As the new school year unfolds, it’s the perfect time to refresh library collections with new perspectives. While staying current with nonfiction remains crucial, there’s an increasing need for books that foster hope, resilience, empathy, and justice across all languages, for every child. This season’s releases rise to the occasion, especially with the continuation of the “Mi vida con...” (Amicus) series, which highlights the real-life experiences of children navigating diverse challenges, and “Guias de personajes de Sesame Street” (Lerner), an extension of the popular series featuring beloved Sesame Street characters that helps young readers build resilience and empathy through story telling. Additionally, readers will be captivated by visually stunning series that explore patterns in nature and introduce fascinating, lesser-known big cats. This season offers an exciting range of selections, from high-quality translations to striking artwork. These titles provide valuable options for children seeking books in their native language and for early Spanish learners. While it’s often difficult to find quality Spanish-language children’s books, this season presents a robust selection that promotes both literacy and social-emotional development. 

Elementary

Austen, Lily. Los animales más fuertes (Strongest Animals). ISBN 9798892132572.
––––. Los animales más grandes (Biggest Animals). ISBN 9798892132602.
––––. Los animales más inteligentes (Smartest Animals). ISBN 9798892132633.
––––. Los animales más lentos (Slowest Animals). ISBN 9798892132664.
––––. Los animales más pequeños (Smallest Animals). ISBN 9798892132695.
––––. Los animales más rápidos (Fastest Animals). ISBN 9798892132725.
ea vol: 24p. (Animales que rompen récords (Record-Breaking Animals)). Jump!/Bullfrog. Aug. 2024. Tr. $26.99.
K-Gr 4–This series will captivate young readers with a thrilling exploration of the animal kingdom’s most extraordinary creatures. This engaging series introduces emerging readers to some remarkable animals—those that are the largest, smallest, fastest, slowest, smartest, and strongest. Each title showcases the impressive achievements and unique traits of a diverse range of animals through vibrant photographs that bring the text to life. The carefully leveled text is designed to make reading accessible and enjoyable, while educational features enhance comprehension and support learning. Each title includes practical reading tips for teachers and caregivers, a detailed table of contents, a helpful picture glossary, and an index, ensuring that young readers can easily navigate the information and deepen their understanding. VERDICT With the possibility of inspiring creative projects, this series would make an ideal purchase for elementary school libraries.

Franco, Michou. ¡Voy a ser bailarina de ballet! (I’m Going to Be a Ballet Dancer!). ISBN 9781482467581.
––––. ¡Voy a ser doctora! (I’m Going to Be a Doctor!). ISBN 9781482467611.
––––. ¡Voy a ser escritora! (I’m Going to Be a Writer!). ISBN 9781482467673.
––––. ¡Voy a ser ingeniero! (I’m Going to Be an Engineer!). ISBN 9781482467703.
––––. ¡Voy a ser maestro! (I’m Going to Be a Teacher!). ISBN 9781482467734.
––––. ¡Voy a ser piloto! (I’m Going to Be a Pilot!). ISBN 9781482467642.
ea vol: 24p. (¡Ese es el trabajo para mí! (That’s the Job for Me!)). Gareth Stevens. Jul. 2024. Tr. $24.27.
K-Gr 4–This exciting six-part Spanish series designed for newly independent readers focuses on some of the most admired professions, as well as a few that will inspire new dreams. Examples of possible professions presented in this series include pilot, doctor, engineer, and ballet dancer. With accessible text and relevant vocabulary, each book uses eye-catching real-life photographs to showcase the responsibilities of each profession, how one can pursue the job, and what readers can do now to prepare for future success. This series not only sparks the imagination but also offers a practical guide for young people eager to explore and follow their dreams. VERDICT This series is perfect for motivating kids to dream big and prepare for success, and would make a strong addition to any public library collection.

Gleisner, Jenna Lee. Las conchas marinas (Seashells). ISBN 9798892132459.
––––. Las hojas (Leaves). ISBN 9798892132480.
––––. Las nubes (Clouds). ISBN 9798892132510.
––––. Las rocas (Rocks). ISBN 9798892132541.
ea vol: 24p. (¡Encuéntralos en la naturaleza! (Find It in Nature!)). Jump!/Bullfrog. Aug. 2024. Tr. $26.99.
K-Gr 2–This engaging Spanish series invites early readers to explore and identify patterns, textures, and visual elements in nature. Each book encourages hands-on interaction, fostering a deeper connection between the reader and the content: in the book about leaves, readers are prompted to look more closely at leaves that they might find in their own backyards or while on a longer adventure, offering a fun and educational challenge. Young readers can further immerse themselves in the natural world by using a secure online search engine to explore age-appropriate, relevant websites about forest animals and their tracks. The series also provides valuable tools for educators and parents, including reading tips, labeled photographs, an image glossary, a table of contents, and an index, making it an excellent resource for developing early literacy and observation skills. VERDICT This series teaches children how to identify the beauty of nature, features great translations, and sparks curiosity and interactive learning.

Greve, Meg. Las excavadoras. ISBN 9798889894452.
––––. Las grúas. ISBN 9798889894445.
––––. Las motocicletas. ISBN 9798889894520.
––––. Las topadoras. ISBN 9798889894421.
––––. Los camiones de basura. ISBN 9798889894490.
––––. Los camiones de bomberos. ISBN 9798889894476.
––––. Los camiones grandes. ISBN 9798889894414.
––––. Los camiones monstruo. ISBN 9798889894513.
––––. Los camiones volquete. ISBN 9798889894469.
––––. Los helicópteros. ISBN 9798889894506.
––––. Los trenes bala. ISBN 9798889894438.
––––. Los trenes de carga. ISBN 9798889894483.
ea vol: 16p. (Empezando). The Creative Company. Jul. 2024. Tr. $21.95.
K-Gr 2–In Spanish, empezando means “starting out,” and that’s exactly what these books help young learners do. This charming ongoing series captures a young child’s first encounters with the world around them, offering an engaging introduction to the creatures, people, and objects in their everyday environment. The series uses simple, easy-to-understand language and employs a unique first-person perspective to guide readers through foundational physical concepts. One of the series’ most appealing features is its clear and straightforward text, which is perfect for early learners and young readers. Large, vivid photographs and captions that describe new vocabulary offer an immersive experience that is both entertaining and educational. Children will delight in seeing vehicles in action, while learning about physical features, daily activities, and surrounding influences that make each subject unique. “Empezando” offers opportunities for young readers to develop a better understanding of their own environment, encouraging curiosity and helping children recognize the unique qualities that make every object they encounter significant. VERDICT These books serve as an engaging tool for learning, sparking curiosity in young minds as they begin to explore and make sense of the world around them.

Hansen, Grace. Dragones. ISBN 9798384902133.
––––. Duendes. ISBN 9798384902140.
––––. Hombres lobo. ISBN 9798384902171.
––––. Magos. ISBN 9798384902188.
––––. Trolls. ISBN 9798384902157.
––––. Unicornios. ISBN 9798384902164.
ea vol: 24p. (El mundo de los seres mitológicos). ABDO/Abdo Kids Jumbo. Aug. 2024. Tr. $34.22.
PreS-Gr 2–This engaging series introduces young readers to popular mythical creatures that they may recognize from beloved movies, stories, and folklore. Each title delves into the origins of these creatures, exploring the cultures from which they emerged, what they symbolize, and how they are represented in modern times. The books are aligned with Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards, making them an excellent educational resource. One standout aspect of this series is the quality of its translation. This series offers Spanish-speaking children and English learners an accessible and culturally responsive way to explore werewolves, trolls, dragons, and more. The seamless translation ensures that children can fully engage with the stories in their native language, enriching their reading experience and helping them build language skills. This thoughtful approach not only promotes literacy but also fosters a deeper connection to the mythological content, making it a valuable tool for both bilingual education and fostering an appreciation of diverse cultures. VERDICT Both public and school libraries would greatly benefit from having this series in their collection.

Lavender, Julie David Lavender. El lémur. ISBN 9798889894698.
––––. El leopardo. ISBN 9798889894704.
––––. El zorro. ISBN 9798889894674.
––––. La foca. ISBN 9798889894711.
Salas, Laura Purdie. El cocodrilo. ISBN 9798889894667.
––––. El guepardo. ISBN 9798889894650.
––––. El halcón. ISBN 9798889894681.
––––. El lobo. ISBN 9798889894728.
ea vol: 32p. (Un foco en la naturaleza). The Creative Company. Jul. 2024. Tr. $38.55.
Gr 2-5–Young readers are in for a treat with this captivating series that explores the lives of some of their favorite wild animals. Perfectly designed for readers in early to middle elementary grades, each book provides a deep dive into the fascinating world of leopards, foxes, crocodiles, falcons, cheetahs, lemurs, seals, and wolves. This engaging series offers much more than just dry facts—it weaves a narrative into the information, drawing in readers who love animal stories and wildlife documentaries. Kids will feel like they’re on an adventure through jungles, forests, and oceans as they discover the habitats, unique characteristics, and life cycles of these incredible animals. The translations are of high quality, ensuring that both native and bilingual Spanish-speaking students can fully enjoy and understand the content. The series does a fantastic job of balancing educational information with storytelling, making learning about animals a fun and immersive experience. VERDICT These books are a must-have for any library serving young animal enthusiasts.

Lewis, Katherine. Contando las respiraciones con el Conde Contar (Counting Breaths with the Count): Un libro sobre la conciencia plena (A Book about Mindfulness). ISBN 9798765623886.
––––. Eres genial con Ji-Young (You Rock with Ji-Young): Un libro sobre la autoconfianza (A Book about Self-Confidence). ISBN 9798765623909.
––––. Haz tu parte con Archibaldo (Do Your Part with Grover): Un libro sobre la responsabilidad (A Book about Responsibility). ISBN 9798765623893.
Miller, Marie-Therese. Agradecer con Gabrielle (Being Thankful with Gabrielle): Un libro sobre la gratitud (A Book about Gratitude). ISBN 9798765623879.
ea vol: 24p. (Guías de personajes de Sesame Street® en español (Sesame Street® Character Guides)). ediciones Lerner. Aug. 2024. Tr. $29.32.
PreS-K–This standout series continues with four new books about some of the most beloved characters on Sesame Street. Elmo, Abby, Big Bird, and the rest of the Sesame Street gang offer young readers a warm and approachable introduction to character traits and social-emotional wellness. Each book introduces important topics like kindness, empathy, and resilience, while the friendly faces of these well-known characters create a comforting and encouraging environment for learning. Through simple, easy-to-read text and hands-on activities, children are guided to explore and model the social emotional skills that will help them navigate their world with confidence. The clear and simple text, combined with the culturally responsive translation, allows children to make meaningful connections between the language they know and the new social-emotional skills they are developing. This series not only supports literacy but also fosters personal growth, ensuring that all children—whether native Spanish speakers or bilingual learners—have the opportunity to thrive emotionally and socially. VERDICT A standout series for kindergarten classrooms, especially where educators guide children and caregivers who speak Spanish as their first language.

Pang, Ursula. Autobuses (Buses). ISBN 9781499447897.
––––. Autos (Cars). ISBN 9781499447927.
––––. Aviones (Planes). ISBN 9781499447958.
––––. Barcos (Boats). ISBN 9781499447866.
––––. Bicicletas (Bikes). ISBN 9781499447835.
––––. Camiones (Trucks). ISBN 9781499448016.
––––. Trenes (Trains). ISBN 9781499447989.
ea vol: 24p. (En marcha (On the Move)). Rosen/PowerKids. Jul. 2024. Tr. $25.27.
PreS-Gr 2–This delightful series introduces young readers to the basic technology behind the vehicles they encounter and use in everyday life. Whether it’s learning about the mechanics of pedaling a bike, the importance of buses in getting people where they need to go, or understanding how planes transport passengers, children are sure to be fascinated by the various ways people travel. The books use straightforward, easy-to-follow text paired with vibrant, real-life photographs of children engaging with these vehicles. One point worth noting is the use of color contrasting in the page numbers slow down reading for children who rely on page numbers to track their progress or revisit specific sections. Despite this, the simple yet effective language and engaging images ensure that both native English speakers and children learning English or Spanish can easily grasp the concepts. The translations, done with care and accuracy, maintain the clarity and flow of the original text, making the books accessible to a wider audience. This series is an excellent resource for encouraging early STEM learning while also promoting literacy. VERDICT Whether used in classrooms or at home, these books make learning about vehicles fun and accessible for children.

Pluckrose, Henry. Contar. ISBN 9781546102328.
––––. Formas y Figuras. ISBN 9781546102281.
––––. Números. ISBN 9781546102212.
––––. Patrones. ISBN 9781546102267.
––––. Tamaños. ISBN 9781546102304.
ea vol: 32p. (Las matemáticas cuentan). Scholastic/Children’s Pr. Sept. 2024. Tr. $28.
K-Gr 2–This dynamic Spanish language series brings essential math concepts to life for young learners, turning abstract ideas into engaging, hands-on lessons. Designed to cultivate the skills of tomorrow’s problem solvers, each book in this collection introduces key mathematical principles in an accessible and exciting way. Whether it’s counting, patterns, shapes, or measurements, students are guided through real-world applications that make math relevant to their everyday lives. Through visuals, interactive activities, and carefully leveled text, the series encourages children not only to grasp fundamental math concepts but also to think critically and communicate their reasoning. Spanish-speaking readers will learn tools for mastering concepts while enhancing their language skills. The books are perfect for independent learning or guided instruction, with features that encourage active participation and discussion between teachers, parents, and students. VERDICT This series is a must-have for any classroom or public library, as it transforms math from a daunting subject into an exciting adventure, preparing young learners to think, reason, and succeed in a rapidly evolving world.

Rajczak Nelson, Kristen. Vamos a ir de caminata (Let’s Take a Hike). ISBN 9781482467550.
––––. Vamos a jugar en la nieve (Let’s Play in the Snow). ISBN 9781482467529.
––––. Vamos a la playa (Let’s Go to the Beach). ISBN 9781482467468.
––––. Vamos a recoger fresas (Let’s Go Strawberry Picking). ISBN 9781482467406.
––––. Vamos a volar una cometa (Let’s Fly a Kite). ISBN 9781482467437.
––––. Vamos al campo de calabazas (Let’s Go to the Pumpkin Patch). ISBN 9781482467499.
ea vol: 24p. (¡Vamos a divertirnos afuera! (Let’s Have Fun Outside!)). Gareth Stevens. Aug. 2024. Tr. $24.27.
PreS-Gr 1–Whether it’s exploring a pumpkin patch in the fall or flying a kite in the spring, this vibrant set of books celebrates the fun of every season, from sunny days to snowy ones, and encourages readers to embrace different kinds of weather in the great outdoors. Engaging and relatable examples spark children’s imaginations, offering creative ideas for activities during each season. Full-color photographs paired with carefully leveled text help ensure that early readers can easily understand and enjoy each title, making this series a perfect companion for year-round exploration and learning. VERDICT This series is ideal for ECE classrooms and other early learning settings and could also make a great choice for Head Starts and childcare settings.

Schuh, Mari. Mi vida con padres divorciados. ISBN 9781645499718.
––––. Mi vida con una familia ensamblada. ISBN 9781645499701.
––––. Mi vida después de la pérdida de un padre. ISBN 9781645499725.
––––. Mi vida en una familia de acogida. ISBN 9781645499732.
ea vol: illus. by Alice Larsson. 24p. (Mi vida con...). Amicus. Jul. 2024. Tr. $37.10.
K-Gr 3–This ongoing series focuses on children who have diverse identities and life experiences. This season’s titles address what it’s like to have a blended family, what it’s like to lose a parent or experience divorce, and the experience of living in an adoptive family. The stories carefully explore both the challenges and strengths each child encounters, offering insight into how they navigate and manage their unique situations. At the end of each book, a brief biography of the real child behind the story is included. Told from a first-person perspective, the series gives each character an authentic voice, empowering them to share their own experiences. This narrative approach fosters empathy and helps readers better understand the diverse ways children live. The illustrations showcase racial diversity, ensuring that a wide range of readers can see themselves reflected in the stories. The translations are accurate, further enhancing the accessibility for non-English speakers, and the use of a dyslexic-friendly font makes the books more inclusive for readers with dyslexia. VERDICT This is an invaluable addition to any library or classroom collection.

Thielges, Alissa. Aeropuerto. ISBN 9781645499282.
––––. El zoológico. ISBN 9781645499350.
––––. Estación de autobuses. ISBN 9781645499299.
––––. Estación de bomberos. ISBN 9781645499305.
––––. Estación de policía. ISBN 9781645499336.
––––. La Biblioteca. ISBN 9781645499312.
––––. Museo. ISBN 9781645499329.
––––. Oficina de correos. ISBN 9781645499343.
ea vol: 16p. (Recorrido por la ciudad). Amicus. Jul. 2024. Tr. $31.40.
PreS-Gr 1–This series takes young readers on exciting adventures through familiar places in their community while helping them develop key Spanish vocabulary. La Oficina de Correos ( Post Office) employs an engaging seek-and-find format to explore where letters and packages go after being mailed, while introducing new vocabulary like “buzón” (mailbox) and “carteros” (mail carriers). In La Biblioteca (Library), kids will learn more about the magical world of libraries and all they have to offer–from computers to bookshelves filled with stories for both kids and adults. This title introduces young readers to essential vocabulary like “computadoras” (computers) and “libros” (books). The up-close images make learning about these places fun and engaging, while the interactive format encourages readers to find hidden items and reinforce what they’ve learned. Images and text flow naturally, making this series accessible to Spanish-speaking children and those learning Spanish as a second language. With visual cues and an answer key for added support, these books are perfect for young readers just beginning their reading journey. Whether discovering how mail works or exploring the wonders of a library, this series is an excellent resource for introducing early social studies concepts and inspiring curiosity. VERDICT Ideal for use in school and classroom libraries, especially in preparation of field trips.

The Spanish series released over the past two years show a clear improvement in the quality and consistency of Spanish translations in children’s books, offering more nuanced content with strong visuals that appeals to a broad range of readers. In addition to an increasing selection of series that support social-emotional development, this season’s offerings are particularly strong in promoting literacy, catering to children at various reading levels. While all the series available this season would be excellent additions to public and school library collections, the attractive “Empezando” (The Creative Company) series stands out by providing early readers with a strong foundation in reading comprehension and vocabulary development.