Blog Archives
Igniting a Love for Languages
Nuestra Hermosa Familia follows two siblings who take readers on a bilingual adventure to meet their family and celebrate diversity. What was the inspiration for your story?
Several things that I’m passionate about inspired this story: my family, my love of the Spanish language and my love of reading, teaching and learning. I firmly believe that in today’s world, being multilingual is a big advantage if not a necessity and according to experts the best time to introduce a foreign language is when a child is between three and seven years old. Being trilingual has enriched my life; it has expanded the conversations I can have, the people I can interact with, the places I can navigate; it has allowed me to gain an understanding of other cultures in a way only understanding the language can. My hope with Nuestra Hermosa Familia (and others to come) is to ignite a love for languages, culture and learning in young people.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Medie Big?
The collaboration with Medie Big was an amazing experience. I start by creating a dummy book complete with character profiles, indicating who’s on which page, what they are saying and what the scenes look like in my head. From these Medie does their magic, they are genius at turning my stick people and mishmash ideas into something special. They begin with several initial sketches to ensure we’re on the same page, once we agree on a direction, all the sketches are created and approved before Medie does the colouring. The whole process is very collaborative, Medie is a very talented artist who is also great at receiving and acting on feedback and delivering for her clients, wait till you see what she’s done for my new book!
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
This book was written around one of the units in the English KS1 & 2 Spanish national curriculum – (for children aged 4+ to 7 years old). I learnt (and continue to learn) Spanish as an adult. Drawing from this experience and from my experience as a teacher, I didn’t want my readers to simply have a compilation of pictures and words; I wanted them to understand and be able to use these words in context. There’s a lot of subtle repetition, keywords are used in sentences and then highlighted within the sentences, the illustrations really help bring it all to life. I have also created a several resources, including a read along video, flashcards and worksheets to complement the book. These are all available for free on my website: www.missjoseph.com
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Yes, Nuestra Hermosa Familia is the first of twenty planned books. My next book, Pelotas Deportivas, is all about sports and colours and it’s fab. Look out for it from July 2024. In this next book, you can expect more fun adventures with Juan and Maria as they explore the world of sports and learn about different colours in both English and Spanish. And of course beautiful illustrations from Medie!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Pinterest
‘Nuestra Hermosa Familia – Our Beautiful Family’ is a charming picture book that celebrates language diversity and the special bond of family.
This bilingual book features:
✓ Full sentences in context – not just a list of words,
✓ Engaging storytelling, and
✓ Lovely, vibrant pictures that capture the love and happiness of a family.
Open the door to a bilingual journey that fosters language proficiency and offers the priceless advantages of bilingualism such as cognitive growth, better academic performance, and Cultural awareness.
Buy ‘Nuestra Hermosa Familia – Our Beautiful Family’ today and give your child the gift of a brighter future!
Nuestra Hermosa Familia
Nuestra Hermosa Familia, by Miss Ayoku Joseph, is a bilingual picture book that deftly interweaves Spanish and English, presenting a valuable tool for young readers embarking on language acquisition. The book celebrates family ties through engaging storytelling and vivid illustrations. It distinguishes itself with an interactive method of introducing family member names in both languages, providing an enriching experience for young learners.
Readers meet Mary and her relatives, ranging from her brother to her grandparents, with names presented in both English and Spanish. This approach not only expands the vocabulary of young readers but also enhances their appreciation of diverse family dynamics. The artwork in Nuestra Hermosa Familia merits particular attention for its warmth and charm, capturing the essence of familial joy and intergenerational bonds. The combination of expressive illustrations and bilingual narrative makes this book an excellent selection for bedtime reading, educational activities in classrooms, and engaging family reading sessions. It also serves as an effective educational resource, fostering cognitive development within a multicultural framework.
For parents and educators looking to bolster a child’s linguistic abilities and expose them to cultural diversity, Nuestra Hermosa Familia offers a delightful and instructive addition to any young reader’s collection.
Pages: 26 | ASIN : B0CQGWXXNS
Momma Llama’s ABC Book of Latin America: Multicultural Learning That Is Educational and Fun!
Momma Llama’s ABC Book of Latin America is an innovative and enlightening journey through the alphabet, crafted with an educational twist that sets it apart from traditional ABC books. Each letter is a gateway to exploring the rich tapestry of Central and South America, introducing young readers to a diverse array of people, places, and cultural landmarks from this vibrant region.
Author Momma Llama and Friends has crafted an engaging and educational narrative that does more than teach the alphabet. It opens up a world of curiosity and learning, inviting children to delve deeper into the wonders of Latin America. The inclusion of specific locations beneath each vivid illustration is a thoughtful touch, transforming each page into a mini-lesson in geography and cultural appreciation. This feature not only enriches the reading experience but also serves as a springboard for further discussion and exploration, making it an invaluable resource for educators and parents alike. The illustrations in this book are both fun and informative, striking a perfect balance between engaging young readers and providing educational value. They serve as colorful windows into the diverse landscapes and cultures of Latin America, captivating children’s imaginations and encouraging them to engage more deeply with the content. Momma Llama’s ABC Book of Latin America is a foundational tool for literacy and cultural education. It’s ideally suited for young readers who are just starting their reading journey, offering them a unique and engaging way to learn the alphabet while simultaneously broadening their worldview.
This book stands out as a multifaceted educational resource. It not only assists with letter recognition and early reading skills but also enriches young minds with an appreciation for the diversity and richness of Latin American cultures. Momma Llama and Friends have created a truly unique and engaging book that promises to inspire a love of learning and curiosity about the world among its young readers.
Pages: 29 | ASIN : B0BPGHYNTK
LITERARY TITAN 