Summer is here and it's a great opportunity to bond with our kids, do activities, and relax while school is out. While many of us still have to work, there are still ways we can bond and make Spanish fun, even in the summer, and that includes reading. The quickest and least expensive summer getaway are between the pages of a book! Here are 11 books in English and Spanish that can guide you and your kids to make this summer more enjoyable and memorable while practicing their Español.
Summer Books for Kids in Spanish and English
1. Tia Isa Wants a Car or in Spanish Tia Isa Quiere Un Carro
We've had this book for a few years now and it's still one we like to read over and over. My daughter loves it because it's a story that talks about saving money (#futuereinvester lol) and how the purpose is to help out the family. It's a cute book with a great lesson about working towards a goal.
Concept:
“A pleasant selection about ambition, resourcefulness, and never letting go of one’s dreams.” — School Library Journal
While Tía Isa wants to save money for a car that will take the whole family to the beach, her niece does odd jobs for neighbors. But it’s hard to save enough when half the money is set aside to someday bring family members who live far away to join them. Meg Medina’s simple, genuine story about keeping in mind those who are far away is written in lovely, lyrical prose and brought to life through Claudio Muñoz’s charming characters.
Book Info:
Page Number: 32 Pages
Type of Books: Kindle, Hardcover, Paperback
Language: English, Spanish
Reading age: 3 to 7 years old
2. The Princess in Black Takes a Vacation or in Spanish La Princesa de Negro se va de Vacaciones
We love the Princess in Black books and the fact that they come in Spanish is just a huge plus. I love that these are great transition books from picture books to chapter books for little girls. It's a cross of superhero meets princess. My daughter loves these!
Concept:
Even monster-battling princesses get tired sometimes! But a peaceful time away is hard to find as the humorous New York Times best-selling series continues.
After battling monsters all night, a sleepy Princess in Black decides that she needs a vacation. After all, the Goat Avenger, a new hero who looks oddly familiar, has offered to protect the goats while she takes a much needed break. The very next day Princess Magnolia rides her bicycle to the seaside, where the air is salty, the sun is shiny, and the sea is as blue as monster fur. But just as Princess Magnolia is about to take a nap on her hammock, she hears a “ROAR!” Seriously? A monster? On the perfect beach? Impossible! Could a sea monster really ruin this vacation for the Princess in Black?
Book Info:
Page Number: 96 Pages
Type of Books: Kindle, Audiobook, Hardcover, Paperback
Language: English, Spanish
Reading age: 6 to 9 years old
3. Happiness Street - Calle Felicidad
A beautiful grandmother and granddaughter bilingual summer story, great on Kindle. If you or your child remember summers going to the beach, this is a great read. Another bonus is that this book comes in multiple translated languages so if you're looking for additional language books, you'll likely find this one.
Concept:
A high-quality bilingual children's story in English and Spanish, translated by a professional translator, Eva Rodriguez Ruiz. Ideal for bilingual families, and kids who learn Spanish or English as a second language.
Happiness Street will strike a chord with anyone who has ever spent an unforgettable summer holiday by the seaside. This book demonstrates creativity at its best, and a love of art as a universal form of human expression.
A young girl reflects on her memories of a summer spent by the seaside with Grandma. Through art and painting, she gets to express various emotions while processing her feelings in an empowering and creative way. Young readers will delight at the charming watercolor paintings and will take a trip down memory lane where thoughts and emotions are expressed in color. The story ends on a positive note, with the promise of coming back to Grandma's.
Book Info:
Page Number: 27 Pages
Type of Books: Kindle, Paperback
Language: English, Spanish
Reading Age: 4 to 12 years old
4. And Then Comes Summer or in Spanish Entonces llega el verano
This is the anthem book to summer. It's so cute and perfect in English, Spanish, or both for your child to enjoy. It truly gives you a feel for summer and all the joys it brings as a child.
Concept:
A joyful, sun-drenched tribute to the anticipation and adventures of the warmest season of the year.
When the days stretch out like a slow yawn, and the cheerful faces of Johnny-jump-ups jump up . . . then it’s time to get ready for summer! From flip-flops and hide-and-seek to fireworks and ice-cream trucks, from lemonade stands and late bedtimes to swimming in the lake and toasting marshmallows, there’s something for everyone in this bright and buoyant celebration of the sunny season.
Tom Brenner’s lovely, lyrical ode to summers spent outdoors will strike a chord with anyone who’s ever counted down the days until school gets out, and Jaime Kim’s jubilant, nostalgia-soaked illustrations leave little doubt that summer is indeed a time unlike any other.
Book Info:
Page Number: 32 Pages
Type of Books: Hardcover, Paperback
Language: English , Spanish
Reading Age: 4 to 8 years old
5. Fun and Fruitor in Spanish ¡Qué divertido es comer fruta!
Set in Spain, this colorful book will encourage your child to see the beauty in fruits and colors in English or Spanish. As a creative person and with a daughter with an active imagination I love books that can transport us with their creativity.
Concept:
Winner at the 2015 International Latino Book Awards
Fun and Fruit is full of beautiful colors in which parents and teachers will find the best way to ensure that children enjoy this food so full of poetry and vitality.
Book Info:
Page Number: 24 Pages
Type of Books: Kindle, Hardcover
Language: English , Spanish
Reading Age: 5 to 8 years old
6. Paletero Man
If you're not familiar with Lucky Diaz you have to check out the music for the kids. This book is sooo much fun, it's Spanglish, and celebrates all the Paleteros and neighborhood that you may have grown up in. It's an homage to a Latino summer. This one is definitely to buy.
Concept:
A vibrant picture book celebrating the strength of community and the tastes of summer from Latin Grammy-winning musician Lucky Diaz and celebrated artist Micah Player.
Ring! Ring! Ring! Can you hear his call? Paletas for one! Paletas for all!
What’s the best way to cool off on a hot summer day? Run quick and find Paletero José!
Follow along with our narrator as he passes through his busy neighborhood in search of the Paletero Man. But when he finally catches up with him, our narrator’s pockets are empty. Oh no! What happened to his dinero? It will take the help of the entire community to get the tasty treat now.
Full of musicality, generosity, kindness, and ice pops, this book is sure to satisfy fans of Thank You, Omu! and Carmela Full of Wishes.
Includes Spanish words and phrases throughout, an author’s note from Lucky Diaz, and a link to a live version of the Lucky Band’s popular song that inspired the book.
A Junior Library Guild Selection!
Book Info:
Page Number: 32 Pages
Type of Books: Kindle, Hardcover
Language: English ,
Reading Age: 4 to 8 years old
7. What Can You Do With a Paleta? / ¿Qué puedes hacer con una paleta?
We love this summer bilingual classic. You may already have it in your home library. It transports the reader to a barrio and share all the different ways and things you can do with a paleta (frozen posicle). Kids will love it and don't be surprised if they ask you for one at the end of the book.
Concept:
Where the paleta wagon rings its tinkly belland carries a treasure of icy paletasin every color of the sarape . . .
As she strolls through her barrio, a young girl introduces readers to the frozen, fruit-flavored treat that thrills Mexican and Mexican-American children. Create a masterpiece, make tough choices (strawberry or coconut?), or cool off on a warm summer's day--there's so much to do with a paleta.
Book Info:
Page Number: 32 Pages
Type of Books: Hardcover, Paperback
Language: English & Spanish
Reading Age: 3 to 7 years old
8. The Beach Tripor in Spanish Viaje a la playa
The Sofia Martinez books are great introductory chapter books and they celebrate our Latinx culture. In this one, Sofia is off to the beach for a family vacation filled with 16 family members and her packing is just a bit off...sounds like my daughter. It's a cute book especially for large family vacations, reunions, or summer trips and it's available in English or Spanish.
Concept:
Sofia and her family are headed to the beach for the weekend, and Sofia is packed and ready to go. But once they get to the beach house, it's obvious that Sofia did not pack basic beach gear. Will her beach trip be ruined? Spanish words are used throughout this early chapter book.
Book Info:
Page Number: 31 Pages
Type of Books: Kindle, Library Binding, Paperback
Language: English , Spanish
Reading Age: 6 to 8 years old
9. The Ultimate Travel Journal For Kids: Awesome Activities for Your Adventures
I bought this book for my daughter in anticipation of her summer trips. It has some really cool activities and a great way to have them practice their reading and writing...yes, a little sneaky. It's not available in Spanish but we'll make sure to add our Español flair.
Concept:
Four super fun travel journals in one for kids 6 to 9
It’s time to hit the road on your next family adventure―and kids will remember every second of fun-filled adventure. The Ultimate Travel Journal for Kids is packed with journaling prompts and activities for up to four, so that no memory goes unwritten.
Inside these travel activities for kids, 6-9-year-olds will find guided prompts to record hopes for their trip, highlights, new discoveries and more. Plus, this journal includes ultra-fun travel activities for kids likes fill-in the blanks and crosswords for endless entertainment.
These travel activities for kids include:
Tons of games and activities―These travel activities for kids banish boredom during long rides or waits with word finds, scavenger hunts, crosswords, and more!
Guided travel writing prompts―Young adventurers can write down everything they see, taste, hear and more with prompts to guide observations.
DIY souvenirs―Keep this travel journal at the ready to let kids create their very own souvenir for multiple family adventures.
When you’re back home and bags are unpacked, your little adventurer can always open The Ultimate Travel Journal for Kids and relive every minute of every adventure.
Book Info:
Page Numbers: 84 pages
Type of Books: Paperback
Language: English
Reading Age: 6 to 9 years old
10. How Will We Get to the Beach? / Como iremos a la playa?
This is such a cute book for toddlers and preschoolers as it's a guessing game and you can make it fun in Spanish. Get the kids involved and make Spanish learning fun.
Concept:
Roxanne is headed to the beach with a turtle, an umbrella, a book, a ball, and her baby. But the car won't start and whenever Roxanne comes up with a new way to get to the beach, she discovers she must leave something behind. Spanish-speaking children will delight in guessing just what's missing each time in this sunshine-bright romp of a book.
Book Info:
Page Number: 32 Pages
Type of Books: Hardcover, Paperback
Language: English, Spanish
Reading Age: 4 to 8 years old
11. Mad Libs Historias locas De viaje
I splurged on this book because my daughter LOVES mad libs and it's a great way to get her to love Spanish learning. It's a fun activity and game that she can do with her abuela and have fun while increasing her vocabulary.
Concept:
El juego de palabras más famoso del mundo. Si oyes a alguien que dice… «En Colorado, asegúrate de visitar las zanahorias rocosas. Cuando contemples la belleza desordenada de estas majestuosas ratoneras, tus ojos se llenarán de cerdos y tu nariz dejará de latir.» … es que ¡hay una Historia Loca en marcha! ¡Puedes jugar en solitario o disfrutarlo con tus amigos! Instrucciones ridículamente sencillas en el interior.
Book Info:
Page Number: 48 Pages
Type of Books: Paperback
Language: Spanish
Final Thoughts on Summer Books in Spanish and English
Summer should be fun and never an excuse to stop learning or practicing Spanish with your child. As long as you make it fun, they will enjoy and reap the benefits.
If you're planning or currently raising your child to be connected to their Latino roots or to be bilingual, be sure to sign up for our newsletter for a free E-book, tips and recommendations on raising bilingual and bilcultural kids and some family gear. You can also tune in to our community of moms on The Latina Mom Legacy podcast where we empower you to connect, create, and carry on your Hispanic heritage.
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