Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday! We’ve got a brand-new launching in a week book today from a wonderful author who’s been here before, Gabriella Aldeman. We featured PAULA’S PATCHES last year…and today: SQUAWK OF SPANISH. (And please forgive any typos…ny eye surgery was last week and my visionon’s still very blurry)

SQUAWK OF SPANISH

Written by Gabriella Aldeman

Illustrated by Romina Galotta

Published by Charlesbridge

Ages: 5-7

Themes: Pets, Multigenerational, Languages

Synopsis: Max isn’t confident with his Spanish, especially rolling his Rs, and his cousins always tease him about it. But he loves spending weekends baking with his Spanish-speaking abuela, while Lorito the parrot helps translate. But when Lorito disappears for a day, Max and Abuela must figure out how to communicate. Max’s Spanish doesn’t have to be perfect, and Abuela can attempt a little English. Trying is what counts! 

Why I Love This Book
1. I love the wonderful relationship that Max has with his Abuela!
2. I love the gorgeous illustrations!
3. I love the connection I made with the story – I took so many years of Spanish in school…but was always so shy about speaking…I totally understood how Max felt.

RELATED ACTIVITIES:
Toilet Paper Roll Parrots

What to do with empty toilet paper rolls? Make colorful parrots, of course: https://artsycraftsymom.com/parrot-crafts-for-kids/

Author Gaby and I connected the other day and she shared a little bit about the story behind the story of this book.

GABRIELLA: SQUAWK OF SPANISH was inspired by my own family and our lived experience. I am Panamanian American and fully bilingual. But for my son, it’s not always easy. Sometimes his Spanish words knot in his throat and refuse to come out. When his abuela visits from Panama, they speak in board games, video games, hugs, and food. Then after a while, my son’s Spanish words start tumbling out dry and rusty. He is like Max, the main character. And, like Max, he had to learn that trying is what counts (even if you have an accent) and love is a language everyone can speak. 

In this book, I wanted to explore the issue some kiddos face when they don’t feel comfortable speaking their heritage language. This is a book that celebrates effort over outcomes, with a bit of squawk-out-loud humor.

And here’s a little bit about Gaby:
Gabriella Aldeman is a Panamanian American author. She writes picture books in hopes that more children become readers and that all readers feel seen. She is also a professional translator of academic resources and children’s books. Gabriella holds degrees from Georgetown University and the College of William and Mary. Her books include Paula’s Patches and Squawk of Spanish. She lives in Fairfax, Virginia, with her husband and two children.
Please visit her at www.writebetween.com or @write_between on X or Instagram.

And here’s a little bit about the illustrator:
Romina Galotta is an Argentinian author/illustrator, animal lover, passionate foodie, and forever traveler. She has a degree in graphic design from the University of Buenos Aires. Her other talents include bird rescuing, tattooing, pizza making, and knitting cozy sweaters. She lives with her husband and dogs in Buenos Aires, Argentina. http://www.rominagalotta.com

And here’s a link for you to PRE ORDER this beautiful book…there is an English version and also one in Spanish! Excellente!!!
BOOKSHOP.ORG SALES LINK: https://bookshop.org/p/books/squawk-of-spanish-gabriella-aldeman/21303064?ean=9781623543921

please make sure you leave a comment to be entered for a chance to snag a copy of the book!!!