Sing with Me / Canta Conmigo

January 20, 2020
Six tunes “steeped in the tradition of classic children’s songs of the United States” are thoughtfully translated into Spanish by children’s musician Orozco. The translations sit side by side on the page, making it easy for readers learning the song in either language to cross-reference while building their vocabulary. Orozco adds his voice in an author’s note about the importance of both multilingualism and music to child development. Pura Belpré Honoree Palacios’s cheery, scribble-textured illustrations follow two joyful brown-skinned children as they move through inclusive communities in a day peppered with the selected songs: in the classroom (“The ABC”/ “El ABC”), on their commute (“The Wheels on the Bus”/ “Las Ruedas Del Camión”), and at home on a farm (“Old McDonald”/ “Juancho Pancho”). A small but mighty assortment of childhood’s greatest hits, and a welcome resource for any bilingual bookshelf. Ages 4–8.

April 1, 2020

Toddler-PreS-A delightful book that explores six classic songs in Spanish and English. Included are "Old MacDonald Had a Farm," "The Alphabet Song," "Where Is Thumbkin," "The Wheels on the Bus," "The Eeensy Weensy Spider," and "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star." Spanish translations are well done, although the lyrics to "Juan Pancho" ("Old MacDonald") are a bit complicated. With a little practice, patrons will be singing along smoothly. The mixed-media illustrations in subtle tones portray happy children excitedly singing these familiar childhood songs. Children of different races and backgrounds appear on every page. VERDICT This beautifully done book is sure to be a hit with toddlers and preschoolers.-Martha Rico, Yselta ISD, TX

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 15, 2019
Classic American English-language children's songs appear alongside Spanish versions as children's performer Orozco give some of his most popular adaptations a fresh face in this new picture book. Two charming siblings go about their day with songs to sing all along the way. They begin it at school with renditions of "The ABC," or "El ABC," and "Where Is Thumbkin?" or "Pulgarcito," then continue on their way via a bus ride with "Las ruedas del cami�n" to Old MacDonald's farm and then home to bed for a lullaby. Palacios' adorable illustrations bring in crayonlike textures to depict these brown-skinned, black-haired sibs and their vibrant and diverse community. Though those familiar with Orozco's work will recognize the songs from earlier music albums and print collections, the picture-book package also lends itself to easier sharing than Orozco's prior anthologies. For the most part, the selected songs do not reflect traditional Spanish-language children's songs but rather are Spanish versions of popular songs for children in the United States. Though this collection lacks Latinx cultural authenticity, the singable songs are accessible to both English and Spanish language learners, fostering a sense of common ground between different cultures and creating a truly Hispanic American songbook. A must-have for bilingual homes, classrooms, and storytimes--and those that would like to be. (Picture book/songs. 2-5)

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