31 Best 「bilingual children's」 Books of 2024| Books Explorer

In this article, we will rank the recommended books for bilingual children's. The list is compiled and ranked by our own score based on reviews and reputation on the Internet.
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Table of Contents
  1. I Love You Sun / I Love You Moon: Te amo Sol / Te amo Luna
  2. チャレンジ!はじめての日本語
  3. Niño Wrestles the World
  4. ¡Te amo, te abrazo, leo contigo!/Love you, Hug You, Read to You!
  5. Huggy Kissy/Abrazos y besitos (Leslie Patricelli board books)
  6. The Toddler's Handbook: Bilingual (English / Japanese) (えいご / にほんご) Numbers, Colors, Shapes, Sizes, ABC Animals, Opposites, and Sounds, with over 100 Words that every Kid should Know: Engage Early Readers: Children's Learning Books
  7. Vamos a jugar (Let's Play, Spanish-English Bilingual Edition): Edición bilinguee español/inglés
  8. Little Night/Nochecita
  9. Maria Had a Little Llama / María Tenía Una Llamita (Pura Belpre Honor Books - Illustration Honor)
  10. The Last Kappa of Old Japan,Bilingual Edition―日本最後のカッパ
Other 21 books
No.1
100

I Love You Sun / I Love You Moon: Te amo Sol / Te amo Luna

Pandell, Karen
G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

A charming board book introducing children to basic animal and nature concepts in both English and Spanish, as well as a lesson in gratitude and tenderness, by the Caldecott Honor-winning author of Strega Nona.In this simple yet profound story, kids connect with the world around them by pointing at the sol/sun, watering a flor/flower, and feeding a carrot to a conejo/bunny, all the while saying "Te amo/I love you" to each one—and sharing a message of care for all creation. With artwork in Tomie dePaola’s adorable signature style, this is destined to become a favorite addition to every toddler’s library.

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No.2
100

チャレンジ!はじめての日本語

Galan, Christian
チャールズ・イ・タトル出版

This is a fun and entertaining beginner level children's Japanese language book (9 years old and up) that is also appropriate for adults.I'm learning Japanese takes a light-hearted approach to the Japanese language by using fun anime–style manga characters to teach Japanese. However, it does not scrimp on content and covers everything from Japanese kanji, kana and grammar to Japanese culture and customs. The book starts out with the main characters, Emily, Nico and Teo sitting on the grass after school, minding their own business, when—unbelievable!—a giant talking fox dressed in a kimono appears. Explaining that he knows magic, speaks 3,000 languages and is respected as a sensei (master), he wonders if the three kids are ready to learn Japanese from him.During the next 128 amusing pages, the three friends learn to speak Japanese, read Japanese and write Japanese…along with taking breaks to try Japanese hot-spring baths, sumo wrestling, Zen meditation and more. Focusing on exactly what the 9 to 13-year-old learner wants to know, this book is carefully set up to allow them to learn Japanese independently, at their own speed, without an adult's help.Every page of I'm Learning Japanese! is in full color and the illustrated comic book-approach, with its speech bubbles and funny side remarks, makes the learning seem to fly. It gives preteens a fun grounding in the language and one that's accurate and practical. Nothing they learn here is "watered down" or will ever need to be unlearned, should they continue on with their Japanese language studies in school or later in life.

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No.3
100

Señoras y Señores, put your hands together for the fantastic, spectacular, one of a kind . . . Niño!\nFwap! Slish! Bloop! Krunch! He takes down his competition in a single move!\nNo opponent is too big a challenge for the cunning skills of Niño―popsicle eater, toy lover, somersault expert, and world champion lucha libre competitor!\nA Neal Porter Book

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No.4
100

“There are three things I’ll always do . . . love you, hug you, read to you!” The simple promise of togetherness offered in this bilingual (Spanish and English) board book is enhanced by interactive prompts throughout, encouraging parents to engage with their child while reading. Studies show that asking questions, like the ones in this book, helps children learn to read faster than if they just listen to a story. Love and literacy are gifts we can give to our children every day!“Hay tres cosas que siempre haré . . . ¡amarte, abrazarte y leer contigo!”. La simple promesa de compañerismo ofrecida en este libro bilingüe (español e inglés) con páginas de cartón es realzada por preguntas interactivas en todo el libro, animando a que los padres participen con sus hijos mientras leen. Los estudios han demostrado que hacer preguntas, como las de este libro, ayuda a los niños a aprender a leer más rápido que si solo escucharan un cuento. ¡El amor y la alfabetización son regalos que podemos hacerles a nuestros hijos todos los días!

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No.5
88

“Patricelli offers friendly, cartoonlike characters that show their love in individual ways. . . . Readers ought to find all this kissing and hugging contagious.” — Publishers WeeklyWhen you’re an adorable bald baby, your family finds lots of ways to show you how much they love you: Mommy lifts you uppy, Daddy kisses you on the tummy, and everyone wants to snuggle. What’s not to love? With comedy and warmth, Leslie Patricelli offers a universal tribute to love and affection in a board book that is now available in a dual Spanish-English edition.¡Abrazos y besos! ¡Comparte el amor!

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No.6
88

The Toddler's Handbook introduces 17 basic concepts in English and Japanese. Included are numbers, colors, shapes, sizes, ABCs, animals, opposites, sounds, actions, sports, food, tableware, clothes, engines, emotions, body, and time. This book develops early language skills using 174 words that every kid should know. Vibrant colors and images are designed to attract the attention of babies and toddlers. This book will help children learn a variety of important concepts in English and Japanese before preschool.

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No.7
83

Introducing a Spanish/English bilingual board book edition of Leo Lionni's beloved classic about two mice friends looking for something fun to do.Help two mouse friends decide what to do today in this playful board book from four-time Caldecott Honorwinner Leo Lionni for the very youngest readers of both English and Spanish!¡Ayuda a dos ratones amigos a decidir qué hacer hoy en este juguetón libro cartoné de Leo Lionni, cuatro veces ganador del Premio deHonor Caldecott, para los lectores más pequeños de inglés y español!

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No.8
83

A stunning bilingual story by award winning author and illustrator Yuyi Morales.\n"A treasure for bedtime, or anytime." ―School Library Journal\nAs the long day comes to an end, Mother Sky fills a tub with falling stars and calls, "Bath time for Little Night!"Little Night answers from afar, "Can't come. I am hiding and you have to find me, Mama. Find me now!"\nWhere could Little Night be? Down a rabbit hole? In a blueberry field? Among the stripes of bees? Exquisitely painted and as gentle as Little Night's dress crocheted from clouds, this is a story to treasure. \nWith a bilingual text in both English and Spanish, Little Night Nochecita by Yuyi Morales is a sweet story every child can enjoy.\nAward-winning author and illustrator Yuyi Morales is the author of Caldecott Honor and Pura Belpré (Illustrator) Medal-winning Viva Frida, stunning bilingual bedtime story Little Night/Nochecita, Rudas: Niño's Horrendous Hermanitas, Pura Belpré Honor Book (Narrative) Just In Case: A Trickster Tale and Spanish Alphabet Book, and other picture books for young readers. She also illustrated Thunder Boy Jr., written by Sherman Alexie, and Pura Belpré (Illustration) Medal and Pura Belpré (Narrative) Honor book Los Gatos Black on Halloween, written by Marisa Montes. A Neal Porter Book\nWritten by Yuyi Morales:Niño Wrestles the WorldRudas: Niño's Horrendous HermanitasViva FridaLittle Night / NochecitaIllustrated by Yuyi Morales:Los Gatos Black on Halloween (written by Marisa Montes)\nPraise for Little Night/Nochecita:NYPLC Children's Books 100American Library Association Notable Children's BooksMiami Herald Best Books of the YearNYPL Book for Reading and SharingGolden Kite Award Winner\n"Children will delight in Little Night's dreamy world and will want to read about her unique, yet still familiar, nighttime ritual again and again." ―Booklist, starred review\n"Full-bleed spreads with luminous and rich hues of evening sky–blues, reds, and pinks–are painted in flowing sweeps of color, which illuminate and animate the glorious text. They are juxtaposed with the dark earth tones of cherubic Little Night and Mother Sky, and the effect is dreamlike and peaceful. A treasure for bedtime, or anytime." ―School Library Journal

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No.9
81

Everyone knows about Mary and her little lamb. But do you know Maria?\nWith gorgeous, Peruvian-inspired illustrations and English and Spanish retellings, Angela Dominguez's Maria Had a Little Llama / María Tenía Una Llamita gives a fresh new twist to the classic rhyme. Maria and her mischievous little llama will steal your heart.

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No.10
81

With unique and playful illustrations this multicultural children's book is a classic Japanese fairy tale that young children and parents alike will love.The Last Kappa of Old Japan is a warmly written and beautifully illustrated bilingual Japanese children's book that introduces many aspects of traditional Japanese culture and folklore while teaching an important lesson about environmentalism. The story is of a young Japanese farm boy who develops a friendship with a mythical creature— the kappa—a messenger of the god of water. The tale begins in post-Modern Japan when the boy is young, and the kappa is healthy and ends when the kappa, now the last one left on Earth, keeps an important promise to his human friend.A story of love, friendship, and adventure, readers of all ages will enjoy this picture book by award-winning author/illustrator, Sunny Seki. This bilingual edition includes Japanese text alongside the English, making it a great way for kids to learn Japanese.

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No.11
81

The time-honored classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar is now available in two bilingual formats, bringing together two languages for the ultimate reading and learning experience. With easily readable side-by-side English and Spanish text, it's perfect for children learning to speak either language.

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No.12
80

The inspiring and timely story of Sonia Sotomayor, who rose up from a childhood of poverty and prejudice to become the first Latino to be nominated to the US Supreme Court.Before Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor took her seat in our nation's highest court, she was just a little girl in the South Bronx. Justice Sotomayor didn't have a lot growing up, but she had what she needed -- her mother's love, a will to learn, and her own determination. With bravery she became the person she wanted to be. With hard work she succeeded. With little sunlight and only a modest plot from which to grow, Justice Sotomayor bloomed for the whole world to see.Antes de que la magistrada de la Corte Suprema Sonia Sotomayor llegara al máximo tribunal de nuestra nación, no era más que una niñita en el South Bronx. La magistrada Sotomayor no tuvo mucho durante sus primeros años, pero sí tuvo lo que contaba -- el amor de su madre, la voluntad de aprender y su propia determinación. Con valentía se hizo la persona que quería ser. Con trabajo arduo triunfó. Con un poquito de sol en un solarcito donde crecer, la magistrada Sotomayor floreció para que todo el mundo la vea.

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No.13
80

Cerca / Close

Herrera, Juan Felipe
Candlewick

Some things are close — cerca. Others are far — lejos. With sweet simplicity, this charming dual-language board book and its companion volume, Lejos/Far, engage young children.Mi cuarto está cerca de la cocina. My bedroom is close to the kitchen.As she walks from her kitchen through a daisy-filled yard to the house next door, a little girl notices things that are close to each other — just as the little boy she goes to visit is close to her.

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No.14
79

A Lil' Libros Bilingual Biography Selena’s career started at a young age when she became lead singer in her family's band, Selena Y Los Dinos. She went on to become an award-winning artist with albums like Amor Prohibido and Selena Live, and earned the title "Queen of Tejano Music.” Your little one will learn that Selena’s favorite food was pizza and that the most important people in the world to her were her familia and fans. Unable to find bilingual first concept books she could enjoy reading to her baby, Patty Rodriguez came up with the idea behind Lil' Libros. Patty and her work have been featured in the Los Angeles Times, Rolling Stone, CNN Latino, Latina Magazine, Cosmopolitan, People En Espanol, Cosmo Latina, and American Latino TV, to name a few. She is currently Sr. Producer for On Air With Ryan Seacrest|iHeartMedia, jewelry designer for MALA by Patty Rodriguez, and creator of Manolos And Tacos. Ariana Stein, a graduate from California State University, Dominguez Hills, has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. Ariana spent the first eight years of her professional career in the corporate world. Her life changed with the birth of her baby boy. She immediately realized that bilingualism played a very important role in his future, as well as the future of other children.

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No.15
79

Follow two children as they celebrate their ancestors in this bilingual introduction to el Día de los Muertos-- the Day of the Dead!They prepare offerings of flowers, sugar skulls, and special bread, and make delicious foods to eat and share. By spreading marigold petals, they guide the dead home to join the festivities. After hours of singing, dancing, and reminiscing, it's time for bed.The festivities are described in brief, lyrical text, presented in both Spanish and English. An author's note provides more detail on the holiday, its historical context, and the inspiration behind the artwork.Bob Barner's signature collages incorporate the traditional Day of the Dead symbols and bright, bold colors to evoke the joyful atmosphere of this vibrant holiday.Celebrate our ancestors on the Day of the Dead / Honremos a los antepasados en el Día de los Muertos!

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No.16
79

A captivating and child-friendly look at the extraordinary journey that monarch butterflies take each year from Canada to Mexico; with a text in both English and Spanish.Rhyming text and lively illustrations showcase the epic trip taken by the monarch butterflies. At the end of each summer, these international travelers leave Canada to fly south to Mexico for the winter--and now readers can come along for the ride! Over mountains capped with snow, to the deserts down below. Children will be delighted to share in the fascinating journey of the monarchs and be introduced to the people and places they pass before they finally arrive in the forests that their ancestors called home.

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No.17
79

From U.S. Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera, here are stirring poems that read like music. Awarded the Pura Belpré Honor for this book, Herrera writes in both Spanish and English about the joy and laughter and sometimes the confusion of growing up in an upside-down, jumbled-up world—between two cultures, two homes. With a crazy maraca beat, Herrera creates poetry as rich and vibrant as mole de olé and pineapple tamales . . . an aroma of papaya . . . a clear soup with strong garlic, so you will grow & not disappear. Herrera's words are hot & peppery, good for you. They show us what it means to laugh out loud until it feels like flying.

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No.18
78

2019 PubWest Book Design Award Winner\nLittle Chupacabra is a picky eater with a monstrous appetite for only one thing: goats. This is a huge problem if you happen to be a goat.\nSet in gorgeous Puerto Rico, this delicious tale of compromise features digestible Spanish vocabulary, a menagerie of animal amigos, and one determined―and hungry―Chupacabra.

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No.19
78

From New York Times bestselling author Todd Parr comes the English-Spanish bilingual edition of this beloved book about the importance of our feelings.A veces me siento valiente. A veces tengo ganas de bailar. A veces me siento de mal humor. A veces tengo ganas de llorar.Sometimes I feel like dancing. Sometimes I feel like dancing. Sometimes I feel cranky. Sometimes I feel like crying.Todd Parr vibrantly illustrates the wide range of moods we all experience to introduce readers to the powerful, ever-changing, and sometimes nonsensical emotions that we all feel. With Todd's signature kid-friendly and accessible art work, The Feelings Book delves into the multitude of feelings that a person can feel with humor and heart.English edition, The Feelings Book, also available for purchase. Edición en inglés, The Feelings Book, también disponible.

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No.20
78

A perfect introduction to reading Spanish! Simple English words and sentences are introduced by pictures. Then the words and sentences are translated into Spanish with the translation of the featured word in capital letters. It's that easy. And for the child who wants to go further—a two-page, basic key to the pronunciation of the language. Great for introducing Spanish to English-speaking children and for introducing English to Spanish-speaking children!Beginner Books are fun, funny, and easy to read! Launched by Dr. Seuss in 1957 with the publication of The Cat in the Hat, this beloved early reader series motivates children to read on their own by using simple words with illustrations that give clues to their meaning. Featuring a combination of kid appeal, supportive vocabulary, and bright, cheerful art, Beginner Books will encourage a love of reading in children ages 3–7.

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No.21
78

Ixchel wants to follow in the long tradition of weaving on backstrap looms, just as her mother, grandmother, and most Mayan women have done for more than two thousand years. But Ixchel's mother is too busy preparing her weavings for market. If they bring a good price, they will have money to pay for Ixchel s school and books. And besides, there is not enough extra thread for Ixchel to practice with. Disappointed, Ixchel first tries weaving with blades of grass, and then with bits of wool, but no one would want to buy the results. As she walks around her village, Ixchel finds it littered with colorful plastic bags. There is nowhere to put all the bags, so they just keep accumulating. Suddenly, Ixchel has an idea! She collects and washes the plastic bags. Then she cuts each bag into thin strips. Sitting at her loom, Ixchel weaves the plastic strips into a colorful fabric that looks like a beautiful rainbow just like the weavings of Mayan women before her."

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No.22
78

La Princesa and the Pea

Elya, Susan Middleton
G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

The Princess and the Pea gets a fresh twist in this charming retelling with Spanish sprinkled throughout, winner of the Pura Belpré Medal for Illustration.El príncipe knows this girl is the one for him, but, as usual, his mother doesn’t agree.The queen has a secret test in mind to see if this girl is really a princesa, but the prince might just have a sneaky plan, too . . .Readers will be enchanted by this Latino twist on the classic story, and captivated by the vibrant art inspired by the culture of Peru.

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No.23
78

Antonio loves words, because words have the power to express feelings like love, pride, or hurt. Mother's Day is coming soon, and Antonio searches for the words to express his love for his mother and her partner, Leslie. But he's not sure what to do when his classmates make fun of Leslie, an artist, who towers over everyone and wears paint-splattered overalls. As Mother's Day approaches, Antonio must choose whether or how to express his connection to both of the special women in his life. Rigoberto González's bilingual story about a nontraditional family resonates with all children who have been faced with speaking up for themselves or for the people they love. Cecilia Concepción Álvarez's paintings bring the tale to life in tender, richly hued detail.

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No.24
77

Sing and read along to these six favorite preschool songs, in English and in Spanish, from beloved and bestselling recording artist, José-Luis Orozco!Come along and sing with me! Sing along to your child's favorite songs, from "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" to "The Wheels on the Bus," in English and in Spanish! Accompanied by joyful, charming illustrations by Pura Belpré award winner Sara Palacios, this book is for every child who loves to sing, dance, and play.

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No.25
77

Be Bold! Be Brave! 11 Latinas who made U.S. History, Sé Audaz! Sé Valiente!: 11 Latinas que hicieron historia en los Estados Unidos is a bilingual book that highlights 11 Latinas who excelled in various fields including medicine, science, sports, art and politics. By presenting the true biographical stories of these outstanding Latinas in rhyming verses, young readers will easily follow their journey to success. Some of the women highlighted include Antonia Novello (first female Surgeon General in the U.S.), Ellen Ochoa (first Latina to go to space), Sonia Sotomayor (first Latina Supreme Court Justice,) Rita Moreno (first Latina to win an Oscar), Selena, and Pura Belpre (first Latina to incorporate and promote bilingual literacy in Public Libraries).

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No.26
77

Six kids are ready to play: three speak English. Y tres hablan español [and three speak Spanish]. But all of them laugh alike and together! This clever playground adventure weaves together bilingual Spanish and English conversations, so two groups of children can express similar thoughts in their own languages.A brand new barrier-breaking and friendship-affirming bilingual picture book from award-winning author Carmen T. Bernier-Grand (Diego: Bigger than Life). Three kids are playing at the park when three more arrive. The groups can't understand each other because one trio speaks only English and the other only Spanish. But they can express similar thoughts in their own languages. Aquí interactúan el inglés y el español. Can they find a way to play? Of course they can! By watching each other, both groups learn that they are more alike than different and end up discovering new words and making new friends in this adventure propelled by clever integrated Spanish dialogue.

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No.27
77

One night, while Dalia slept safely wrapped in her mother's cool silken sheets, her hair grew and grew. By the time the rooster crowed, her hair had "grown straight up to the sky, tall and thick as a Cuban royal palm tree." Her mother was amazed, and wondered what her daughter would do with her wondrous hair. As Dalia looked at the flowers blooming in the garden, an idea sprouted inside her. She decorated her hair with leaves from the forest and mud from the marsh. Her mother was puzzled and could not imagine what she was. "Are you a leaf-crusted mud-tree?" she guessed incorrectly. That night, while Dalia slept safely cocooned in her mama's sheets, something stirred and unfolded. When the rooster crowed, the girl ran outside and everyone watched in awe as she carefully unwrapped her towering hair. Could it be? Is Dalia a . . . blossoming butterfly tree?!? In this whimsical bilingual picture book, Dalia's hair becomes a magical force of nature, a life-giving cocoon. Author and illustrator Laura Lacamara once again delights children ages 4 to 9 with her vibrant illustrations and an imaginative story about a girl's fanciful encounters with nature. Bonus features include a guide for how to create your own butterfly garden at home, as well as a bilingual glossary of select plant and animal species native to the island of Cuba.

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No.28
77

A Lil' Libros Book of Emotions Inspired by one of the most recognized symbols of Dia De los Muertos (Day of the Dead), this book introduces little ones to emotional expressions and their first English and Spanish words―and teaches them to recognize feelings like emocionado (excited), triste (sad), and confiado (confident). Unable to find bilingual first concept books she could enjoy reading to her baby, Patty Rodriguez came up with the idea behind Lil' Libros. Patty and her work have been featured in the Los Angeles Times, Rolling Stone, CNN Latino, Latina Magazine, Cosmopolitan, People En Espanol, Cosmo Latina, and American Latino TV, to name a few. She is currently Sr. Producer for On Air With Ryan Seacrest|iHeartMedia, jewelry designer for MALA by Patty Rodriguez, and creator of Manolos And Tacos. Ariana Stein, a graduate from California State University, Dominguez Hills, has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. Ariana spent the first eight years of her professional career in the corporate world. Her life changed with the birth of her baby boy. She immediately realized that bilingualism played a very important role in his future, as well as the future of other children.

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No.29
77

Join Quinito as he introduces the people and places of his neighborhood.Quinito knows that his neighborhood is made up of much more than just buildings, streets, and shops-it is made up of all the people he knows and loves. People like his grown-up cousin Tita, who learns how to make people laugh in clown school, and his aunt, who paints murals to brighten up the streets. Everyone in the neighborhood has an important job, and each friend and neighbor knows and values everyone else.José Ramírez's jewel-like paintings vibrate with life and energy, and bring Quinito's charming neighborhood journey to life. Quinito's Neighborhood will inspire readers to explore and appreciate their own neighborhoods, and show them the boundless array of different jobs in their communities.

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No.30
77

Mary Murphy's perennial favorite about a little penguin who likes holding hands, dancing, and having all sorts of fun returns in a new bilingual edition.

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No.31
77

English, with its blustery blues and whites, just feels wrong to Isabel. She prefers the warm oranges and pinks of Spanish. As she prepares for class at a new school, she knows she's going to have to learn--and she would rather not! Her first day is uncomfortable, until she discovers there's more than one way to communicate with friends. This is a universal story about feeling new and making new friends.

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