ALL THE COLORS / DE COLORES

A bilingual board book based on a well-known Spanish folk song.

Identical illustrations in cleverly bound dual versions star the same cheery cartoon animals as other titles in the series. Following the first verse of the song, it then moves to teach basic colors in both languages. The English translation, modified to avoid the awkward syntax of a literal translation, does not always match the original meter, and, unlike most translations, this version substitutes “All the colors” for the Spanish “De colores.” In both renditions, large, sturdy lift-the-flap panels on the last six pages conceal six colors: red/rojo, orange/naranjo, yellow/amarillo, green/verde, blue/azul, and purple/morado. While the accordion-fold design ensures that neither language takes precedence, it also makes the book heavy, awkward to hold, and difficult for young children to reassemble when (inevitably) opened all the way out. In both versions the cover initially opens from the left, which may confuse children just learning page-turning conventions in either language. Colophon pages in English and Spanish include a web address to access a video version of the song in both languages, which will be helpful for people unfamiliar with the tune or pronunciation in either language (though young children may find the video more entertaining than the book).

An acceptable addition for schools or households seeking to promote bilingual Spanish/English skills.