This week, we're diving into South America again! This time, we're sharing a roundup of some amazing children's books that feature Venezuela.
We know you'll find some of these stories absolutely engaging and want to add them to your home library!
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Picture Books with Venezuelan Characters
There aren't a lot of Venezuelan-themed children's books that I could find, so in stead of separating them by language (English, Spanish, or bilingual), I'm just listing them all here.
by Margarita Engle
I had never heard of Teresa Carreño, the prodigy pianist from Venezuela who began playing the piano as a little girl and composing her own music by the time she was 6. Not only did she play for President Lincoln as noted in this lovely story, but apparently for the famous composers Rossini and Liszt, too!
In Dancing Hands, we learn about Teresa's love of music and how she developed her talent in her homeland of Venezuela. We also read about how she and her family were forced to flee to the United States when Venezuala erupted in a revolution...only to arrive in the middle of the U.S. Civil War. The story goes on to chronicle the events that led to her performing for President Lincoln and his family in the White House.
Roberto's Trip to the Top (English only)
by John B. Paterson Jr.
by John B. Paterson Jr.
Breathtaking vistas and bustling scenes await a boy and his uncle when they ride the teleférico to the top of a mountain in Venezuela.
Up, up, up goes Roberto, aboard a cable car, heading to the top of El Avila. Share his excitement as he sees deep ravines and spectacular views, and meets the people and wildlife that live on the mountainside, on his first big adventure!
Wings and Dreams: The Legend of Angel Falls (bilingual)
by Irania Macías Patterson
The highest waterfall in the world, Venezuela's magnificent Angel Falls, is the backdrop for a newly imagined folktale vibrantly illustrated with full-color original art.
A dark shadow falls over the Pemones Indians as conquerors from the north invade the ancient land. A wise shaman sends young Takupi on a perilous journey to seek out safety for his people in a secret southern land seen only in the shaman's dreams. It's a place where man can touch the soft clouds, grateful eagles carry children on their backs, and rushing waters bathe a scorched and withering land.
Armed with only a few token gifts to protect him, Takupi must face frightening obstacles in his quest. Along the way, he discovers, as everyone must, the depth of his own courage--and his destiny.
by Irania Macías Patterson
Nature, sea and wind take on a life of their own in this beautiful tale inspired by authentic Venezuelan family traditions. Original illustrations help tell the story all while introducing the reader to a new language and culture.
When Faoro the clockmaker adopts a baby alligator, he has no idea that someday their story will travel far and wide. But the town of San Fernando de Apure would never forget this kind young man and his adoring alligator, who played with the neighborhood children, took part in Faoro’s wedding, and, eventually, mourned his loss. Now their story is being shared with the world.
In this delightful picture book first published in Venezuela, the author brings us back to her own childhood in Venezuela, as one of the children who used to visit this famous caiman, to tell the story of a man who loved animals and how his friendship with his alligator sparked a lasting legacy.
Oil, mangoes, and Angel Falls. International beauty contest winners and the golden legend of El Dorado. Wander inside this beautiful book to learn the ABCs of what makes Venezuela a South American jewel.
Fun Facts About Venezuela
Pair any of these books with my Fun Facts About Venezuela: A Country Coloring Activity. This download is an excellent introduction or supplement to a lesson on Peru.
It includes a printable map and fact passage! Just have your kids read about a person, place, or thing related to Venezuela, then have them find it on the map and color it in. Available in English or Spanish, it's simple and fun.
This product now contains an added page of additional learning resources to extend the learning with related books, online articles, and videos.