It is never to early or too late to expose your kids to a second (or third!) language. Books with both English and Spanish text will help them get started on the road to fluency.
This list of bilingual picture books includes books that have English and Spanish text side by side as well as books that are written in English as the primary language but with Spanish words deftly woven into the text.
We all know about the research that shows the earlier kids are exposed to a second language the better! What I love about these dual language books is that even people with no Spanish experience can read them, and parents with a rudimentary understanding of Spanish will have no trouble at all, especially since Spanish is written so phonetically!
Really, there is no good reason not to read bilingual books to your kids!
Table of contents
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Spanish-English Books Ages 0-3
Global Babies/Bebes del mundo from The Global Fund for Children
Babies LOVE to stare at other baby faces! Now they (and you!) can look at adorable faces from around the world while hearing simple, sweet and loving text in Spanish and English. This is a wonderful first bilingual book for babies.
Besos for Baby by Jen Arena
A sweet little board with repetitive and rhyming text. Primarily in English with a few Spanish words. You will want to plant many besos on your baby as you read!
MORE: Poetry for Babies and Toddlers
¡Pío Peep!: Traditional Spanish Nursery Rhymes by ed., by Alma Flor Alma, F. Isabel Campoy and Alice Shurtle
This bilingual collection of nursery rhymes is not to be missed. Each traditional rhyme is presented in both Spanish and English. If you are not fluent, but had a little bit of high school Spanish, try reading aloud the Spanish version, your babe will love the sound of the word flow and rhythm and hearing another language is great for the brain!
Arrorró, Mi Niño: Latino Lullabies and Gentle Games by Lulu Delacre
This is a good bilingual resource, even for parents with no Spanish language experience. Short songs and interactive games (think: Pat-a-cake, and "To Market, to Market") will encourage caregivers to spend special one on one time with their children.
How Are You? / ¿Cómo estás? by Angela Dominguez
Playful illustrations of two giraffes accompany dual language text in which the new friends inquire about to each other's feelings and get to know each other. One of the most fun bilingual books for toddlers!
MORE: Multicultural books for babies and toddlers
Preschoolers: Ages 3-5
Maria Had a Little Llama/María Tenía una Llamita by Angela Dominguez
Kids love to hear new takes on familiar stories and rhymes. This classic nursery rhyme has a Peruvian twist and is a great bilingual picture book for preschoolers!
MORE: Latinx and Hispanic picture books
Gracias/Thanks by Pat Mora
In this joyful book, a biracial boy narrates all the things he is thankful for, from the expected to the surprising. The illustrations include a range of multicultural children, so kids of all colors will see themselves represented.
What Can You Do with a Paleta / ¿Qué Puedes Hacer con una Paleta? by Carmen Tafolla
A paleta is a traditional Mexican popsicle treat. This lively book about kids running to get a summer treat will spark your preschooler's imagination and maybe he or she will even offer to share a paleta with you!
Ages 5-8
The Lizard and the Sun/La Lagartija y el Sol By Alma Flor Alda
Ever wonder why lizards like to laze about in the sun? Hint: it's not because of their cold blood. It all started when the sun disappeared and the lizard went in search of it. With a little help from an Aztec emperor, a woodpecker and a great feast, the lizard is able to bring the sun back from its slumber. With lots of detail, the illustrations bring the Aztec culture to life.
MORE: Latin American and Hispanic Folktales
My Name is Celia/Me llamo Celia: The Life of Celia Cruz/la vida de Celia Cruz by Monica Brown
This lively, vibrant bilingual biography tells the story of Cuban-born Celia Cruz, an important salsa singer and performer. The narrative follows Celia's journey, starting with her love of music, and through her experience as a refugee escaping the communist regime of Cuba. She brought her musical art to Miami and New York, fighting racial stereotypes and never giving up. The text evokes the rhythm of salsa music and is great fun to read aloud.
MORE: Picture Book Biographies of Hispanic and Latinx Luminaries
Iguanas in the Snow: And Other Winter Poems / Iguanas en la Nieve: Y Otros Poemas de Invierno by Francisco X. Alarcón
This bilingual collection of poems is part of a four book series spanning the seasonal year. Each short poem in free verse is in both Spanish and English, presenting snapshots of a diverse group of children enjoying wintery life to the fullest. Be sure to read the poetry collections for every season!
Marisol McDonald Doesn't Match / Marisol McDonald no combina by Monica Brown
Red-headed half-Scottish half-Peruvian Marisol bounces off the page with great enthusiasm and loves her mismatched life. When her friend, Ollie, challenges her to “match”, Marisol finds she is unhappy with life as a conformist. This is a great story that emphasizes the importance of embracing and accepting one’s uniqueness.
MORE: Picture Books about Being Yourself!
Dear Primo: A Letter to My Cousin by Duncan Tonatiuh
Find it: Amazon | Bookshop (English) | Bookshop (Spanish version)
Two cousins—Charlie, who is American, and Carlitos, who is Mexican—write letters to each other describing their lives in their home countries, thus inviting readers to compare and contrast the different experiences. Primarily written in English, with some Spanish words, plus a glossary. However, there is also a Spanish version of the book. Tonatiuh's illustrations are heavily influenced by Mixtec tradition (Mixtec was a major civilization of Mesoamerica).
Alexis says
Thanks for this. I would love to know if they are actually all bilingual books. I have seen a lot of blogs saying there are bilingual books but it is only in the one language and not both together. That being said you would love the bilingual books by @lingobabies
Brent Van says
Here's one of my favorite bilingual books. It's the chapter La tortuga gigante from the book Cuentos de las selva. It isn't normally a bilinugal book, but this version has a good inline translation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJtrrxxtMZQ
Amelia williams says
I wrote a book piggy tales meet a new friend that introduces basic words and phrases in Spanish. It is translated into Spanish and introduces same in English