Blog

2024-06-30

Why Start Spanish Early? The Surprising Benefits of Raising Bilingual Children

As parents, we all want to give our children the best possible start in life. One powerful way to do this is by raising them bilingually.

2024-06-19

How Reading Spanish to Your Toddler Can Boost Your Own Fluency

Did you know that this practice can also significantly improve your own Spanish fluency? In this post, we explore how reading Spanish to your toddler can be a mutually beneficial journey.

2024-05-10

Better late than never: a monolingual parent's journey to a biliterate family

Once I took my final Spanish class in my freshman year of college, I largely put the language on the shelf next to astronomy and intro to statistics. It wasn’t until almost 20 years later that I fully grasped what I was missing. And with two young children now thriving in dual language immersion school, I’m beyond grateful.

2024-05-07

Help your reader grow in 2 languages with stage-based Spanish curation

Language learning can be a bit of a balancing act. Nurturing real growth, while also making the journey enjoyable for children and parents…well, it usually takes a plan.

Here’s a peek at ours!

2024-05-07

Why Spanish? It's complicated (and that's a good thing)

Our own Karina Batchelor discusses her Latiné roots, living bilingually, and how passing that on to her child keeps her motivated.

2024-03-04

10 Empowering Spanish & Bilingual Children’s Books for Women’s History Month

March is a time to celebrate the remarkable achievements and contributions of women throughout history. As we honor these trailblazers, here’s 10 libros that can inspire and empower young readers to dream big and change the world.

2024-02-21

International Exploration: 8 Bilingual Children's Books for World Thinking Day

At Sol Book Box, we believe in the power of books to foster empathy, curiosity, & appreciation for diverse cultures. So, in honor of World Thinking Day, we've curated a list of 8 bilingual books that invite children to explore the rich tapestry of our global community.

2024-02-11

12 Heartwarming Spanish and Bilingual Children's Books About Love

As Valentine's Day approaches, we're reminded of the boundless love we share with our little ones. And what better way to celebrate this special day than by immersing them in stories that not only warm their hearts but also nurture their growing minds?

2024-02-09

Get More From Your Spanish Read-Aloud with Hands-on Fun!

Research has shown that multisensory learning increases the likelihood of understanding and retention, and teaching a second language becomes a delightful adventure with Un besito y ¡a dormir! Let's dig in and see why.

2023-12-06

Biblio Wonderland: Our 7 Favorite Spanish Board Books We Shared in 2023

Bebés who are read to aren't just learning words; they're merrily exploring with all their senses. The pages transform into a tactile wonderland, the turning sound becomes a tiny holiday concert, and even the scent of the paper decides to join the festive fiesta – whether it's the aroma of a fresh new book or the comforting scent of a well-loved holiday tale.

2023-12-06

Biblio Wonderland: Our 7 Favorite Spanish Picture Books We Shared in 2023

At Sol Book Box, we love helping, much like Santa's elves in a bustling workshop. Here's a roundup of our favorite books sent out in 2023. Among them is a laugh-out-loud book about a furry, four-legged creature with an insatiable appetite for adventure, an enchanting hero of lost teeth, and a true story about crossing the border.

2023-11-25

8 Books featuring Indigenous Voices

A list of books that feature Indigenous voices, encompassing stories that embody joy, cultural pride, overcoming everyday challenges, fun, and the celebrations of family and friendship.

2023-11-05

10 Amazing Benefits of Biliteracy in Kids

Biliteracy, the ability to read and write proficiently in two languages, is a skill that can open doors to countless opportunities for young readers. In this post, we explore just a few of the countless benefits that biliteracy in Spanish and English offers to young learners. Some might surprise you!

2023-11-03

8 uproarious libros to keep your little reader giggling

Laughter is a magical super power for your reader! But to get those giggles you need the right books. Here's eight that had our littles ones in stitches.

2023-11-02

The Magical Power of Laughter: 5 Reasons Why It’s a Must in Children’s Reading

When it comes to sharing a good laugh while reading with kids, the benefits are endless. It's not just a whole lot of fun; it's also the secret sauce for nurturing a lifelong love of reading.

2023-11-02

The Fascinating Science of Reading: How Words Come to Life in Your Brain

Reading is an amazing human superpower! It opens up new worlds, sparks our imaginations, and helps us learn. But did you know we aren’t wired for reading or writing?

2023-10-17

Boost Your Spanish Read-Aloud with SEL Books: A Guided Parent's Toolkit

I am always on the lookout for high quality Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) books. As a parent, I've witnessed the transformative power of SEL books in my child's life. Well written SEL books help children to develop emotional intelligence and important life skills. Today we'll take a learning adventure through one such libro.

2023-10-17

Once Upon a Dream: 6 Reasons Why Bedtime Reading is Magical

The importance of bedtime reading goes beyond the story itself; it's about building strong emotional connections, laying the foundation for a lifelong love of books, and exposing them to all sorts of new Spanish vocabulary and syntax. So, snuggle up, grab your favorite story, and let the adventure begin.

2023-09-25

7 Ways (and 8 Books) to Authentically Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually in the United States from September 15 to October 15. Here are a few ideas (and books) on how to acknowledge the significant contributions Hispanic and Latinx people have made to the nation's history, arts, sciences, and more.

2023-09-25

Bilingual Literacy Fun for the School Year Ahead

Even ordinary moments can be opportunities to infuse your bilingual journey with playfulness and learning! In this article, we'll explore a collection of word games designed to make learning a joyful adventure.

2023-08-13

Green Thumbs & Bilingual Brains: Gardening with Kids for Fun & Learning!

The wonderful world of gardening has been a learning and joyous experience for our family where muddy hands, giggles, and blossoming curiosity reign. Not only has gardening fostered a love for nature and sustainable practices, but it's also been an ideal playground for bilingual learning.

2023-08-03

Winter Activities in the Summer: Beat the Heat with Cool Fun!

Who says winter fun is limited to the colder months? Beat the summer heat with winter-inspired activities that can be enjoyed right in the comfort of your home.

2023-07-27

The Marvelous Magic of La Amistad

Celebrate friendship on July 30th (or any day!) in all its shapes, sizes, & beautiful permutations. Here's a few ways we've marked the day, along with some recommended reading for you and your little one!

2023-06-28

5 bilingual books for your summer reading adventures

Need some fresh reading inspiration for your lil' Spanish learner? Here's a few of our absolute favorite bilingual titles to read this summer.

2023-05-19

Why Bees Matter

The future of our planet and our palates depends on bees. They are the ultimate party starters, making sure our crops thrive and our ecosystems flourish. Let's embrace our inner bee lovers and work together to create a world where bees can thrive, pollinating our planet and filling it with life's sweetest moments.

2023-05-09

Get More From Your Spanish Read-Aloud: A Guided Tutorial for Parents

Today we deep-dive into Buscar by Olga de Dios. This colorful and captivating book is perfect for teaching basic conversational Spanish phrases, descriptive vocabulary, counting principles, & literary techniques to young children.

2023-04-15

Exploring Different Spanish Dialects

The beauty of Spanish is that no matter where you’re from, be it Spain, the mother country of the Spanish language, Argentina, the land of the asado and tango, or la isla of Cuba, home of the Cuban cafecito and Celia Cruz, we can all communicate with each other. Let's take a look at just how that is.

2023-04-10

Earth Day, Bilingualism, & a Sol Book Box Giveaway!

Today we're talking about why Earth Day is uniquely important for bilingual kids, and sharing an awesome giveaway for our little environmentalist readers!

2023-03-27

Libros We Love: Te Queremos, Profe

Skunk, Squirrel, Fox, Bear Cub, Duck, Frog and Rabbit ALL love school, and a big reason for that is their amazing teacher, Gazelle. But when one day they get to school and Gazelle isn't there, the friends decide to investigate.

2023-03-19

Reading in Spanish Is Easier Than You Might Think

Studies have shown that strong phonological awareness skills are the biggest predictor for success in reading. This is great news for bilingual families! Let's look at why that is.

2023-03-07

The Importance of Representation

Let's talk about strong Latina women & why all kids should read about them (regardless of gender!).

2023-03-06

Libros We Love: Mi Abuelo el Luchador

Gorgeously illustrated and so much fun, Mi abuelo el luchador is just a total delight on so many levels. Previously out of print and still hard to find in U.S. stores, we couldn't wait to get this one to our subscribers. Enjoy!

2023-02-22

Libros We Love: Lucero

With measured, poetic text, Lucero shows a link between the fragility of desert life, and the vulnerability of people stuck on one side of the border.

2023-02-15

Books, Bilingualism, and Conflict Resolution

A diverse reading habit helps create a multicultural worldview that influences your child throughout their lives. In addition to relating more to others, Spanish & bilingual children’s books also help kids better understand themselves.

2023-02-08

How to Make Language Learning a More Joyful Experience

The best way to learn a language, hands-down, is to have fun doing it! If you want to raise a Spanish speaker in a bilingual or second-language household, then you’ll want to find activities that make it exciting for your child. These tips are designed to help you make Spanish a memorable experience.

2023-02-06

Libros We Love: ¿Por qué no floreces?

This delightful story of a bear and his garden is a chance to reflect on the subjectivity of reality: our interpretation of the world can be very different from someone else’s!

2023-02-04

Taking Spanish Beyond the Classroom

Spanish is for everyone, everywhere. This beautiful language may be America's most studied foreign dialect, but it is far from being just another school subject. By taking Spanish out of the classroom and into your home, you can help your child develop a love for learning that’s rooted in fun.

2023-01-31

Libros We Love: No tengas miedo, Cangrejita

A delightful story for the littlest readers about conquering one's fears. From Internationally-recognized author Chris Haughton.

2023-01-29

Less stress, more books! Reading tips for your anxious child

Although they might seem happy-go-lucky most of the time, small kids experience stress and anxiety just like us adults. Books are a fantastic way to not only provide some relief, but also introduce kids to new ideas and skills that could help them in the future. In this post we discuss some of our favorite tips for nurturing your child’s mental health through literature.

2023-01-28

Libros We Love: Esto no es Una Selva

Author Susanna Isern is known for creating books that use humorous situations to help parents and kids talk about things that can sometimes be challenging (like keeping your room clean!). We love Esto no es Una Selva, with its expressive characters and cheerful animal illustrations courtesy of Rocio Bonilla. We hope you do, too!

2023-01-24

Supporting Your Language Immersion Student at Home

Immersion programs are a fantastic way to help children become fluent quickly. We’ve come up with some of our favorite tips for supporting a language immersion student at home—even if you don’t speak the language yourself! And while we focus on helping kids learning Spanish at home, these suggestions apply to children learning any language beyond their first.

2023-01-23

Libros We Love: Gracias. Historia de un vecindario

From renowned author/illustrator Rocio Bonilla, comes this lovely and meaningful story of curiosity, empathy, and how appearances can often be deceiving.

2023-01-21

How to Prioritize Reading in 2023: A Guide for Parents

We all want to help our children grow, and one of the best ways to nurture their innate curiosity and imagination is through reading books. Let’s make 2023 the year your child falls in love with reading. These strategies will help your little one build literacy skills that lead to a lifelong habit.

2023-01-18

Reading Rewind: Our Favorite Spanish & Bilingual Children's Books from Q4

Hola, friends! Today we're looking back at some of the very best Spanish & bilingual children's books we boxed from October to December (and teasing out a bit of what's to come). Are you resolving to encourage more español in your house this year? If you're not subscribed yet, there's never been a better time!

2023-01-16

Libros We Love: How to Fold a Taco / Como Doblar Un Taco

How do you fold a taco? It turns out that there are more ways than you may think! Lucky for us, the bilingual book shows us all of them (from the realistic to the ridiculous). Wrestlers, dragons, magicians, dinosaurs and other unexpected surprises show up in this colorful taco-folding primer.

2023-01-15

Rereads and Repetition: How to Get the Most Out of Your Children’s Book Library

With many families tightening their budgets in 2023, it can be a challenge to deliver a constant diet of new books to your pequeño lector. In this guide, we’ll explore several tips for making your child’s personal library a timeless collection they’re eager to experience over and over again.

2023-01-13

Libros We Love: Los coquíes aún cantan

Written based on the author's abuela’s experience living through Hurricane María in Puerto Rico in 2017. 2022 brought another devastating hurricane, Hurricane Fiona, to the island. We are endlessly inspired by our Boricua friends’ resilience and hope as they rebuild, and this book is a beautiful tribute to that.

2023-01-12

Bilingual Parenting Pitfalls to Avoid

Even if you aren’t fluent in more than one language, you can raise bilingual children. On your journey, here are some common mistakes to be aware of. If you spot any of these in your household, don’t panic. They’re easy to correct, and knowing about them will help you make your child’s learning experience better in the future!

2023-01-01

Libros We Love: La Roca de Mila y Carlos

Featuring vibrant illustrations in a nautical palette, this story of Mila the seal and Carlos the seagull is an original and tender take on animal friendship.

2022-12-20

¡Vamonos! Using Children's Spanish Books to travel the world

When you’re a child, every day feels like an adventure. And books teach children just how incredible the world is. Using authentic Spanish books can take your child on a journey to faraway lands, filled with memorable characters, exciting stories, and vibrant Latin American culture.

2022-12-14

¡Bostezan! The 15 best Spanish children’s books for going to sleep

As most any parent raising a reader can attest, there’s something extra special about that book right before bed. A time for snuggling up, winding down, bonding, sharing, and leaving the worries of the day behind. Let’s dive into some of our favorite Spanish children's books for an excepcional bedtime read.

2022-12-14

Libros We Love: ¡Ouah!

Things go wrong the very first day Felipe brings his new dog home: instead of barking like a regular dog, he goes “ouah”! This book is all of the things we hope for in a good book: original, fun, and sweet.

2022-12-02

Spanish vs bilingual children's books: where to start with your new reader

Parents ready to add some Spanish into their child's existing reading routine may wonder how to best start out: immerse them right away with authentic Spanish children's books, or wade into the language a little more slowly with Spanish-English bilingual children's books. Here we'll take a closer look at each option so you can find the right mix for your reader.

2022-11-30

How to delight your bilingual bebé in your next read-aloud

Reading out loud helps babies and early readers connect with text, and become a skilled bilingual listener. Spanish board books are a great way to make your read-aloud more educational and engaging. The exciting sounds of a new language can captivate small children, especially if you use these reading tips!

2022-11-28

A Guide to Supporting Your Bilingual Reader

Teaching your child a second language is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. Early learners are more adaptive than adults, so starting early can lead to native-level fluency by the time they’re 10. And reading is one of the strongest ways to build new language skills in both of their languages at once.

2022-11-18

Ahoy! Here's our 8 Favorite Children's Spanish Books about Pirates

Have you heard about "porch pirates"? Apparently that's what we're now calling folks that steal packages off your porch during the holidays! :-( It's a kinda cute name for a pretty terrible thing...but it also got us thinking about how many great pirate-themed books we've read over the last year. A new list was born!

2022-11-14

9 Delectable Spanish Children's Books about Food

Something about these colder, darker months just has us spending more time in the kitchen, I suppose. And while we definitely love eating in our family, there’s also something so delightful about READING food-centric books! So I’ve rounded up a list of our favorite Spanish children’s books about food, because there’s nothing like enjoying beautiful and colorful illustrations of yummy things to eat.

2022-10-31

8 Awesome, Not-So-Scary Spanish Books for Kids About Monstruos

In honor of Halloween, we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite monstruos in Spanish children’s books. No tricks, just reading treats for you and your niña!

2022-10-21

Five Tips for Better Reading with Your Empath Child

Empaths are people who feel emotions more deeply than others. They are highly sensitive, experiencing others’ joy and pain as if it were their own. In this guide, we’ll cover tips for reading with your empath child.

2022-10-16

Raising and Reading to Little Global Citizens

Our world is an incredibly diverse planet, but not everyone is exposed to new cultures growing up. Books are one of the best ways we can help our kids learn about new places, people, and experiences.

2022-10-12

14 Slightly Spooky Children's Spanish Books for Halloween

For someone with an extremely low tolerance for scary or creepy things (*raises hand*), Halloween children’s books are the perfect way to be festive but not, like, TOO festive. This roundup of Halloween books in Spanish is the perfect way to get into the Halloween spirit (even if you’re a Halloween grinch like me!).

2022-10-11

Why bilingual kids are better listeners (and how yours can be, too)

Have you noticed the way your child’s eyes light up as they tune into a story? Raising a reader is one of the best ways you can improve your child’s listening skills, even when they’re still a baby.

2022-09-27

11 Spanish Books for Hispanic Heritage Month

Here in the U.S. we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month every year from September 15th to October 15th, and for our Mexican/Ecuadorian/American family it’s a chance to be super intentional about how we are celebrating latinidad with our kids. But you don’t have to be Hispanic or Latinx/e to appreciate the incredible contributions of Latin@s!

2022-09-13

7 Favorite Spanish Children’s Books for Fall

Believe it or not, it's time for getting cozy with sweaters and watching the leaves change colors. And these titles couldn’t be more perfect to read with the niñas during the autumn season.

2022-08-19

Dialogic Reading: A Guide for New Parents

Dialogic reading is all about sharing a conversation with your child about the text you’re reading aloud. It helps children build their vocabularies and develop what experts call “verbal fluency” — the ability to speak clearly and retrieve words and other information from memory at will.

2022-08-17

Why Some Kids Struggle With Reading (And What to Do About It)

If you've got a kid who's struggling to learn to read, don't worry! There are lots of fun and easy ways to help them get over their reading slump, and Sol Book Box is here to share some of our favorite tips.

2022-08-02

What we look for in a truly exceptional children's book

Remember when you were little and how certain children’s books transported you to a whole new world and made your imagination run wild? What an incredible feeling! Giving that feeling to a child of your own is a true gift. But you need the right books! Here's what we look for.

2022-08-01

How to Help a Reluctant Reader

Picture this scenario: you invite your child to sit with you in the coziest chair in your house. You open up what you consider to be a fantastic children’s book and enthusiastically begin to read it aloud. Your child sits with you for a minute or two, but then gets up and walks into another room.

2022-07-26

Debunking Misconceptions about Bilingual Reading in Kids

There are clearly many reasons to raise a bilingual kid, but parents who do so often have a lot of fears about the challenges or obstacles their child might face. Let's put those fears to rest.

2022-07-19

Bilingual from Birth: Early Reading Tips for Dual Language Parents

If you are a parent fluent in two languages, you have the uniquely wonderful opportunity to positively influence your child’s life by sharing the gift of bilingualism! Check out these tips designed to help you raise an enthusiastic reader.

2022-07-18

Get Your Kid Hooked On Reading Again with These Simple Steps

If your child loved story time as a toddler, but now struggles to get into books as a young independent reader, there are plenty of practical ways to encourage them to get back into the habit of reading.

2022-07-15

Reading On the Go: Tips for Busy Families

If you find that your family is on the go quite often—and you’re committed to raising a reader—you’ll need to find creative ways to keep your children interested in reading no matter where they are or where they’re going.

2022-07-14

The 7 Keys to More Effective Co-Reading With Your Child

Kudos to you for making the time to co-read with your child! In this post, we’ll discuss the many ways in which you can make storytime a more active and participatory event.

2022-06-28

Bedtime Stories: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents

Reading bedtime stories is a cherished nightly ritual for many families. It can be a time for bonding, teaching, and relaxation. However, there are some things to keep in mind when incorporating bedtime stories into your routine.

2022-06-23

Picture Books vs Board Books: The Definitive Guide

If you hope to raise a reader, you may be wondering: picture or board books to start? We’ve put together a handy guide to choosing the best format for your niño.

2022-06-17

Introducing the Sol Bookshop

After months of planning, we’re overjoyed to announce the launch of our new store! Shop the absolute finest contemporary Spanish & bilingual children’s books from around the world.

2022-06-16

Choosing the Right Book Subscription: What Parents Need to Know

At Sol Book Box, we have three unique subscription box options. Which one is right for you and your niño? Let's discuss!

2022-06-09

A Parent's Guide to Keeping Your Child Reading this Summer

Stressing over how to keep up the “reading momentum” this summer? Our team has devised a list of unique ways to keep your child excited about reading, all the way to September (and beyond!).

2022-06-03

The Benefits of Siblings Reading Together

So much magic and joy can ensue when siblings share their love of books with one another, even if they are in different developmental stages and, therefore, at different reading levels. Besides, it is heartwarming for parents to witness their children bonding—especially over a stack of excellent children’s books.

2022-05-31

Ten Surefire Ways to Make Reading Fun

Here are our favorite ways to help your child view books as the portals they are—portals that guide us into worlds full of interesting characters, settings, and cultures.

2022-05-24

Q&A: Children’s Author José Carlos Andrés

José Carlos Andrés is one of our favorite children’s authors, and his books are without fail among the funniest in our library. Here, he answers 7 of our most pressing questions about writing, humor, and his own work…

2022-05-18

Is It Too Early to Introduce a Second Language?

Fear of overloading a child (too many activities, too many obligations, too many expectations) in their early years is a common concern amongst today's parents. But the truth is, it is never too early to start a bilingual learning journey.

2022-05-14

Libros We Love: LA PRINCESA ZANAHORIA

We always love when we can send a rhyming picture book, because rhyming is not only fun, it’s a very important part of helping kids become strong readers.

2022-05-13

The Four Questions to Ask Before Subscribing to a Children’s Book Box

Not all books (or boxes!) are created equal. To aid in your vetting process, here are the four key questions we at Sol Book Box asked ourselves when building our collection of Spanish & bilingual book boxes. Keep them in mind when shopping for your own familia!

2022-05-12

How to Make Your Home a Place for Readers

Your home is as much a physical environment as it is an expression of who you are and how you’re choosing to raise your little ones. Here are some tips to cultivate a home environment that emphasizes books over screens.

2022-05-03

Choosing the Right Libros for Your Budding Bookworm

Developing strong reading skills early on is essential for healthy childhood development – yet, if your niño is less than enthralled by their available reading library, many of the benefits may be lost on them. In this post, we’ll discuss some different methods for finding and choosing the right books for your child.

2022-04-25

Here's Why You Should Have Regular Reading Sessions With Your Bebé

According to research, babies learn almost 78,000 words per year when their parents read books to them. Dig in to explore the benefits of reading to your babies from an early age so they can grow up to have strong language skills.

2022-04-21

Our 9 Favorite Children’s Books in Spanish for Earth Day

I really appreciate Earth Day as a chance to inventory how I’m taking care of the planet, and what changes I can make to improve. And of course, one of the biggest ways I can take care of the Earth is to teach the little people in my family to be good stewards of our planet. And what better way than through some great libros?

2022-04-19

Libros We Love: Un día en el museo

We love finding a good non-fiction book (or non-fictionish, in this case) because they are the BEST for helping kids develop reading comprehension, build background knowledge, and develop analytical skills.

2022-04-18

7 Useful Tips for Raising a Bookworm

If you want to give your niños the best possible start in life, it's never too early to acquaint them with the art and joy of reading! After all, learning how to read is the gateway to being able to analyze, reason, and articulate ideas—skills that assist us in every aspect of life.

2022-04-12

Libros We Love: EL PARAGUAS DE CEBRA

Published by one of our favorite imprints, this book is a gentle, colorful reflection on kindness and sharing.

2022-04-11

Supporting Your Bilingual Child: A Monolingual Parent's Guide

There are significantly more options now for kids to learn a second language that they weren’t born into. In fact, as a parent, you don’t need to be fluent in another language to create an active and engaging learning environment for your child as they work toward becoming bilingual.

2022-03-24

Libros We Love: El Año En Que Aprendimos a Volar

One stormy day, a girl and her little brother are stuck inside their apartment, bored and bickering. If only they could go somewhere!

2022-03-21

Bilingual Learning and Your Child: Getting from Why to How

If you’re considering raising a bilingual child, or are already doing it, then you probably don’t need someone to convince you about the advantages being bilingual will offer your kids.