to highlight the similarity and subtle differences of sounds and to play with alliteration. Stylized, brightly colored illustrations complement this breezy, lively book.
Thirteen poems rejoice in Latina women, their diversity, and their roles. This short, illustrated collection celebrates Spanish-speaking countries as well as bilingualism in the United States. Illustrations swirl across each page, combining computer generated and traditional art with energetic results.
A simple, poetic narrative provides a frame for lush paintings of the New Mexico landscape. A young girl describes her day, what she sees, where she goes and provides a focus for the handsome, well-produced paintings by early 20th century artist, Maria Hesch. Combined, art and text convey the simple pleasures in a child's day.
Pablo can't wait to visit his abeulito for his birthday. His grandfather decorates Pablo's special tree, planted when he was adopted. Pablo's special tree and its surprises are presented in rich illustrations and gentle text.
Monica enjoys spending time at her grandparents' bakery not only because of sweet treats but because they have a special relationship. The story, told in both Spanish and English, is imbued with details about Mexican traditions.
El desierto es mi madre
A girl with long, dark hair appreciates the surprisingly lush and colorful desert: "I say feed me,/She serves red prickly pears…" The poetic text in both Spanish and English is placed on different colors on one side of the page; crisp, full-color illustrations appear on the opposing page to celebrate this beautiful setting.
Stella and her brothers speak Spanish at home but English at school. Being different is both scary and exciting. Stella learns this when she prepares for the school's celebration of May Day. She finds a way to honor her Mexican background by wearing a special skirt that is both alike yet different from the other girls'. Stella, like many children, can take pride in being part of two cultures. (In English sprinkled with Spanish).
Tomás, child of migrant workers, visits the town library to find stories like the ones told by his grandfather. There he meets a librarian who provides him with a cool place, stories and books, and friendship before Tomás and his family move on to the next place. Handsomely illustrated in earth tones, this touching story was inspired by the real life of writer and educator, Tomás Rivera.
Two girls go to a Mexican market to prepare for the celebration of their mother's birthday. As they gather what they need from one to ten, their excitement mounts. The rhyming, bilingual text combines with colorful, highly stylized illustrations to present a treat for eyes and ears.
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