Lectura Books Launches Five New Bilingual Titles in Spring 2012

Nation’s only bilingual children’s book publisher dedicated to Parent Involvement works to improve educational opportunities for Latino families.

Lectura Books, the nation’s only bilingual children’s book publisher dedicated to Parent Involvement, today announced that it will be releasing five new titles in May 2012. The books focus on building vocabulary, English-language proficiency, and increased home reading routines for preschool and early elementary children and their parents.

According to the US Census, Hispanics are the largest minority group in the United States. One in four children under the age of five is Hispanic. But Hispanics have the lowest education attainment in the country, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

In a recent report released by the White House and the U.S. Department of Education, President Obama stated “There is no doubt that the future of the United States is inextricably tied to the future of the Hispanic community.”

“It makes sense to publish books and parent involvement curricula for the fastest growing population of the ELL segment,” says Katherine Del Monte, Publisher of Lectura Books.

Del Monte explains, “Parents who speak Spanish are very interested in being involved in their child’s education, but often do not know how to help their children because the homework is in English. Bilingual books allow parents to participate. They can read the story in Spanish and learn new English vocabulary with their children at the same time. It’s a win-win situation for children, parents, schools and for our society.”

Birdie Flies Away / Pajarillo se va volando
Story by Kat Aragon | Illustrations by Andrea Yomtob
ISBN: 978-1-60448-022-1 | Paperback | $8.95
8” x 10” | Ages 2 to 4 | 24 pages
Bilingual in English & Spanish
Pub Date: MAY 2012

Young preschoolers will find comfort in this delightful story about a little bird that slowly gains the courage to leave his nest and explore the world. Includes an illustrated bilingual glossary of vocabulary found in the book.

I See the World / Yo veo el mundo
Story by Tom Luna | Illustrations by Christina Song
ISBN: 978-1-60448-020-7 | Paperback | $8.95
8” x 10” | Ages 2 to 4 | 24 pages
Bilingual in English & Spanish
Pub Date: MAY 2012

"The parallel texts in English and Spanish introduce animals under the sea, in the forest and on the farm. Children learn names of familiar items in the backyard, at the playground, and in the garage. Christina Song's collage illustrations use simple shapes and clear colors to make finding the named objects easy."  Minnesota State University, Center for Children's /Young Adult Books.

This charming vocabulary-building book for the preschool set will help children improve and expand their knowledge of English and Spanish words. Includes a bilingual glossary of vocabulary found in the book.

The Many Faces of Max / Las muchas caras de Max
Story by Katherine Del Monte | Illustrations by Susan Arena
ISBN: 978-1-60448-025-2 | Paperback | $8.95
10” x 8” | Ages 2 to 4 | 24 pages
Bilingual in English & Spanish
Pub Date: MAY 2012

This simple concept book about facial expressions will teach young children how to recognize and describe feelings while learning empathy and new vocabulary.

Letters Forever / Cartas para siempre
Story by Tom Luna | Illustrations by Laura Alvarez
ISBN: 978-1-60448-024-5 | Paperback | $8.95
8” x 10” | Ages 5 to 8 | 24 pages
Bilingual in English & Spanish
Pub Date: MAY 2012

"The intergenerational intimacy comes through clearly and should leave readers
thinking about faraway relatives of their own."  Kirkus Reviews

This heartwarming story explores a girl’s relationship with her grandfather in Mexico through letters they send to each other over many years. Includes a bilingual glossary of vocabulary found in the book and corresponds to state standards on letter writing.

The Oldest House in the USA / La casa más antigua de los Estados Unidos
Story by Kat Aragon | Illustrations by Mary Jo Madrid
ISBN: 978-1-60448-016-0 | Paperback | $8.95
8” x 10” | Ages 5 to 8 | 24 pages
Bilingual in English & Spanish
Pub Date: MAY 2012

"A quick and charming glimpse of our history, with a whiff of the supernatural for extra gusto."  Kirkus Reviews

This fascinating book tells the little-known history of the so-called “Oldest House in the USA,” a Pueblo-style home in Santa Fe, NM that is thought to be 700 years old. Includes a bilingual glossary of vocabulary found in the book.

ABOUT LECTURA BOOKS [www.lecturabooks.com]

Founded in 2001, Lectura Books is the nation’s only bilingual children’s book publisher dedicated to Parent Involvement. Together with its partner program, The Latino Family Literacy Project, Lectura Books is committed to enhancing literacy skills by helping parents and children learn strong language and establish family reading routines. Lectura Books has received numerous awards for its beautifully illustrated titles, including the Moonbeam Award, the Independent Publisher Book Award and the International Latino Book Award.