Reviews Bebé Goes Shopping & Bebé Goes to the Beach

These two engaging picture books by Susan Middleton Elya feature Spanish words scattered throughout rhyming English text and vivid illustrations by Steven Salerno. Spanish words are woven into the context of these simple stories. The author narrates in a quiet, soothing voice. The detailed watercolor and ink illustrations from both titles are scanned iconographically, and sound effects enliven the telling; quiet music plays behind the narration. The production concludes with an on-screen glossary of the Spanish words. Youngsters will quickly learn the Spanish words and will enjoy the lively rhythm of these engaging stories. School Library Journal, November 2008.

Compiling iconographic-animated adaptations of the children’s picture books Bebe Goes Shopping and Bebe Goes to the Beach, written by Susan Middleton Elya (who also narrates) and illustrated by Steven Salerno, Bebe serves up a delightful day-in-the-life rhyming stories featuring the titular tyke, seamlessly combining English with Spanish. In lines like “He tugs on a carton with mucho colorese/in butterfly yellow with pink and white flores,”, the Spanish words are introduced in context, backed with appropriate pictures. After each story, a glossary of all the Spanish words and phrases is presented with English translations. DVD extras include an interview with the author. Recommended. Video Librarian, July/August 2009

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