We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga

We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book introduces a modern Cherokee family and some of their traditions throughout the year, centered around being grateful for each season. Cherokee words are integrated into the text, then at the bottom of the page, that page’s word is spelled out in English, written out phonetically, written in Cherokee script, and defined. There is a glossary at the end of the book to explain concepts like shell shakers, Trail of Tears, gigging, stickball, etc. It’s just a fabulous book about gratitude and Cherokee culture.

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The Three Billy Goats Buenos

The Three Billy Goats Buenos by Susan Middleton Elya
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This lovely rendition of the three billy goats gruff has the third goat asking *why* the troll is so unhappy and mean. Instead of just tricking her, he gets the first two goats to help him pull a thorn from her toe and make a salve to put on it, then bring her some apples to eat (instead of goats!). It becomes a story of kindness, compassion, and friendship.

The text is mostly English but with many key words in Spanish. I love the rhythm and rhyming scheme and how the Spanish words flow seamlessly within the structure, letting young readers figure out many of the bilingual words based on context. The author also provides a glossary at the beginning.

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Little Chickies/Los Pollitos

Canticos: Los Pollitos / Canticos: Little Chickies by Susie Jaramillo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Delightful! ¡Encantador!

What a sweet little book and a clever way to promote bilingual reading experiences to small children. First you read the book straight through in one language (English or Spanish), then when you get to the end, turn the page and read it straight through in the second language. It's printed very cleverly in an accordion format to facilitate this, according to this video. No awkward repetition or lingering on the same pages too long while trying to read in both languages at the same time--I think my daughter will love it instead of getting bored or confused like with other bilingual books!

The book is based on a song, and it looks like the last page of the book contains information on how to find the song online so you can sing the lyrics as well as reading them. Singing is great for helping children break down words into their smaller sounds--an important early literacy skill!

Once I get to see a physical copy, my rating might go up to 5 stars, but I've only seen an ebook version so far, courtesy of NetGalley & the publisher, so I don't yet know how sturdy the flaps and wheels are. Many thanks to NetGalley & Canticos for the ARC!

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