BILINGUAL BOOKS

(ENGLISH/SPANISH)
Title: Cuckoo/Cuc
Author: Lois Ehlert Illustrator: Gloria de Aragn Andjar
Plot: A beautiful bird is the only one who can save a field from a fire, but she may be too
lazy to do so.
Justification for Teaching: This is another Spanish-English book, and it retells a popular
Mexican folk tale. It is beneficial for learning vocabulary and also learning aspects of
Mexican culture.
Title: Esperanza Rising
Author: Pam Muoz Ryan
Plot: This book tells the tale of Esperanza and her mother as they move from Mexico to
California and begin to adjust to life there.
Justification for Teaching: This is a more difficult book, but could be great for older or
more advanced readers. It takes place during the Great Depression and focuses on
sensitive topics such as poverty. It helps show how cultures collide and mix together, and
uses Spanish throughout to emphasize points.
Title: Love to Mama
Author: Pat Mora Illustrator: Paula S. Barragan
Plot: A collection of poetry by various Latino poets.
Justification for Teaching: Each poem is illustrated, and very vivid, and written in a mix of
Spanish and English. The combination of literature and illustration makes it engaging and
interesting to the students, and includes a variety of poetry styles.
Title: Los Gatos Black on Halloween
Author: Marisa Montes, Illustrator: Yuyi Morales
Plot: This is a poem about Halloween told primarily in English, but also includes an array
of Spanish words that relate to Halloween/fall festivities.
Justification for teaching: This poem is very engaging for young children and includes
vivid illustrations; it introduces Spanish vocabulary words to children in a fun and
organized manner.
Title: Maria Had a Little Llama/Mara Tena una Llamita
Author and Illustrator: Angela Dominguez
Plot: Retelling of the Purvian counterpart of Mary Had a Little Lamb
Justification for Teaching: Children are most likely already familiar with the poem Mary
Had a Little Lamb, so this story will be relatable to them. Also, the rhythmic aspect of
the poem will help with vocabulary and memorization.
Title: Marisol McDonald Doesnt Match/Marisol McDonald No Combina
Author: Monica Brown Illustrator: Sara Palacios

Plot: A young girl wears mismatched clothes and likes to do things differently than her
peers.
Justification for Teaching: This book relates well to diversity and bringing together
different cultures. It also helps students to use language to compare and contrast in
Spanish.
Title: N is for Navidad
Authors: Susan Middleton Elya and Mary Banks Illustrator: Joe Cepeda
Plot: This story focuses on a Latino-American family celebrating Christmas together.
Justification for Teaching: This is a cross-cultural story because it discusses some Latin
American Christmas traditions. It also allows children the opportunity to learn vocabulary
related to Christmas and winter.
Title: Moony Luna/Luna, Lunita Lunera
Author: Jorge Arguta and Elizabeth Gomez
Plot: A five year old girl named Luna is about to start school, but she is nervous about what
might happen.
Justification for Teaching: This book is written in both Spanish and English and addresses
many of the fears and challenges children may face

Title: Un Gato y Un Perro: A Cat and a Dog

Author: Claire Masurel Illustrator: Bob Kolar Translator: Andres Antreasyan
Plot: A cat and a dog, originally enemies, become friends.
Justification for Teaching: Fully written in both English and Spanish, children can choose
which one to read. Also, it is very visual to help them take in the vocabulary.
Title: Yum! Mmmm! Qu Rico!
Author: Pat Mora Illustrator: Rafael Lopez
Plot: A collection of haiku poems, in both Spanish and English, about foods native to
both North and South America.
Justification for Teaching: This book is both cross-cultural and cross-curricular; it helps
students learn about where some foods come from, and teaches them vocabulary related
to food in both Spanish and English.