9 Bilingual Board Books in Spanish and English

A Mango in the Handby Antonio Sacre, illustrated by Sebastià Serra

In this beautiful story, it’s Francisco’s Saint Day, and he’s finally old enough to pick mangoes on his own. However as he sets out for the fruit, he encounters all sorts of mishaps. His father offers encouragement through traditional Spanish sayings, like “no hay mal que por bien no venga.” Ages 5–7, $17.
 

Canticos: Little Elephantsby Susie Jaramillo

The classic nursery song “Un Elefante Se Balanceaba” comes alive in this book printed in Spanish on one side and English on the other. Charming illustrations, interactive flaps, and a turning wheel keep little ones engaged as they learn their numbers. Ages 2–4, $15.

Olinguito, from A to Z!by Lulu Delacre

A zoologist searches for the olinguito, a recently discovered mammal, deep in the Ecuadorian rain forest while “kids explore science, geography, and different species,” says Irma Vázquez, cofounder of My Escuelita: Spanish for Kids, a play-based Spanish-instruction school in Redondo Beach, California. The word choices for each letter and alliteration—brilla un bosque bordado de bromelias—add to this exotic adventure. Ages 5–11, $19.
 

Lucha Libre by Patty Rodriguez and Ariana Stein

El Santo fans rejoice! This adorable homage to Mexican wrestling teaches kids about their different body parts, from cabeza to pies. Ages birth to 4, $10.

María Had a Little Llama by Angela Dominguez

This Peruvian retelling of “Mary Had a Little Lamb” centers on María and her llama in the Andes, “allowing children to use their imagination and explore the world,” says Beatriz Guevara, library manager at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, in North Carolina. Ages 4–7, $17.

Counting Ovejas by Sarah Weeks, illustrated by David Diaz

In this clever tale, a little boy starts counting sheep when he can’t fall asleep. As the number increases, so do the animals in his bedroom, and he must find a way to get them out. It makes the nightly routine a bit easier by incorporating familiar sounds and calming illustrations. Ages 3–6, $18.

What Can You Do With a Paleta? by Carmen Tafolla, illustrated by Magaly Morales

Celebrating life in the barrio, a young girl wanders her colorful San Antonio neighborhood with a fruity paleta while introducing readers to all the wonderful things you can do with the treat, such as “paint your tongue purple and green and scare your brother.” Ages 3–7, $8.

Colores Everywhere! by San Antonio Museum of Art

Budding art connoisseurs can explore works from the institution’s collection. Some pages pose a question (¿Es el cielo siempre azul?) sure to spark conversation. “It’s beautifully done, blending art and culture into a learning opportunity,” says Monica Olivera, cofounder of Latinas for Latino Lit, a nonprofit in North Carolina. Ages 2–4, $8.

Viva Frida by Yuyi Morales, photographed by Tim O’Meara

Beautiful enough to serve double-duty as a coffee-table book, the story of Mexican icon Frida Kahlo’s self-realization uses expressive puppets, magical illustrations, and poetic text to inspire the young and young at heart alike. Ages 4–8, $14.