Series: ¡Hola, English!
Format Read: eGalley
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: October 14, 2014
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | Barnes & Noble
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.
Blurb from goodreads:
This bilingual series will appeal both to Spanish-speaking ESL students and English-speaking kids who are learning Spanish. It's Raining Cats and Frogs features plural words and idiomatic expressions. It explores the difference between real and pretend and engages young children in selecting appropriate clothing for wet weather.
Bea's Thoughts:
As with the other books in this series, it lacks a pronunciation guide, leaving the readers to stumble through and mangle the Spanish language. I have no problem with dual language books, I think they're a good idea. But if you can't read or pronounce the words, then the books are of limited use.
Anyway, that gripe aside, and it's a gripe for the whole line, this was a cute book. There's a minimal story line but children will relate to about playing in the rain. The book incorporates idioms and practical vocabulary in text that, most of the time, sounds natural. There are a few awkward sentences but it's a pleasant story, that acts as (an incomplete) primer whether you speak English and want to try Spanish or speak Spanish and want to try English. The text also can help children sort out what order to put their rain clothes on and it's not rammed down their throats. Yeah, I'm not a fan of lesson books or teaching books disguised as stories or fun books. But this walks the line and isn't objectionable. The artwork has humorous touches and isn't overly bright. Several of the pictures made me laugh and they complement the text nicely.
Verdict: Not spectacular, but cute and pleasant. I think most kids will enjoy it.
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