I've often talked about my obsession with abecedarios, or alphabet books. So when some new titles landed on my desk recently and wanted to share them with you. I know many of you love them as much as I do!
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¡Todos al Rodeo! A Vaquero Alphabet Book
by Ma. Alma González Pérez
What an absolutely fabulous book! With full text in both English and Spanish, this alphabet book takes the readers on an in-depth look at the history of el vaquero. Children will LOVE the subject matter, as well as the images used to represent each word (and letter) of the alphabet.
From arena to lazo/lasso to rodeo, the author focuses on Spanish words that have been absorbed/adopted by the English language in the tradition of linguistic borrowing. I think your children will be fascinated to read about the origins of so many words associated with cowboy culture.
As I mentioned, this book doesn't have illustrations, but instead uses actual photographs that feature Hispanic influence. And the back of the book also contains a picture glossary and a list of Mexican and U.S. rodeo events.
This is the third alphabet book in a series by the author.
ABC: Discover Critters from A to Z
by Rosa C. Lopez
I follow artist Rosa C. Lopez on Instagram. She's the illustrator of the Martín y Pepe book series, which I absolutely love! So when I saw she had a new book out, I bought it.
ABC: Discover Critters from A to Z is such a sweet book for helping children learn their alphabet. Rosa's warm and whimsical illustrations are engaging for children. Each letter of the alphabet includes an animal that begins with the letter, and few words about what each one is doing.
It's important to note that the book only shows capital letters, so keep that in mind if you are looking for one that shows both upper and lowercase.
My 3yo enjoys the illustrations and the simple storyline. And at the back of the book, there are a few pages to allow children to practice writing their letters.
Olinguito, from A to Z! ~ ¡Olinguito, de la A a la Z!
by Lulu Delacre
Olinguito, from A to Z! ~ ¡Olinguito, de la A a la Z! is a rare glimpse into the heart of a cloud forest. We're there on a mission: to help the zookeeper from Washington, D.C. find the elusive olingo. Along the way we discover beautiful treasures. There is a richness to the illustrations that captures the reader. You can read about the whole process of creating the layered illustrations here on Lee & Low's website and here on the author's website.
Each page of this book is filled with the flora and fauna that are unique to cloud forests. Lulu's attention to detail makes this book especially remarkable. You'll find plant and animals that few people in this part of the world have seen in the wild, such as orchids and bromeliads and Collared Inca Hummingbirds and Spectacled Bears.
The best part of the book is the full text in both English and Spanish. And it should be obvious to any bilingual speaker that the book was originally written in Spanish and then translated into English. Not that the latter is poor in any way, but simply because the Spanish is so well done.