April kicked off with a celebration of books and literacy in honor of Children’s Book Day, and we couldn’t be happier to showcase one of the most vibrant corners of our shop: our collection of bilingual children’s books! Historically, bilingual books that double up as educational tools have been confined to the smallest shelves at bookstores and libraries in the U.S. But that landscape is changing, along with a growing demographic demanding relevant literature that reflects both the culture and native language of today’s families. At Artelexia, we want to make it easier for you to identify the bilingual books that celebrate Mexican and Latinx cultures through our carefully curated selection. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, educator, friend or family member of little ones, we have something for you. Our books allow children to explore customs, traditions, emotions, colors, as well as deeper narratives on identity, struggle and local history. Give the kids in your life gift of bilingual literacy and culture by sending them a book in time for Día del Niño (April 30th)!

Lil' Libros

No one is changing the publishing game like Lil’ Libros, the Los Angeles-based independent bilingual children's book publisher founded by two moms on a mission to give a new generation of kids the ability to see themselves in the stories they read. “As mothers and women of color, we want to teach our children our language, our culture, and our stories,” explain Patty Rodriguez and Ariana Stein, founders of the trusted bilingual family brand. One book at a time, Lil’ Librosis introducing Spanish-English bilingualism and Latin American culture to the industry, and parents and children alike are loving their format: picture board books that illustrate and celebrate popular icons, places, customs, and art. It was only fitting that Lil’ Libros partnered with Chef Marcela Valladolid to publish her recent bestseller, *Cocinando on Cook Street: A collection of mi familia’s recipes.* Pre-order today and pick it up at the highly anticipated book signing event with Chef Marcela herself on Saturday, April 30th!

And while you’re at it, check out some Lil’ Libros favorites in-store or online:

The popular biographies of Selena, Ritchie, Celia, Walter, Dolores and Pelé.
Cute and small renditions of the iconic deck, Lotería and Lotería: More First Words
A broad range of topics with La Catrina: La Catrina (a book of emotions), La Catrina( a book of colors), La Catrina (a book of vowels), and La Catrina (a book of numbers)
Count with Frida and Un Elefante
Explore new places with Around the World with Cantinflas and Vamonos a Oaxaca

And many, many more!

Other titles

Our other children’s books are equally enticing and introduce language, values, traditions, and cultural references in both powerful and creative ways. They include books for the little feminists, Spanish learners, food lovers, and those interested in exploring narratives around diversity, identity and struggle. Browse by theme below!

For the blooming little feminists: Be Bold, Be Brave! Latinas who made U.S. history, Lucía the Luchadora, Lucía the Luchadora and the Million Masks, Little Feminist: Celebrating 25 Amazing Women Throughout History, and Sonia Sotomayor’s ¡Solo Pregunta! Sé Diferente, Sé Valiente, Sé Tú

For the Spanish learners: My Friends, Mis Amigos, Let’s Learn Spanish: First Words for Everyone, Don Quixote: A Spanish Language Primer

For the little foodies: Round is a Tortilla, Green is a Chile Pepper: A Book of Colors, Dragons Love Tacos (and the Spanish version), Super Torta!, How to Fold a Taco

Books on Día de Los Muertos: The Day of the Dead, El Día de los Muertos: A Bilingual Celebration, Día de los Muertos, Miguel and the Grand Harmony (an adaptation of Pixar’s Coco), Day of the Dead: A Count and Find Primer

Books on diversity, identity and struggle: Julián is a Mermaid, Dreamers, The Spirit of Chicano Park, Los Deseos de Carmela , Azul o Verde: ¿Cuál soy yo?, Areli is a Dreamer, Child of the Flower-Song People: Luz Jiménez, Daughter of the Nahua

And a variety of others on celebrations, culture, mischief, popular icons and folk tales!

Dr. Seuss: ¡Feliz Cumpleaños!

Yo no hice mi tarea porque...

The Chupacabra ate the Candelabra

Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book

¡Danza!: Amalia Hernández and Mexico’s Folkloric Ballet

Little Guides to Great Lives: Frida Kahlo