Celebrate Reading in Two Languages: A Bilingual Booklist

Books make wonderful memories – especially when you share them with someone you care about! Take a look at the young people in your life, then find a book to share – perhaps as a gift or reading aloud to (or along with) them this season and all year long. The memories will last long after the covers of the book are closed.

Some of the books on this list are bilingual, meaning that you will find both English and Spanish within the same book. Other titles are originally in English, and have a Spanish translation available. The links to Amazon.com provide more information about each book.

 

Benny

Age Level: 3-6
Language: English

Benny is a white dog with black ears and a red collar who can't find his favorite bone. In fact, Benny can't smell anything! But after a visit to the doctor and a bit of loving care from his mom, Benny recovers from what readers will recognize as a nose-stuffing cold. Lighthearted illustrations capture Benny's expression as his "sniff machine" recovers.

El Gato Leo Comes to Play: A First Spanish Story

Language: English, Spanish, Spanish (Bilingual Eng/Sp)

Leo, a small blue cat, speaks only Spanish. He responds to simple directions (such as "Ven. Come. Ven aquí. Come here.") in Spanish with the English equivalent found by lifting the flap. This playful book concludes with a guide to Spanish pronunciation.

Hello Ocean / Hola Mar

Language: English, Spanish, Spanish (Bilingual Eng/Sp)

A child narrates her visit to the ocean, inviting readers to explore it with her. She experiences the sea with all of her senses through realistic illustrations and lyrical language in this gently rhyming tale.

I Love My Daddy Because...

Language: English, Spanish, Spanish (Bilingual Eng/Sp)

In this celebration of dads, heartwarming illustrations of baby animals and their fathers remind us of the many reasons why dads are so special.

I Went Walking/Salí de paseo

Language: English, Spanish, Spanish (Bilingual Eng/Sp)

On a walk, a young child sees a variety of animals from a black cat to a brown horse and more – which the reader discovers are following the child! Gleeful, jewel-toned illustrations on sturdy, open pages are ideal for sharing with the youngest child who will catch on to the repetition in Spanish, English or both.

Lupe Vargas and Her Super Best Friend / Lupe Vargas y su super mejor amiga

Age Level: 6-9
Language: English, Spanish, Spanish (Bilingual Eng/Sp)

Each day of the week best friends Lupe and Mariza make up games and stories as they play, sometimes to the chagrin of their irritable neighbor. One day the friends have a tiff; could this be the end of their friendship? Even Mrs. Ramirez is relieved when the girls make up in their distinctive,imaginative way. Jaunty illustrations further enliven this story told in two languages.

Moony Luna

Language: English, Spanish, Spanish (Bilingual Eng/Sp)

Five-year-old Luna is afraid she'll find monsters at her new school until a kind teacher and her new classmates show her that she has nothing to fear in this touching bilingual story.

My Name is Celia: The Life of Celia Cruz

A painting of Celiz Cruz as a child under colorful letters spelling her name
Illustrated by: Rafael López
Age Level: 6-9
Language: Spanish (Bilingual Eng/Sp)

The beautiful artwork of this award-winning picture book about salsa queen Celia Cruz practically jumps off the page, and conveys the spirit and rhythmic energy of her music. Learn about Cruz's childhood in Havana and her entry into the world of salsa music from vibrant illustrations and text presented in English and Spanish.

Quinito, Day and Night

Illustration of young boy in both day and night
Illustrated by: José Ramírez
Language: English, Spanish, Spanish (Bilingual Eng/Sp)

Author Ina Cumpiano and illustrator José Ramírez have teamed up once again to bring young readers an engaging story about young Quinito, his family, and his daily activities. The bilingual story shows how opposites (early/late, sunny/rainy, messy/neat) play an important part of Quinito's life through charming text and vibrant illustrations. Ideal for young children learning new English and Spanish vocabulary.

Super Oscar

Young boy with a cape
Language: Spanish (Bilingual Eng/Sp)

Since he forgets to distribute the lists for the neighborhood picnic, Oscar must launch into action. He shops, sets the table and whips up the food — in a most unusual way — for the best picnic ever! Colorful illustrations add imaginative detail and visual interest as well as a subtle nudge for exercise.

Tales Our Abuelitas Told: A Hispanic Folktale Collection

Language: English, Spanish, Spanish (Bilingual Eng/Sp)

"Stories have delighted both children and adults for as long as there have been families and communities on Earth." So begins the informative introduction to the dozen takes which are presented here to charm another generation, ideal for reading independently or sharing aloud.

The Emerald Lizard: Fifteen Latin American Tales to Tell

Language: English, Spanish, Spanish (Bilingual Eng/Sp)

Familiar tales as well as less known legends and myths from Latin American countries including Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, Costa Rico and more are presented here in both Spanish and English, dotted with illustrations. Source notes are included, making this collection useful for storytellers and for reading aloud.

The Flag We Love

Illustrated by: Ralph Masiello
Age Level: 6-9
Language: Spanish

Read this book aloud to young readers to teach them about the United States flag, its history, and meaning. The short verse, historical tidbits, and realistic illustrations result in a brief, moving, and patriotic look at this American symbol. Spanish version available.

¡Yum! ¡Mmmm! ¡Qué Rico!

Painting of foods of the Americas, such as pumpkins and corn
By: Pat Mora
Illustrated by: Rafael López
Age Level: 6-9
Language: Spanish (Bilingual Eng/Sp)

Celebrate the native foods of the Americas — peanuts, blueberries, corn, potatoes, tomatoes, and more — through haiku poetry and stunning artwork from award-winning illustrator Rafael López.