SING WITH ME / CANTA CONMIGO

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 camión” 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.