Orange Polka Dot

Lovely Libros: Federico Dice No

It isn't often that my youngest child, my son, will choose a spanish language book for his bedtime story. Federico Dice No is the exception. When it comes hearing a story about the growing pains and joys of similar-aged Federico, my son Lautaro dice si!

The whole series encompasses seven books that follow Federico as he grows, tests his independence, learns to use a potty, becomes a big brother, begins to share and other important events to the preschool set. I love the little clues that tell me Federico lives in Argentina (which is where we bought the series). Federico drinks mate with his abuela. Federico wears La Boca futbol team colors when he goes to "la cancha" (stadium, in Spain, one would say, "estadio").

See the mate and thermos. 

Federico Dice No by Graciela Montes is by far my children's favorite of the Federico series. They enjoy chanting "no" along with Federico in response to requests to put on a jacket, take a bath and go to bed. There is a little mouse-like creature that accompanies Federico in each book. In Federico Dice No, whenever Fede says no, little mousey performs an action that demonstrates no (see the book picture). Don't worry, the story has a comforting si ending to the day filled with no. 

 

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Lovely Libros: Cody's Cuentos

La Gallinita Roja, La Bella Durmiente y Blancanieve. Just a few of the many classic children's fairy tales that you can hear in Spanish for free thanks to Cody's Cuentos. We love listening to Cody's Cuentos' podcast and stories online. In fact, I admit to listening to the fairy tales even when my kids are not in the car. Reading and listening to stories in Spanish is one of the best ways to improve your Spanish language ability. 

We are a bilingual family (English speaking Mother, Argentine-Spanish speaking Father) raising trilingual children. And no, I am not goofing on my arithmetic. My children are in deed learning (and speaking) a third language. Catalan. Their school is almost entirely taught in Catalan. Catalunya is bilingual - Spanish and Catalan. But for now, back to learning Spanish/ Castellano. 

Listening to Cody's Cuento's podcast on the iPod in our car entertains and teaches Spanish vocabulary and grammar without the pressure of studying. Hearing a classic fairy tale in Spanish that we know very well in English, or that they hear at school in Catalan increases their vocabulary much faster than doing vocab exercises. Even if your family speaks only one language at home, you would be surprised how your child can acquire a Spanish vocabulary just by listening to engaging stories in Spanish. 

You can find Cody's Cuentos' free podcast on iTunes or listen to episodes on Cody's Cuentos' website. From the website, you may also purchase story transcripts (sometimes with English translation) that include grammar notes and exercises. The stories on Cody's Cuentos are read by professional storytellers from Spain, Argentina and Mexico. 

Lovely Libros: Sant Jordi

 

Here is a great excuse to buy your children a new book (or at least, "new to them," which is the best kind): April 23rd is El Diada de Sant Jordi! Also know to English speakers as Saint George. Catalans celebrate Sant Jordi with books and roses. It is the Catalan equivalent to Valentine's Day. 

At local bookstores, I have found a great many wonderful books about the legend of Sant Jordi slaying a dragon and saving a princess (don't they all?), but alas, most are in Catalan. Here are some English and Catalan children's books on Sant Jordi/Saint George. And, to keep the saving and slaying stories in perspective, one of our family favorites adds a bit of balance.

:: The Magician's Boy by Susan Cooper :: 

 

"A master of fantasy tells a fanciful tale for young children. Boy works for a Magician, polishing wands, feeding the rabbits, and performing a puppet show of "Saint George and the Dragon." Then, one day, the Saint George puppet is missing, so the Magician sends the Boy through the Land of Story to find it. On his quest, he meets many nursery-rhyme and fairy-tale characters from stories such as "Jack and the Beanstalk," "Little Red Riding Hood," and the "The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe." Using the cryptic clue, "Only a child can find the way/To bring Saint George back to the play," the Boy steps forward to save the day. The black-and-white illustrations reflect the whimsy and amazement of the story perfectly. This beautifully simple and joyous book is perfect both for newly independent readers to tackle on their own and for adults to share with youngsters." (School Library Review) 
 –Tasha Saecker, Caestecker Public Library, Green Lake, WI

:: Saint George and The Dragon by Margaret Hodges :: 

"Retells the segment from Spenser's The Faerie Queene, in which George, the Red Cross Knight, slays the dreadful dragon that has been terrorizing the countryside for years and brings peace and joy to the land." (Amazon)

"A beautifully crafted book.." (School Library Journal)
 

:: The Paper Bag Princess by Robert N. Munsch ::

The Paper Bag Princess is definitely on my children's favorite book list. A surprising twist on the usual prince saves the day fairy tale theme. (A thank you nod to my friend RG whose dramatic reading of The Paper Bag Princess I remember every time I read it to my children.) This resourceful princess takes rescue matters into her own hands and makes an important discovery along the way. La Princesa Vestida Con Una Bolsa is the Spanish-language version. 

:: La Llegenda de Sant Jordi by Màriam Ben-Arab :: 

A beautifully-illustrated retelling of the legend of Sant Jordi written in Catalan. You can see more illustrations on the author/illustrator's blog or purchase the book here. 

:: La Llegenda de Sant Jordi by Farré Estrada :: 

A pop-up book, written in Catalan shows and tells the story of Sant Jordi in a new dimension. Below is a little video sneak peek of the book. 

:: La Llegenda de Sant Jordi by Nuria Font :: 

 

A popular version of Sant Jordi that is widely available in paperback. This book was our first Sant Jordi book, but I still have yet to be able to read it in Catalan. Instead, we look at the pictures and I re-tell the story in English. I am sure that my six-year-old daughter will be able to read it in Catalan before me!

 

Pinzellades al Món wrote a great list of well-illustrated books about Sant Jordi. This blog, Bibliocolors focuses on children's literature illustrations. 

Lovely Libros: Freight Train / Tren de Carga

 

Trains are really popular in our home. Brio train tracks, wooden train whistles and train ticket stubs can usually be found scattered around my children's bedroom floor. Out of our several train books, the simplest is their favorite. 

You have probably read the Caldecott honor book Freight Train by Donald Crews to your kids. Did you know that there is a bilingual edition of Freight Train? Sí, Tren de Carga features Freight Train in English and Spanish side-by-side. 

The simple text and illustrations make learning and reinforcing new vocabulary easy for children and great for bilingual learners. If your children love trains like mine, it won't be long until they are reciting the story of this Freight Train's trip along with you. Choo Choo! 

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Barcelona Events: Secondhand English Book Sale

 

The Barcelona Women's Networkis having a secondhand book and bake sale this Saturday, 20 March 2010 from 10:30 to 2 pm at the Institut d'Estudis Nord-Americans in Barcelona. Along with fiction, reference books and children's books in English, there will be books in other languages and DVDs on sale. The Institut d'Estudis Nord-Americans (IEN) is located at Via Augusta, 123, Barcelona.Proceeds will benefit the Barcelona Women's Network charity work.

Lovely Libros: El Abecedario Fantástico de Patam El Elefante

Alphabet books in foreign languages are good reads for children (and parents!) learning a new language. Typically, alphabet books have short, easy to read phrases related each letter reinforcing foreign vocabulary that begins with that letter. Translate that to easy for Mommy to read when she is tried of speaking Spanish all day and deciphering school correspondence in Catalan. 

El Abecedario Fantástico de Patam El Elefante by Montse Gisbert is a charming alphabet book to add to your collection. In Spanish, the alphabet is called "el abecedario." The whimsical poetry and artwork is silly with a touch of eccentricity. Patam is a tad extravagant and has some amusing ideas to teach your children the alphabet. And sometimes, just like our children, he can be a little bit naughty...

For Letter I i 

"En una isla come yogures encima del iglú mira que mal. !Patam tira los evases al mar!"

Eating yogurts on top of an igloo on an island Patam did something wrong. He threw the containers into the ocean! (my translation)

 
 El Abecedario Fantástico de Patam El Elefante by Montse Gisbert

I love that in the back of the book you will find a worksheet to write your own alphabet poetry a la Patam style. Something you can do in both Spanish and English. 

Happy reading!

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Lovely Libros: Caldecott Award Winners in Spanish 2000 - 2009

 

Last month the Association for Library Service to Children (ASLC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA) announced the 2010 Caldecott Medal Award winners, in addition to the Pura Belpré Award. The Caldecott Award is "given to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children." (ALA)

The 2010 Caldecott Medal winner The Lion & the Mouse, illustrated and written by Jerry Pinkney, and Honors winners All the World, written by Liz Garton Scanlon and illustrated by Marla Frazee, and Red Sings from Treetops: A Year in Colors, illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski and written by Joyce Sidman, are not yet translated into Spanish. 

Below is a list of winners for the past decade that are translated into Spanish. To find other language translations, please see the link under more information at the end of this post. Please note that there are not Spanish translations for each year. Following week's posts will list Caldecott Award winners translated into Spanish for other decades.

:: 2008 :: The Invention of Hugo Cabret / La invención de Hugo Cabret  by Brian Selznick. 

"Orphan, Clock Keeper, and Thief, Hugo lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station, where his survival depends on secrets and anonymity. But when his world suddenly interlocks with an eccentric, bookish girl and a bitter old man who runs a toy booth in the station, Hugo's undercover life, and his most precious secret, are put in jeopardy. A cryptic drawing, a treasured notebook, a stolen key, a mechanical man, and a hidden message from Hugo's dead father form the backbone of this intricate, tender, and spellbinding mystery.

With more than three hundred pages of original drawings, and combining elements of picture book, graphic novel, and film, Brian Selznick breaks open the novel form to create an entirely new reading experience. Here is a stunning, cinematic tour de force from a boldly innovative storyteller, artist, and bookmaker." (Scholastic Review)

:: 2007 :: Flotsam / Flotante by David Wiesner

A bright, science-minded boy goes to the beach equipped to collect and examine flotsam--anything floating that has been washed ashore. Bottles, lost toys, small objects of every description are among his usual finds. But there's no way he could have prepared for one particular discovery: a barnacle-encrusted underwater camera, with its own secrets to share . . . and to keep.

In each of his amazing picture books, David Wiesner has revealed the magical possibilities of some ordinary thing or happening--a frog on a lily pad, a trip to the Empire State Building, a well-known nursery tale. This time, a day at the beach is the springboard into a wildly imaginative exploration of the mysteries of the deep, and of the qualities that enable us to witness these wonders and delight in them." (Amazon Review)

:: 2005 :: Kitten's First Full Moon / La Primera Luna Llena de Gatita by Kevin Henkes

 

In this beautiful picture book, winner of the 2005 Caldecott Medal, Kevin Henkes captures the sweet, sometimes slapstick struggle of Kitten, who sees her first full moon and thinks it's a bowl of milk in the sky. Any child who has yearned for anything will understand how much Kitten wants that elusive bowl of milk. Readers will giggle as she tries to lick the faraway moon and gets a bug on her tongue, or leaps to catch it and falls down the stairs. In an effective refrain, the narrator repeats, "Still, there was the little bowl of milk, just waiting." The winning combination here is the simplicity and humor of the story, paired with gorgeous black-and-white illustrations with thick black lines (mirrored by the thick bold sans-serif font) and shades of grey that are as luminous as a moonlit night should be. Full-moon circles and ovals appear throughout the design: white circle full moons on the endpapers, elliptical flowers by the porch, white circles of firefly light, oval pads on Kitten's paws, and her big round eyes (especially when surprised and soaking wet). Children will love Kitten's quest and ensuing comedy of errors, but what they will love even more is that there's an actual bowl of milk waiting on the porch for Kitten. (Preschool)" -- Karin Snelson (Amazon Review)

:: 2003 :: My Friend Rabbit / Mi Amigo Conejo by Eric Rohmann

 

"PreSchool-Grade 1-A simple story about Rabbit and Mouse, who, despite Rabbit's penchant for trouble, are friends. When Rabbit launches his toy airplane (with Mouse in the pilot seat at takeoff) and it gets stuck in a tree, he convinces his friend that he will come up with a plan to get it down. He does so by stacking animals on top of one another (beginning with an elephant and a rhinoceros) until they are within reach of the toy. The double-page, hand-colored relief prints with heavy black outlines are magnificent, and children will enjoy the comically expressive pictures of the animals before and after their attempt to extract the plane. The text is minimal; it's the illustrations that are the draw here."Kristin de Lacoste, South Regional Public Library, Pembroke Pines, FL(School Library Journal)

:: 2002 :: The Three Pigs / Los Tres Cerditos by David Wiesner

 
 Once upon a time three pigs built three houses, out of straw, sticks, and bricks. Along came a wolf, who huffed and puffed... So, you think you know the rest? Think again. With David Wiesner at the helm, it's never safe to assume too much. When the wolf approaches the first house, for example, and blows it in, he somehow manages to blow the pig right out of the story frame. The text continues on schedule--"...and ate the pig up"--but the perplexed expression on the wolf's face as he looks in vain for his ham dinner is priceless. One by one, the pigs exit the fairy tale's border and set off on an adventure of their own. Folding a page of their own story into a paper airplane, the pigs fly off to visit other storybooks, rescuing about-to-be-slain dragons and luring the cat and the fiddle out of their nursery rhyme.

Wiesner, Caldecott Medal recipient for Tuesday, and Caldecott Honor winner for both Sector 7, Free Fall, prefers not to wait around until pigs fly. He gives them wings (or paper airplanes) and sets them on their way! In his latest flight of fancy, Wiesner uses shifting illustration styles and fonts to startle complacent readers into an imaginary world even as they ponder the conventional structure of story. His trademark crafty humor and skewed perspectives will tickle readers pink (even the nonporcine variety)! (Ages 4 and older)" --Emilie Coulter (Amazon Review)

: 2001 :: So You Want to be President? Revised and Updated Edition  / ¿Asi que quieres ser Presidente? by Judith St. George

"Tired of books about the presidency that present themselves as history books? Author Judith St. George--along with Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator David Small--has created a book about the presidency that's serious fun. The basic theme is that anyone can be president: a fat man (William Howard Taft) or a tiny man (James Madison), a relative youngster (Teddy Roosevelt at 42) or oldster (Ronald Reagan at 69). Presidential hobbies, sports, virtues, and vices all get a tongue-in-cheek airing, perfectly matched by Small's political-cartoon style of caricature painting. It's fun, but the underlying purpose is clearly serious: to remind kids that the American presidents have been a motley group of individuals, not a row of marble busts. Ironically, that message makes the presidency far more interesting (and appealing) than it seems in some of the more traditional books. There's a factual addendum at the back giving all the dates and names, with a one-line bio for each past-president. (Ages 8 and older)" --Richard Farr (Amazon Review)

:: More Information on Caldecott Award Winners :: 

• ASLC List of Translated Titles

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Lovely Libros: Latino Culture Children's Book Award Winners

 

Every year the Pura Belpré Award is given to a Latino/Latina children's author and illustrator "whose work best portrays, affirms and celebrates the Latino cultural experience." Pura Belpré was the first Latina librarian at the New York Public Library. This prestigious award, established in 1996, is co-sponsored by the Association for Library Services to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), and REFORMA, the National Association to Promote Library and Information Serices to Latinos and Spanish Speakers, an affiliate of the ALA. 

:: 2010 Pura Belpré Award Winners ::

Below are the winners of the 2010 Pura Belpré award along with the book's description written by the Association for Library Services to Children (ALSC). I have not read these books yet, however, I am adding these to our reading wish lists. 

While my children are learning a lot of Spanish here in Spain. I want them to be aware of that Spanish speakers throughout the world have vastly different cultures. I especially want them to be aware of the Latino cultural experience in the USA. I feel as immigrants to Spain, I have a better understanding of how difficult it must be to be an immigrant to the USA. Everytime, I hit a roadblock here because of language or a cultural misunderstanding, I think how hard it must be for an immigrant to my native country. I have a challenging time under a privileged situation and with a working knowledge of the local language. I can only imagine how tough life must be for immigrants with a lot less than I am fortunate to have. It is important for my children to appreciate the sacrifices that immigrants make to improve their families.

2010 Author Award Winner: Return to Sender by Julia Alvarez

 

"Julia Alvarez explores the thin line that separates American citizens and undocumented persons in her brilliantly told novel, Return to Sender. After Tyler’s father is unable to maintain the family farm, he hires undocumented workers, resulting in an interdependent relationship that mirrors current social and political conditions in the United States. Alvarez humanizes a situation by giving a voice to millions of immigrants experiencing similar hardships. This outstanding novel about the solidarity between two children of different cultures will resonate in the hearts of readers of any age." (ALSC)
 

2010 Illustrator Award Winner: Book Fiesta!, written by Pat Mora, illustrated by Rafael López

"Rafael López utilizes vibrant colors and applies magical realism to show that the love of reading is universal. Through a series of fanciful images, the author depicts Latino children inviting children of other cultures into their book fiesta, leading the reader on a visual journey that shows that reading sparks the imagination across all cultures and has the power to unite us. This informational children’s book will also serve as a valuable resource to those planning El día de los niños/El día de los libros in their communities." (ALSC)

:: 2010 Author Honor Books ::

Diego: Bigger Than Life, written by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand, illustrated by David Diaz

"Carmen T. Bernier-Grand weaves through the life of Mexican artist Diego Rivera in “Diego: Bigger Than Life.” A series of chronological poems delve into his controversial life. The poetry resonates with the passion that Rivera had for his art. The words that Bernier-Grand expertly uses to paint a picture of the artist’s life resemble the artistic process Rivera used to create his masterpieces. Bernier-Grand touches on many aspects of Rivera’s life and summarizes it like only another artist can. This book will pique the interest of readers across all ages and introduce them to a true master." (ALSC)

Federico García Lorca, written by Georgina Lázaro, illustrated by Enrique S. Moreiro

 

"Written in Spanish, Georgina Lázaro’s lyrical poetry evokes the spirit and style of the beloved 20thcentury poet and playwright, Federico García Lorca.  Lázaro gives children a close personal experience with classic Spanish literature in a picture book biography.  She uses the cadence and style of Lorca to paint a picture of the artist as a fragile, sensitive young boy who finds his strength in stories, songs, plays and books.  “Federico García Lorca” celebrates the beauty of the Spanish language and the healing power of words." (ALSC) 

:: 2010 Illustrator Honor Books ::

Diego: Bigger Than Life, illustrated by David Diaz, written by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand

"David Diaz captures the essence of the great Mexican muralist, Diego Rivera, through his use of bold colors and stylized “bigger than life” figures.  Diaz’s jewel-toned scenes of Diego’s life enliven the poetic prose of Bernier-Grand.  The illustrator’s art gives youth an aesthetic experience that inspires and connects them with their Latino cultural heritage." (ALSC)

My Abuelita, illustrated by Yuyi Morales, written by Tony Johnston

 

"Yuyi Morales fashions a world with polymer clay, wire, wood, metals and Mexican crafts. This innovative artist juxtaposes rich colors to marry the real and the imaginary, captured in digitally manipulated photos that are worlds unto their own. The grandmother flows through the pages in her robes as flamboyant as the stories that she loves to tell, inspiring her grandson to want to be just like her when he grows old." (ALSC)

Gracias Thanks, illustrated by John Parra, written by Pat Mora

 

"John Parra captures the small pleasures of Latino family life in his nostalgic folk art illustrations. Each page exudes warmth and love expressed through ordinary Latino experiences and evokes a deep sense of gratitude for Latino culture." (ALSC)

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Lovely Libros: Winter Books

  

I thought I would share with you a few of our Winter seasonal books and some that I am purchasing tonight. I'd love to hear about your favorites!

 

The Winter Book, written and illustrated by Rotraut Susanne Berners, is a collection of Winter stories, recipes, songs and poetry. The seasonal topics span from Halloween to Valentine's Day. I like that facts about cultural celebrations such as Kwanzaa and Three Kings Day are sprinkled throughout the book. 

Berners also wrote another Winter book, called Winter Wimmelbuch in German or El Libro Del Invierno in Spanish. Similar to her Autumn book that I wrote about in the Fall, this is a wordless book, so it doesn't matter what language the title is written. You will find the scenes similar to her other seasonal books yet adapted to Winter. 

 

My son cannot wait for some snow to fall. I keep reminding him that we no longer live in California's Sierra Foothills, where snow is a possibility, but rather in Barcelona, where it is a rarity. Regardless, I think he will love Snowflake Bentley, a Caldecott Medal book by Jaqueline Briggs Martin. This book tells the true story of Wilson Bentley, a farm boy from Vermont that was fascinated by snowflakes. Finally he got his hand on a microscope with a camera giving him the ability to capture snowflakes delicate crystal structure. Artist Mary Azarian illustrated Snowflake Bentley with beautiful woodcuts. If your child enjoys Snowflake Bentley, you may want to check out Bentley's real photographs in Snowflakes in Photographs and Snow Crystals.

Don't let the cold weather stop you and your little ones from exploring nature during Winter. At first glance, you may think there isn't much to do outside, but get wet and freeze. If you look closely, you'll see that Mother Nature provides many teachings during the Winter months. Bundle up and Explore Winter! 

Using this book, young scientists will investigate and find answers to the book's question, "Why do we have winter?" Explore Winter by Maxine Anderson provides factual information about Winter, instructions for Winter science experiments, how to use scientific tools to answer questions, jokes and trivia to help children in the Winter quest.

A sweet little wordless board book about Winter. Gerda Muller's season series are bookcase classics in Waldorf preschool and kindergarten classrooms. You will find lots of visual descriptions of Winter that should inspire some wonderful Winter story telling.

 

I would like my children to understand all cultural aspects of the Winter season. Especially how people celebrate the season today is linked to celebrations of historical cultures. Winter Solstice does just that and discusses how Celtics, Romans and Native Americans marked the longest day of the year. 

 

I bet Snowy Day brings back memories for you parents out there. What would Winter be without cuddling up to this Caldecott Medal winner from 1963? As I a child, I always wished I would wake up to snow and have an snow angel making day like Peter did in Snowy Day. I have never forgotten Erza Jack Keat's paper collage style artwork and appreciate it even more as adult. If this book isn't in your library, it definitely would be a lovely addition. 

 

Another science and nature book for your winter collections. Animals in Winter is part of my favorite science series for kids; Let's Read-And-Find-Out Science. My children like looking at the pictures of animals in their Winter habitats. Their favorite is the section about woodchucks that shows their home tunnel system and explains hibernation. My favorite part is about monarch butterflies migrating south for the Winter. Brings back many memories of class field trips to see the monarchs in Santa Cruz, California.

 

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Lovely Libros: My Numbers Mis Numeros

 

Part of a series, My Numbers/ Mis Numeros is a bilingual board book that introduces your child to counting in Spanish and English. Numbers "uno" through "diez" are accompanied by the number and the English and Spanish words. The facing page features a drawing representing the number along with Spanish and English text to describe the drawing. 

 

I adore the simplicity of Rebecca Emberley's illustrations and text. A dash of liveliness to her illustrations engages young readers or listeners in learning how to count in Spanish and English. I also appreciate that Emberley's pictorial representations are not what you'd typically find in a counting book. Your niños will love counting the "seis serpientes," "cuatro corazones" and "una lagartija." 

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