Product Review:  Susan Middleton Elya bilingual (Spanish) children’s books (Ages 2 and up)

I considered doing separate reviews on each of the three bilingual children’s books by Susan Middleton Elya that my daughter and I just read and loved, but I thought it would pack more of a punch by doing three reviews in one!  Here in Texas, speaking even a little Spanish is almost a requirement and Elya’s kid’s books gently incorporate Spanish into English sentences as part of the conversation.  It is not forced Spanish and it seems very realistic in my neck of the woods.  Her writing also adds such a silly sense of humor to each story that I found myself enjoying the books and laughing right with my daughter.

• F is for Fiesta (Ages 2 and up) – Perfect for the younger crowd.  It is about a birthday party and goes through each letter of the alphabet incorporating Spanish throughout.  List Price: $12.99 (Hardcover)

• No More, Por Favor (Ages 3 and up) – A cute little book about the baby animals of the selva (rainforest) not wanting to eat their food.  What is a parent to do?  Create an ensalada of all selva foods, of course!  List Price: $16.99 (Hardcover)

• Oh No, Gotta Go! (Ages 5 and up) – I imagine a lot of parents will get a chuckle out of the story of a family stuck in a car trying to find a bathroom for the child.  “Where is un bano? Donde esta? I really do need one,” I told mi mama.”  List Price: $15.99 (Hardcover)

For those parents who aren’t blessed with a proficiency in Spanish, each book includes a glossary and pronunciation guide.

Susan Middleton Elya bilingual (Spanish) children’s books (Ages 2 and up)

GP Putnam’s Sons (Penguin Young Readers Group)

List Price: $12.99 – $16.99