Iguanas in the Snow/Iguanas en la nieve

FOR THE WINTER WEEKEND share this title with your child. 

Iguanas in the Snow/Iguanas en la nieve is appropriate for preschool age children.

Summary:
Iguanas in the Snow/Iguanas en la nieve is a wonderful bilingual book of poems about winter featured in English and Spanish. Author Francisco X. Alarcon takes the reader through the San Francisco Bay Area in the wintertime and shares poetic stories about the City of Bridges. Illustrator Maya Christina Gonzalez's colorful images take the reader deeper into the spirited landscape.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Making Connections:
Iguanas in the Snow/Iguanas en la nieve is a lovely book to try making connections. Books can be both windows and mirrors, a place where the reader can see out into new worlds, or have their own experiences reflected back to them. After you read, you will be able to ask your reader if the winter in these poems looks like their own or if it is different. The poems take place across the Bay Area and into the Sierras, there is a beach and fog, and mountains and snow. Within the pages, your reader should be able to relate to pieces and experience new environments in others. 

Do this with your child:
After you read Iguanas in the Snow/Iguanas en la nieve talk with your reader about how different places have different winter experiences. Then work together to try to write your own winter poem about the winter your family experiences. You can also use this bilingual title to practice a new language. Pick out specific words, like winter and snow, and practice them in the respective Spanish version!

If you're interested in sharing Iguanas in the Snow/Iguanas en la nieve with your child you can find it published by Lee and Low Books here. 

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Gathering the Sun

Hispanic Heritage Month 

During National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15) we recognize the contributions made and the important presence of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States and celebrate their heritage and culture. At Raising A Reader we embrace Hispanic culture in our diverse book collections with nearly 200 Spanish language titles. 40% of the families participating in the Raising A Reader program are Latino and one-third speak Spanish in the home. As we wrap up National Hispanic Heritage Month, we'd like to share one of our favorite Spanish and English books with you.

FOR THE WEEKEND, share this fun bilingual title with your child! 

Gathering the Sun: An Alphabet in Spanish and English is appropriate for children 4-8.

Summary:
Gathering the Sun: An Alphabet in Spanish and English is a collection of poems in Spanish and English, one for each letter of the alphabet describing farms and harvest. The beautiful book from author Alma Flor Ada is perfect alongside the traditional style paintings of Simon Silva on each page, drenched in bold, warm colors which help bring the poetry to life.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Take a Picture Walk/Sequencing:
As you read through Gathering the Sun: An Alphabet in Spanish and English, use the beautiful paintings to ask your child what they think that page's poem might be about. For an older child, you can also try sequencing and working on alphabetical order. Help your child remember what letter was on the previous page and try to figure out what letter the poem on the next page will start with.

Do this with your child:
Read through the poems in Gathering the Sun: An Alphabet in Spanish and English in the language you are more comfortable with, then try the other language. Practice the titles of each poem in English and Spanish with your child. It's a good possibility that you will both be exposed to something new and different. It's okay if you're unsure of some of the words, that is how we learn!

If you're interested in sharing Gathering the Sun: An Alphabet in Spanish and English with your child you can find it from Harper Collins Publishers here.

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Soccer Counts! / !El futbol cuenta!

FOR THE WEEKEND share this title with your child. 

Soccer Counts! / !El futbol cuenta! is appropriate for children of all ages.

Summary:
Soccer Counts! / !El futbol cuenta! is a bilingual book using simple rhymes to counts from zero to fifteen in English and Spanish. Author Barbara Barbieri McGrath does a wonderful job coupling the counting storyline with interesting facts about soccer and it's history. Readers young and old will enjoy counting to fifteen while learning more about the popular sport.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Making Connections:
After you read Soccer Counts! / !El futbol cuenta! ask your reader questions about their own experiences with soccer. Have they ever played the sport, do they play on a team, do they know he rules? You can also make connections about spectating, have they ever watched a soccer game, do they have a favorite team, etc.? Do they know or play any other sports? Use this book as a jumping point to learn about more sports that they might want to learn about.

Do this with your child:
After you read Soccer Counts! / !El futbol cuenta! try out the sport together! You can try scoring goals against each other or have a more leisurely game of kicking the ball back and forth. 

If you're interested in sharing Soccer Counts! / !El futbol cuenta! with your child you can find it from Charlesbridge Publishing here. 

Click here to learn more about Raising A Reader and the work we do to promote early literacy and family engagement. 

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El Pequeño Hoo Va a la Playa / Little Hoo Goes to the Beach

FOR THE WEEKEND, share this summer title with your child. 

El Pequeño Hoo Va a la Playa/Little Hoo Goes to the Beach is appropriate for children of all ages.

Summary:
El Pequeño Hoo Va a la Playa/Little Hoo Goes to the Beach is a bilingual tale that tells the story of a scared owl and his trip to the beach. It is the perfect day to visit the beach but Little Hoo is afraid, the waves are big, the crabs might pinch and the sharks are plentiful. But with encouragement and exploration, Little Hoo discovers that the beach is actually not scary, but fun and exciting! Author Brenda Ponnay's simple text and bright and bold images pair together perfectly in this summer adventure.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Make Connections:
As you read El Pequeño Hoo Va a la Playa/Little Hoo Goes to the Beach ask your reader questions about their own experiences at the beach or in a new place. Have they been scared or nervous to try something new? How did they feel after they had their experience? Do they have advice for Little Hoo as he navigates his new adventure? By relating to the characters and the text, your reader will become more engaged in the story and have a more impactful experience overall.

Do this with your child:
After you read El Pequeño Hoo Va a la Playa/Little Hoo Goes to the Beach in the language that you are more comfortable with go back through and pick out some of the words you would like to learn in the other. Words like beach, ocean and waves are fun to know in any language!

If you're interested in sharing El Pequeño Hoo Va a la Playa/Little Hoo Goes to the Beach with your child you can find it from Xist Publishing here. 

Click here to learn more about Raising A Reader and the work we do to promote early literacy and family engagement. 

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Winter Afternoon / tarde de invierno

FOR THE WEEKEND, share this title Family themed title with your child! 

Tarde de invierno / Winter Afternoon is appropriate for children of all ages.

Summary:
Tarde de invierno / Winter Afternoon is a charming bilingual story which introduces readers to illustrating their own stories. A little girl sits at a frosty window, drawing pictures in the condensation, as she waits for her mother to return. Her drawings tell of adventures as her mother approaches down the road. This delightful book from author Jorge Elias Lujan accompanied with illustrations from Mandana Sadat beautifully captures the atmosphere of a gloomy winter day along with the anticipation of a child anxiously awaiting the return of a loved one.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Making Connections:
After you read Tarde de invierno / Winter Afternoon talk with your child about how the girl in the story is feeling. Was she lonely when her mother was not yet home, sad that she missed her mother, excited upon her mother's return? Then talk with your child about their own feelings. Has your child been away from their parents before? Do they go to daycare or school or stay with a babysitter while you go to work or run errands? Were they sad or anxious or scared when they were left without you? Were they excited to see you at pickup or when you got back home? This book is a great mirror for lots of children to know their feelings are valid and that they are not alone!

Do this with your child:
The girl in Tarde de invierno / Winter Afternoon draws stories in the condensation in her window. Do you have any foggy windows or even foggy mirrors after bath time? Draw stories on these surfaces with your child!

If you're interested in sharing Tarde de invierno / Winter Afternoon with your child you can find it from Groundwood Books, an imprint of House of Ansani Press, here. You can like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter for more inspiration.

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Flores Family Cafe/La lonchería

FOR THE WEEKEND, share this title Family themed title with your child! 

Flores Family Café/ La lonchería is appropriate for school age children.

Summary:
Flores Family Café/ La lonchería from author Ann Stalcup is a beautiful bilingual book that highlights the strength of family bonds in the face of an obstacle. In this story an unexpected letter changes the lives of a family in Baja, California. Read along to find out how they worked together in this story of family loyalty and ingenuity. In Flores Family Café/ La lonchería, we all learn that when you mix flowers, determination and inspiration you get a beautiful slice of life.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Take a Picture Walk:
Flores Family Café/ La lonchería is a wonderful book for taking a picture walk. Before you read the story with your child, flip through the pages and look at the pictures. Ask your child what they see in the pictures. Do they see people, where are they, what is around them. After gathering that information you can take it one step further and ask what they think is happening in the pictures, how do the people look like they are feeling, where might they be going, what are they doing. Then as you read, you can learn if their predictions came true.

Do this with your child:
After reading Flores Family Café/ La lonchería talk with your child about the things you do together as a family. The Flores family worked together to overcome their circumstances and improve their situation. Is there anything you work on as a family, no matter how big or small? Take some extra time to do something special together, do a puzzle, make a special dinner together, etc. 

If you're interested in sharing Flores Family Café/ La lonchería with your child you can find it from Lectura Books here. Please like on Facebook and follow them on Twitter for more.

Have you heard about The Great Book Challenge?

Click here to donate!

Gracias Thanks

FOR THE WEEKEND, share this title with your child! 

Gracias Thanks is appropriate for children of all ages.

Summary:
Gracias Thanks from author Pat Mora and illustrator John Parra is a wonderful reminder that we always have something to be thankful for. This bilingual book lists out the simple things in life straight from the heart of a child. From red ladybugs to a winking abuelita, you can always find something to be thankful for!

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Making Connections:
Gracias Thanks comes at a great time, with Thanksgiving and the holiday season fast approaching, it is always important to remember the things that we are thankful for. As you read with your child, ask them if they are thankful for any of the same things this little boy is thankful for. Do they have a grandparent who gives them extra love, or do they have a sibling that makes them laugh? By connecting to the characters in the story, your child will further their engagement with the book and deepen their interest in reading on.

Do this with your child:
After reading Gracias Thanks make a list of things that your child is thankful for. It could be good practice to do this as a family, as we sometimes all need a little reminder that there is always something good. Have your child pick one of the items from the list to draw a picture of.

If you're interested in sharing Gracias Thanks with your child you can find it from Lee and Low Books here. Please like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter for more inspiring tales.

Have you heard about The Great Book Challenge?

Click here to donate!

Nathan Saves Summer

FOR THE WEEKEND, share this fun summer time title with your child! 

Nathan Saves Summer / Nathan rescata el verano is appropriate for children age 4 and up.

Summary:
Join Nathan the hippopotamus in Nathan Saves Summer / Nathan rescata el verano. It is Nathan's lifelong dream to be the lifeguard at the pond where he and his friends spend their entire summer. But all of the animals think that Nathan is just too big to be the lifeguard in their little pond and Nathan starts to think that maybe they're right. Nathan finally gets his chance to prove them wrong when he sees the tiger cub bobbing in the water. Will this save summer or spell disaster for the small pond?  

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Making Connections:
Nathan Saves Summer / Nathan rescata el verano is a great story for your child to make connections with this summer. As so many families enjoy their vacation, they can be found gathering around pools, lakes, creeks and oceans just how the animals gather at the pond. Asking questions about the similarities and differences between the story and your child's own summer will further their involvement with the text and deepen their engagement with the story.

Do this with your child:
Nathan Saves Summer / Nathan rescata el verano is a bilingual story with a vocabulary list found on the last page. Practice first reading the story in the language you are most comfortable with but adding in some of the vocabulary from the language that is new to you! 

If you're interested in sharing Nathan Saves Summer / Nathan rescata el verano with your child you can find it from Raven Tree Press here. For more from author Gerry Renert check out his website and more from illustrator Carrie Anne Bradshaw check out her website. 

Curious George Visits the Library/Jorge el curioso va a la biblioteca

FOR THE WEEKEND, share this fun title with your child! 

Curious George Visits the Library/Jorge el curioso va a la biblioteca is appropriate for all ages.

Summary:
In Curious George Visits the Library/Jorge el curioso va a la biblioteca from Martha & H.A. Rey, George is lucky to arrive at the library just in time for story hour. But it’s not easy for a little monkey to sit still too long and he just has to get his hands on that dinosaur book. George quickly finds so many books he wants to read and can’t wait to take them home. As usual, George also finds himself in a bit of trouble. With help from friends and the librarians, he is able to clean up his mess. From selecting books to getting his very own library card, George’s day at the library celebrates all the fun of visiting the library and sharing books!

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Summarizing:
After you read Curious George Visits the Library/Jorge el curioso va a la biblioteca ask your child to summarize the story. Ask about the main characters, where the story takes place, the events that happen in the story and how the story ends. If they need to, let them hold the book and look through the pages to see where Curious George is and what he is doing. By answering questions and looking through the book, your child will be recalling details and engaging with the story in a deeper way.

Do this with your child:
After reading Curious George Visits the Library/Jorge el curioso va a la biblioteca take a trip to your local library and see if you can find any books like the ones Georgre found. While you're there, make connections between your local library and the library George visits. Check out a favorite book or two and enjoy. Sign your child up for a library card if they don't already have one just like George! Since this is a bilingual text, we also encourage you to practice reading in both languages!

If you're interested in sharing Curious George Visits the Library/Jorge el curioso va a la biblioteca with your child you can find it from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt here. Please like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter and Instagram.

Te Amo I Love You

FOR THE WEEKEND, share this fun title with your child! 

Te Amo I Love You is appropriate for children age 2-8.

Summary:
Te Amo I Love You is a charming bilingual book celebrating the love between a parent and a child. The darling illustrations depict a variety of animals telling their young things that they love about each other. Calee M. Lee and Tricia Tharp capture the beautiful bond between parent and child that transcends all species.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Making Connections:
As you read Te Amo I Love You ask you child to try to make connections using the text and pictures. They will be using what they already know to become further involved with the reading. How does the text connect to them? How can they make connections between the text and other stories they've read? And can they make connections between the text and the world around them? Has your child ever made a pillow fort; have they read any other stories that have shooting stars; have they ever watched a dog enjoying a bone? All these things will get your child more invested in the story as they think of ways they can relate it to their own self and their experiences.

Do this with your child:
February is a month full of promoting love and friendship. Te Amo I Love You is full of different ways that a parent describes their love. Make a list with your child of ways that you love each other. Pick one item from your list and draw a picture to go along with that depiction.

If you're interested in sharing Te Amo I Love You with your child you can find it from Xist Publishing here. Please like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

Perritos en Invierno/A Winter's Tale

FOR THE WEEKEND, share this fun title with your child! 

Perritos en invierno/A Winter's Tail is appropriate for children age 4-8.

Summary:
Join Martha and Skitsy as they share an adventure with their humans in Perritos en invierno/A Winter's Tail. Based on the characters created by Susan Meddaugh and adapted by Karen Barrs. Learn the story of why Skitsy is afraid of hockey pucks in this exciting story, written in both Spanish and English. 

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Cause and Effect:
As you read Perritos en invierno/A Winter's Tail ask your child to think about why the events in the story are happening. Why did Helen show Skits Mr. Chewy in the snow? Why was Ronald no longer mad after Skits took the hockey puck? Why did Martha and Helen go get Dad? These are all questions that will get your child thinking about how all actions have effects associated with them, this happened because of this. This strategy is called cause and effect.

Do this with your child:
Perritos en invierno/A Winter's Tail is in both Spanish and English. If you are comfortable in both languages read through the story twice, once in each language. If not, pick one page in the story to practice in the unfamiliar language. It will be a fun learning experience for you and your child!!

If you're interested in sharing Perritos en invierno/A Winter's Tail with your child you can find it from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt here. Please like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

Summer Book Sharing List is Available!

Summertime is here and Raising A Reader has created a recommended reading list. 

It contains 40 titles (20 In English and 20 in Spanish/bilingual).  Check them out at your local library or your local independent Bookstore. 

Summer Reading List