Mixed-Language Picture Books
Mixed-Language picture books are just as they sound…books that mix two or more languages together. They’re written in one main language with words or phrases from another language added in seamlessly. Bilingual picture books are ones with exact and equal translations in two languages. Sometimes they are called Dual Language. The books on this list are ones that are either mixed-language or bilingual with both English and Spanish.
Click on the mixed-language picture book covers to watch read aloud videos!
Eight Animals Bake A Cake by Susan Middleton Elya and Lee Chapman
Eight animals all bring an ingredient to bake a cake together, but what happens when it falls to the ground? La Vaca comes to the rescue with pineapple upside down cake! This mixed-language book is predominately in English with Spanish words for all the animals, ingredients, and other story words highlighted.
Eight Animals On The Town Susan Middleton Elya and Lee Chapman
Our eight animal friends are back again with some fun at the market and then a dance party. Another fun mixed-language book that is mostly in English with just enough Spanish for young children to learn and retain.
Siesta by Ginger Fogelsong Guy and Rene King Moreno
A brother and sister go through their house looking for all the things they need for a sweet midday siesta. This simple bilingual board book is made for toddlers and young preschoolers. But anyone beginning to learn Spanish will likely enjoy it!
Green Is A Chile Pepper by Roseanne Greenfield Thong and John Parra
Another mixed-language book that explores the world of colors in a vibrant way.
Book Fiesta by Pat Mora and Rafael Lopez
Did you know there was a Children’s Day where Children and Reading are celebrated? I didn’t know that until I read this fun, rhyming bilingual book! This book has equal translations in both English and Spanish.
Abuela bu Arthur Dorros and Elisa Kleven
This bright adventure that a young girl takes with her Abuela is such a delight! This has very little Spanish mixed-in with the English, but it is enough for a child that is just beginning learning Spanish or to just add a few Spanish words into storytime.
My Abuelita and I Make Flan by Adriana Hernandez Bergstrom
A young girl and her Abuelita are going ot make flan for Abuelito’s birthday. But when she accidentally breaks the special dish for the flan, will it ruin the birthday celebration? This one is predominately in English, but includes some good Spanish vocabulary. It also addresses the love of family and dealing with your mistakes honestly.
Marta Big and Small by Jen Arena and Angela Dominguez
Marta is big and small, loud and quiet, fast and slow. All depending on what animal she is near. This darling mixed-language book has just enough Spanish that is really memorable. Great for a beginning Spanish language learner.
These mixed-language picture books are a good start if you want to add to your dual language library . They all contain enough Spanish to start young children on the journey to bilingualism.
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