Parent Checklist: Choosing the Right Books for Your Child

At Bilingual Funland, we know that the right book can open a world of imagination and learning. Use this simple checklist to help you select books that are both high-quality and exciting for your child:

📋 Book Selection Checklist

✔️ Is the book age-appropriate?  Look for books that match your child’s reading level and developmental stage.

✔️ Does it reflect your child’s interests?  Animals, space, princesses, trucks—whatever your child loves, there’s a book for it!

✔️ Are the illustrations engaging and clear?  Pictures should support the story and spark curiosity.

✔️ Is the language rich but understandable?  Books with rhythmic, descriptive, or repetitive language help build vocabulary.

✔️ Does it promote positive values?  Look for stories that encourage kindness, curiosity, empathy, and resilience.

✔️ Is it bilingual or culturally diverse?  Books that reflect diverse cultures and languages help children feel seen and expand their worldview.

✔️ Will your child want to read it again?  The best books are the ones they ask for again!

 Bilingual Book Recommendations

Here are a few beloved bilingual books to get you started:

1. “Monchito esta triste” by Martha Macias   A heartwarming story about the true friendship of a sweet tree and a little owl—available in English and Spanish.
2. “Monchito tiene miedo” by Martha Macias It's the story of a thin little tree, who is afraid of storms, and pretends to be strong... but he's really afraid. (Spanish)
3. “Abuela” by Arthur Dorros  A heartwarming story of a girl and her grandmother exploring New York City—available in English and Spanish.
4. “First 100 Words / Primeras 100 Palabras” by Roger Priddy  A colorful board book perfect for toddlers learning vocabulary in both languages.
5. “La Princesa and the Pea” by Susan Middleton Elya  A playful retelling of the classic fairy tale with a Latin twist and rhyming bilingual text.
6. “Book Fiesta!” by Pat Mora  Celebrate books and reading with this joyful bilingual story that honors Día de los Niños.
7. “Counting with Frida / Contando con Frida” by Patty Rodriguez & Ariana Stein   A beautifully illustrated board book introducing numbers through the lens of artist Frida Kahlo.