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Through expressive photos and a search-and-find feature, these books not only reinforce Spanish and English vocabulary development but also provide visual cues that help children better comprehend and process these emotions. K-Gr 2—Creating a high-quality bilingual book is no small feat, but this publisher has mastered the art, and they do it again with this series. [...]Vamos a reducir, reutilizar y reciclar, Oscar! (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, Oscar!) introduces the concepts of recycling. Elementary-age readers will sharpen their inquiry skills with engaging Spanish questions and answers, while the "Stay Curious!" feature encourages research and exploration beyond the books.
Spanish
This season's Spanish and bilingual series continue to prioritize nuance, curiosity, depth, diversity, truth, science, and critical thinking, making great strides in supporting the language needs of today's vibrant, diverse youth. In a world where diverse voices and experiences shape our communities, it is essential to support the language preferences of all learners. Language is more than just a tool for communication—it is a bridge to understanding, empathy, and truth. When students see themselves reflected in the language they engage with, they feel valued and empowered to think critically about the world around them. Encouraging learners to express their truths creates an environment where they can question, explore, and grow. Educators and librarians are key to this process, fostering curiosity and providing inclusive resources, while equipping students with the tools to think critically, speak truthfully, and use language to build a more just and empathetic future for all.
Elementary
PreS-Gr 1—This series offers young readers essential tools for understanding and expressing their emotions. Each book focuses on a different feeling—jealousy, sadness, joy, confusion, fear, and anger—and presents relatable, age-appropriate examples that will resonate with children. Through expressive photos and a search-and-find feature, these books not only reinforce Spanish and English vocabulary development but also provide visual cues that help children better comprehend and process these emotions. The series supports social-emotional learning by teaching young readers how to identify and express their feelings in healthy ways. VERDICT Not entirely original, as several publishers have released similar titles in recent years, but a good addition to public and ECE libraries.
K-Gr 2—Creating a high-quality bilingual book is no small feat, but this publisher has mastered the art, and they do it again with this series. These books are packed with quick, fascinating facts on a wide range of topics—everything from weather and the senses to satellites, monkeys, kangaroos, genes, the ocean, and so much more. Each book, about 20 pages long, features bilingual text that's not only clear and engaging but also carefully translated into Spanish by native speakers. Vibrant visuals complement the text, making it accessible to readers of various levels, even beyond the second grade for which the series is intended. Whether young readers are just starting to explore both Spanish and English, or are looking for fresh ideas for school projects, these books are a perfect fit for school library collections. VERDICT A must-have for inspiring curiosity and expanding knowledge in bilingual learners.
PreS-Gr 2—This series, equal parts practical and endearing, will encourage young readers to learn about environmental responsibility through engaging stories with beloved characters. ¡A ahorrar agua, Súper Archibaldo! (Be Water-Wise, Super Grover!) emphasizes the importance of water conservation. ¡A la basura la basura, Elmo y Abby! (Trash That Trash, Elmo and Abby!) teaches proper waste disposal. ¡A luchar contra la contaminación, Big Bird! (Fight Pollution, Big Bird!) highlights the fight against pollution. ¡Ahorremos energía, Beto y Enrique! (Save Energy, Bert and Ernie!) explores energy-saving practices. ¡Es el Día de la Tierra, Comegalletas! (It's Earth Day, Cookie Monster!) celebrates Earth Day with eco-friendly tips. Lastly, ¡Vamos a reducir, reutilizar y reciclar, Oscar! (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, Oscar!) introduces the concepts of recycling. Each book is designed to inspire eco-conscious habits in young readers. As usual, the books have high-quality translations and accessible formats that will engage a variety of reading and interest levels. VERDICT With their focus on sustainability and familiar, engaging characters, these books are recommended for public and school libraries aiming to inspire young readers to "go green" by adopting eco-friendly habits.
Gr 1–4—Blast off into the world of space exploration with this exciting and visually stunning series—a must-have for school library collections. These titles offer up-to-date scientific information in clear, elementary-level STEM text, in high-quality Spanish translations. Young readers will embark on an adventure through the history of space technology, from orbiters and satellites to NASA's Orion spacecraft and the International Space Station (ISS). Vibrant images, informative captions, and on-page definitions captivate curious students, while a "Space Science" feature highlights the latest innovations in space missions. This series not only encourages interactive learning and visual literacy but also inspires students to dream big and imagine their place among the stars. VERDICT Captivating for readers of all ages and space enthusiasts alike, these books ignite curiosity, spark imaginations, and inspire young learners to explore the awe-inspiring wonders of space.
K-Gr 4—This eight-book series feeds kids' curiosity with fascinating facts about competitive rodeo events and the animals, rules, and equipment that make them possible. Elementary-age readers will sharpen their inquiry skills with engaging Spanish questions and answers, while the "Stay Curious!" feature encourages research and exploration beyond the books. Vivid descriptions and simple infographics enhance visual literacy, making it easier than ever to dive into the excitement of the arena. Perfect for budding rodeo fans or those new to the sport, this series inspires young readers to learn more about the energy and excitement of rodeo while building essential research and critical-thinking skills. The only missed opportunity in this series is its exclusion of Mexican rodeo, a common and beloved form of rodeo that's popular in the southwest and Rocky Mountain west. VERDICT This series hits the mark by offering quality translations and makes a great choice for readers with curious minds, especially in public libraries.
PreS-Gr 2—Insects might give some readers the chills, but this exciting series turns creepy-crawlies into fascinating creatures that are anything but scary! Featuring six remarkable insects, this series takes young readers on a journey into the world of these incredible creatures. With up-close photographs and well-researched scientific information, children will learn about the habitats, survival strategies, and surprising facts that make these insects so special. Feating mysterious creatures like the Asian giant hornet and the odd-shaped giraffe weevil, each title brings nuance and insight that will captivate curious minds. Perfect for inspiring school projects or outdoor exploration, these books will spark young imaginations and turn insect fascination into fun learning. VERDICT Readers should get ready to get up close and personal with the world of insects with this exciting series about bugs that's perfect for school and public library collections alike.
PreS-Gr 3—Most people dread going to the dentist, but this series is here to turn frowns upside down! This six-book collection is a relatable and educational resource for elementary-aged readers and their caregivers who are curious about oral health and dental care. Featuring clear explanations, engaging visuals, and a reinforced library binding, this series makes dental health both accessible and enjoyable. VERDICT This is an ideal pick for school libraries and early learning library collections, and is likely to keep readers smiling.
Gr 2–5—Young readers with curious minds will be captivated by this exploration of the unknown. Four engaging new books translated into Spanish dive into fascinating mysteries that spark imagination and wonder. Elementary-aged readers will explore four captivating mysteries: ESP, Atlantis, the Bermuda Triangle, and Area 51. Each book answers high-interest questions about these topics, sparking curiosity and encouraging critical thinking. With vibrant infographics, the series supports visual learners while fostering research skills and a love of discovery. Complete with a table of contents, a glossary, an index, these books offer a fun and accessible way for young readers to delve into some of the world's most intriguing phenomena. Designed to ignite curiosity, the series answers kids' most pressing questions about paranormal happenings. VERDICT Through a dynamic mix of photos, infographics, and other visuals, these books encourage readers to think critically, using their understanding of the real world to explore the possibilities of what might exist beyond it. This series is recommended for both school and public library collections of all sizes.
K-Gr 3—Mathematics can feel intimidating to some young learners, but this updated and engaging series is the perfect introduction to foundational math concepts. Originally published in the 1990s and now refreshed, this series focuses on helping children communicate and reason mathematically with real-world examples. Each book introduces one essential math concept, such as counting and patterns, through clear, simple text and captivating photographs. For instance, the counting book asks readers how many fingers are on a hand or how many steps they take while climbing stairs—making math tangible and relatable. The book about patterns explores how math shows up in nature, from flowers to butterflies, demonstrating that patterns are all around us. With ten core concepts covered across the series, children experience the joy of hands-on math. What sets these books apart is their versatility and broad appeal. Tailored to support Spanish-speaking children, they offer a valuable resource for grasping fundamental math concepts in their native language, making learning more accessible and engaging. VERDICT Perfect for independent reading or read-aloud sessions, these books provide an curriculum-supportive resource to help young learners begin their exploration of basic mathematical concepts.
Gr 2–4—This series takes young readers on a journey to explore the labor-intensive process of food production, blending informative content with a creative, whimsical touch. In one title, children learn about the work of corn farmers, millers, and factory workers, and another follows the journey of potatoes from the farm to the snack aisle. Each book includes clear process explanations, world maps illustrating where ingredients are grown, and glossaries, offering a solid foundation for farm-to-table education. These titles not only support early literacy and Spanish vocabulary development but also encourage a deeper appreciation for the hard work that goes into bringing food to our tables. While the text is rich and informative, some sections feature smaller print that may be better suited for more experienced readers. VERDICT This series is ideal for public libraries, as well as school libraries, to spark curiosity among young students about where their lunch comes from.
PreS-Gr 3—This series offers readers a solid foundation with simple vocabulary and essential concepts, making it a great choice for young learners. The bright illustrations are intended to capture attention, but the cartoon style may not resonate with every reader. While they are playful and accessible, the exaggerated characters and bright colors may be off-putting to those who prefer more realistic or subdued artwork. Nonetheless, the series offers a valuable introduction to key vocabulary and concepts, with engaging stories and vibrant visuals that will likely appeal to children learning Spanish. VERDICT Aimed at supporting early literacy, this series may not appeal to every reader, but still offers good information; larger collections should consider.
Highlights
A standout this season is "¿Quién preparó mi almuerzo? (Where Does My Lunch Come From?)" (Amicus). With its whimsical illustrations and engaging text, the series blends fun and learning, and encourages kids to think critically about the labor behind everyday foods. Alongside this, other titles like "Curiosidad po los misterios inexplicables (Curiosity about Unexplained Mysteries)" (Amicus) and "Cuidemos el ambiente con Sesame Street" (Lerner) offer engaging content in high-quality Spanish translations, while reinforcing the importance of science, environmental responsibility, and cultural diversity. In a landscape flooded with misinformation, these series stand as essential tools that counteract falsehoods, providing educators and librarians with valuable resources to foster critical thinking and exploration in today's classrooms and libraries.
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