René Colato Laínez is dedicated to creating high-quality multicultural children's literature where minority children are portrayed positively, allowing them to see themselves as heroes. His goal is to write authentic stories of Latin American children living in the U.S., offering them hope and the ability to dream about their futures. Through his work, he explores the identities and experiences of these children, emphasizing their strength and potential. His writing serves as an important mirror for young readers to see themselves and find inspiration.
Focusing on the themes of family and resilience, this bilingual picture book follows a young boy's heartfelt reunion with his father. Through his memories of El Salvador and classroom experiences, the story reveals the profound impact of war on survivors and their communities. It highlights the boy's determination and vision, transforming a seemingly impossible journey into an educational lesson for both him and the reader, offering insight into the political complexities of his homeland.
Together a little boy and his grandma discover a world of language and realize that loved ones have special ways of understanding each other.
Together a little boy and his grandma discover a world of language and realize that loved ones have special ways of understanding each other.
The Tooth Fairy has some competition. Meet El Ratón Pérez, the charming and adventurous mouse who collects children’s teeth in Spain and Latin America. When both the Tooth Fairy and El Ratón Pérez arrive to claim Miguelito’s tooth, sparks fly under the Mexican-American boy’s pillow. Who will rightfully claim his tooth? This magical tale introduces a legendary Latino character to a new audience and provides a fresh take on the familiarchildhood experience of losing one’s tooth.
Hi! ¡Hola! A friendship story in English and Spanish! ¡Un cuento de amistad en inglés y español!Hi. / Hola.My name is Joe. / Mi nombre es José.Let's paint. / Pintemos.Two boys, an English speaker and a Spanish speaker, meet at school. They paint together and learn about colors. In the end, they declare, "Let's be friends. / Seamos amigos.Rene Colato Lainez, a teacher in a bilingual kindergarten classroom, has crafted an ingenious story that authentically and naturally uses conversation to introduce children to English and Spanish. The fun friendship story engages children, while simple words, short sentences, and a glossary reinforce learning.Nomar Perez, illustrator of best-selling children's books as well as greeting cards, has a bright, bold, colorful, kid-pleasing style that invites readers to befriend the characters in this book.Perfect for preschoolers, kindergarteners, and first and second graders who are learning to speak or read English and Spanish. A delightful reading experience for bilingual families.Winner of an International Latino Book Awards Gold Medal - Best Children’s Fiction Picture Book – BilingualNamed to the Tejas Star Reading ListInternational Latino Book Award Gold MedalRising Star Award from Empowering Latino Futures
This charming bilingual story follows a young girl who misinterprets the term "alien" on her mother's Resident Alien card, believing her mother is from another planet. As she learns the true meaning, the tale explores themes of immigration and understanding in a lighthearted manner.