On Thursday February 22nd, we celebrate the 2024 edition of World Thinking Day, an occasion spearheaded and celebrated by millions of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts nationwide, and dedicated to promoting international friendship and cultural understanding among young people.
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.
Selection Criteria
Drawing from our own handpicked library of bilingual children's books (as featured in our Spanish book club for kids), the below titles have been selected based on their cultural diversity, spirit of friendship, and overall educational value.
Now, without further ado, let's dig in!
My Town / Mi Pueblo
In this cleverly constructed bilingual picture book, cousins from opposite sides of the border visit each other’s towns and delight in their similarities and differences.
On the girl’s side, English is the main language, and on the boy’s it’s español. The cousins love their towns, and they love visiting each other’s, where they notice some things are the same and some are wonderfully different, adding up to a vibrant world full of even more possibilities.
Isabel and her Colores Go to School
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.
A warm, expressive, affecting, (and of course colorful!) bilingual story about empathy, new beginnings, and making new friends.
Loving Kindness / Bondad amorosa
We love the Niños Mindful series as introduction to both English / Spanish language learning, and important lessons in compassion, relaxation, and self-awareness. In Loving Kindness your child can learn to “wish happiness, kindness and calm for everyone” -- including themselves!
Mi Papa es un Payaso / My Dad is a Clown
"The other day at school, a classmate got angry at me and said, 'Clown!'
I thanked him and gave him a kiss.
He didn't understand but we became friends again."
This bilingual story has a charming, vintage style and powerful messages about acceptance, family, diversity, the power of laughter, & what matters most in life.
Yefferson, Actually / En Realidad es Jefferson
On his first day at a new school, Yefferson realizes that everyone - his teacher, the lunch lady, and his peers - incorrectly call him Jefferson.
With the love and support of his family, Yefferson finds the courage to teach others how to pronounce his name correctly and to be proud of his namesake.
This author & illustrator debut is a welcome spin on the classic "back to school" story, showcasing the value of kindness, respect, and treating others as you'd like them to treat you.
VÁMONOS: Oaxaca
Introduce your little readers to Oaxaca, a magical city in the southern Mexican state of the same name. Children will travel through a city rich in history, culture, and food.
We just adore the VÁMONOS series as a delightful introduction to so many amazing Latin American cities. A wonderful starting point for heritage families and future world travelers alike!
Be Bold! Be Brave! 11 Latinas who made U.S. History
This bilingual book highlights 11 Latinas who excelled in various fields including medicine (Antonia Novello), science (Ellen Ochoa), music (Selena) and more! By presenting the true biographical stories of these outstanding Latinas in rhyming verses, young readers will easily follow their journey to success.
Written from a culturally authentic perspective and translated by credentialed native Spanish speakers, use this libro to inspire a future leader!
Nosotros Means Us
Lastly, we are reminded that friendship starts at home, with this moving bilingual ode to the unshakeable bond between a parent and child in the tradition of Runaway Bunny.
If I were a sheep, you would be a lamb.
If I were a bear, you would be a cub.
Gentle and poetic with relatable, universal themes, it's the perfect book to celebrate the most important friendships of all.
Benefits of International Exploration
Exposing children to diverse cultures and languages from an early age not only expands their worldview but also promotes empathy, tolerance, and appreciation for cultural differences.
Bilingual children's books serve as windows to the world, helping kids explore new perspectives, traditions, and customs. By incorporating bilingual books into your child's reading routine, you're laying the foundation for a more inclusive and globally minded future!
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Curated by Sol Book Box
The Spanish book club for kids 0-8.
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