Kids' Books in Spanish
Berkeley Parents Network >
Reviews >
What/Where to Buy >
Kids' Books in Spanish
Sept 2009
I'm a gringo dad trying to raise a bilingual son. I speak to him only in Spanish and
his mom only speaks to him in English. We've had him in Spanish language daycare from
3 months of age. But I know from other friends who are trying to raise their kids
bilingual that eventually, if the kid knows that you speak English, they start
answering you back in English (since it's the dominant national language).
Whenever I read him a book in English I feel like I'm speeding up the day when he'll
refuse to speak to me in Spanish. There are so many classic kids' books in English
(Goodnight Moon, The Cat in the Hat, etc). If you're with a group of anglo adults,
everyone knows them. So what are the classic kids' books in Spanish that everyone
knows? My son is two now.
Thanks!
Jeff
Many classic books are available in translation -- not the same
as having an original classic text in Spanish, for sure, but it
has its affordances. Scholastic book clubs often has Spanish
selections, and you might look at that source (I think you can
probably access it online?). But you might also consider doing
what my sister has done for many years in raising her child
bilingually (German is the second language in her case). While
she does look for children's books when she is in Germany, and
has an accumulation of such books, she also has done a lot of
''on
the fly'' translation of English books when she reads aloud to
my
nieces. With simple books, this is generally pretty doable,
and
I don't think it ever phased the kids that their dad read to
them
in English while their mom read the same books in German. As
texts get harder, it gets a bit trickier to do, but it's a good
alternative that doesn't require doubling your library to give
your students access to texts that are, from the child's
perspective, in Spanish. This won't work on books that are
rhyming books or otherwise dependent on sounds for their appeal
to kids, but it will work for many other books. Good luck!
bilingual auntie
good for you for raising you son bi-lingual. He will thank you
for it when he applies for college, tries to find a job or
anything else he tries to do in life when he has to stand out
from the crowd. The Richmond public library on MacDonald has a
decent Spanish section in the children's area. I really liked
Sapo y Sepo (Frog and Toad) and anything Dr Suess (the cat in
the
hat translation is pretty funny).
When your son gets potty trained, check out El Nuevo Mundo in
Richmond for pre-school. It's in the 'hood but it's a really
wonderful place and beautiful inside with all the kids' art
everywhere. My daughter is starting her second year there and
is
very happy.
By the way, when your son answers you or asks for something in
English, you don't need to respond. You can insist on Spanish
interactions, but it takes some discipline during certain
stages.
After awhile I think it becomes habit.
Also a gringo with bi-lingual-to-be children
We only use books in Spanish, and we have ended up with a lot
of
the classic English books, translated. Key is to get a good
translation. Some are unbelievably bad. A lot of local
libraries
have a decent supply of spanish language books. In terms of
''classic'' original Spanish stories, we are from Mexico and
what we
have are the Aesop fables, Grimm's stories, and all the old old
old
classics. But why not share the stories that you loved as a
kid,
but in Spanish?
mom of bilingual kids
June 2009
I would like my children to learn more Spanish over the summer. Does
any one have any recommendations on workbooks or other teaching
books/cds/dvds? I have looked through amazon.com and was completely
overwhelmed by the choices.
Gracias
children's book press has excellent spanish and bilingual
multicultural books. they are based in sf, you can also shop at their
website. i adore baby rattlesnake, my first book of proverbs and the
quinito books.
laurie
Oct 2007
Looking for some good Spanish books that the baby sitter can read to
my kids (3.5 and 2). I prefer story books then just words. Some
books that are translated apparently have bad grammar or
translations. Any Spanish speakers out there who can recommend some
good books?
Thanks
There are TONS of great books in Spanish and we have 100's of books in
Spanish in our house. I have a 3.5 year old. Some of our favorites
(right now): Chumba la cachumba, Beisbol (by Alex Rodriguez), Azucar! (a
biography of Celia Cruz), No, David, No . . . there are so many.
kl
May 2006
We will be sending our almost-3-year-old to preschool soon after
2 years with a spanish speaking nanny. He understands lots of
spanish and speaks a little as well. My husband and I speak a
little spanish but only a little. I'm hoping to at least
maintain some of my son's knowledge of spanish using books
(which he loves) and other fun media.
I'm looking for some materials (dvd, cd, vhs, computer software)
that will help us teach him spanish and give him some continuing
exposure.
I recently got a mail offer from Muzzy for DVD's and a CD and a
CD ROM. Does anyone have experience with this company's products?
Any recommendations you may have for us would be really
appreciated.
Thanks
..have you considered cultivating some Spanish-speaking friends
with children your son's age to play with; or a play- or after
school- group or activity (i.e. swim class) with Spanish-
speaking kids enrolled? My kids continued thier Hebrew that way,
AND picked up a little bit of Spanish, as well as made new
friendships - some of which have lasted to the present (ages 25
& 21)!
Older Mom
Try the library!
Children's Librarian
April 1998
I noticed that Borders in Emeryville (at the public market) has a nice
selection of kids' books in Spanish as well as other languages. They
also have some nice CD's in spanish (we like Sesame Street Fiesta
Songs).
Heather
Barnes and Nobles at Jack London Square sometimes has a large selection.
There is also a place in San Francisco that can mail you a catalog and send
books by mail, but we've had mixed luck with the quality of the books. I
believe it is called Maruconi. I'd love more ideas also! What about books
that can help kids learn to read & write in Spanish?
Robin
One source for Spanish books is Scholastic Books. Scholastic Books gives
teachers their monthly catalogs (thin order forms), which the students
take home to their parents and then turn back to the teacher. Ten days
later -- voila! your books.
Teachers can request whichever catalogs they feel would benefit their
students. Ask your child's teacher to request the Spanish catalog.
Then...enjoy. Jennifer
After reading the request for Spanish books the other day I noticed an
ad in Valley Parent for a bookstore that carries Spanish books. It is
called Mariuccia Iaconi Book Imports. They are located at 970 Tennessee
St., SF 94107. Phone is 415.821.1216. The way the ad reads, they carry
mostly Spanish books, with some English ones. I don't know any more
about it, but its a place you can start. Melody
For the person who's trying to find kid's Spanish books, try La Tienda Books
and Music (next to La Pena Cultural Center) at 3105 Shattuck., Berkeley;
849-2215. Dianne
Believe it or not, I got a kids' book in Spanish from the Marshall's in San
Leandro. I just couldn't resist Harold and the Purple Crayon in Spanish!
(Now I have to get it in English, too, so I'll remember exactly what I'm
saying). I have seen a few other Spanish kids' books there, too.
Dawn
this page was last updated: May 13, 2012
The opinions and statements expressed on this website
are those of parents who subscribe to the
Berkeley Parents Network.
Please see
Disclaimer & Usage for
information about using content on this website.
Copyright © 1996-2013 Berkeley Parents Network