Multicultural Picture Book

Bilingual Picture Book Review – Tío Ricky Doesn’t Speak English / Tío Ricky no habla inglés

TIo Ricky Doesn’t Speak English
• Tío Ricky no habla
inglés

Written by Maritere R. Bellas
 
Illustrated by Jayri Gómez

(Lil’ Libros; $19.99, Ages 4-8)

 

 

 

Tio Ricky Doesn't Speak English cover Tio Ricky and nephew

 

 

 

Publisher Description:

“… This heartwarming English-Spanish story shows that speaking two languages is powerful and you don’t need a cape to be a hero.”

 

Review:

 

This is a WAY overdue post of Tío Ricky Doesn’t Speak English/Tío Ricky no habla inglés, written by Maritere R. Bellas and illustrated by Jayri Gómez, a picture book so well crafted that I wish I’d been able to review last year. The good news is that I’ve reread it, and once again, Bellas’s characters still jumped off the pages into my heart. Not only do I enjoy bilingual books, but I also love learning something new. In this case, the not-uncommon need for bilingual English-Spanish speakers to help their Spanish-only-speaking relatives, and how it can sometimes feel like a “have to” rather than a “want to” for young children. This must be so relatable for many readers.

This opening spread, full of excitement, sets up the story with both the prose and the emotive art:

 

Tio Ricky Doesnt Speak English int1 Tio Ricky is here.
Interior spread from Tío Ricky Doesn’t Speak English • Tío Ricky no habla inglés, written by Maritere R. Bellas and illustrated by Jayri Gómez, Lil’ Libros ©2025.

 

 

The main character’s delight at his uncle’s visit is palpable, but pretty soon, readers see there are strings attached. Wherever the main character and his uncle go, the child is called on to translate, be that at the bank, at the market, with neighbors, or with the mail carrier. While Papi explains that helping each other is what families do, it doesn’t seem to ease the young boy’s burden.

 

 

Tio Ricky Doesn't Speak English int2 Tio Ricky needs translation.
Interior art from Tío Ricky Doesn’t Speak English • Tío Ricky no habla inglés, written by Maritere R. Bellas and illustrated by Jayri Gómez, Lil’ Libros ©2025.

 

 

 

A trip to the pharmacy to get medicine for Tío Ricky builds tension and reveals the extent of the narrator’s frustration. What the boy doesn’t realize is that his uncle feels the same way about being unable to communicate clearly with the staff. His facial expression speaks volumes.

 

 

Tio Ricky Doesnt Speak English int3 Tio Ricky at pharmacy.
Interior spread from Tío Ricky Doesn’t Speak English • Tío Ricky no habla inglés, written by Maritere R. Bellas and illustrated by Jayri Gómez, Lil’ Libros ©2025.

 

 

When the boy overhears his uncle practicing his English at home, the boy’s empathy shows. I love that playing dominoes is a way for these two to connect and a great opportunity to teach some English words. In the art, readers can see on the characters’ faces how much they’re enjoying each other’s company. It’s nice that some of that annoyance has passed simply by sharing a good time together.

 

 

 

Tio Ricky Doesnt Speak English int4 Tio Ricky learning English.
Interior spread from Tío Ricky Doesn’t Speak English • Tío Ricky no habla inglés, written by Maritere R. Bellas and illustrated by Jayri Gómez, Lil’ Libros ©2025.

 

 

 

But when Tío Ricky complains that his head hurts and he feels dizzy, his nephew steps up and calls 911, something he learned from his parents. Just like he learned the value of family members supporting each other. I liked watching the main character grow over the course of the book. It felt natural and satisfying to see him finally embrace his skill—one I sure wish I had—when faced with an emergency.

“The paramedic tells me Tío is lucky to have me
there to help. I smile.
“Your tío is going to be fine. He just needs to take
his medicine and rest.”

Bilingualism is a gift. It’s why we sent our daughter to a bilingual school when we lived in Germany. But the truth is, many children do not appreciate this gift until they are older. Tío Ricky Doesn’t Speak English/Tío Ricky no habla inglés is an important story to share so children in similar bilingual situations will see that they are not the only kids who have to translate. It’s also a reminder that, while there may initially have been reluctance on the part of the young translator to be on call for their non-English-speaking relative, the benefits far outweighed the drawbacks. In fact, it ends up being a win-win for everyone!

I hope that by sharing this book, parents can help children embrace and celebrate the “superpower” of bilingualism.

Order your copy here.

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The Book of Candles: Eight Poems for Hanukkah

 

THE BOOK OF CANDLES:
Eight Poems for Hanukkah

Written by Laurel Snyder

Illustrated by Leanne Hatch

  (Clarion Books; $19.99, Ages 4-8)

 

 

The_Book_of_Candles_cover_child_and_cat_looking_at_menorah

 

★Starred Review – Publishers Weekly 

Tonight is the first night of Hanukkah. HAPPY HANUKKAH!

For those of you who read this blog regularly, you’ll know how much I love poetry, so when I saw that there was a new Hanukkah book of poems, I jumped at the chance to review it. The Book of Candles, written by Laurel Snyder and illustrated by Leanne Hatch, is a welcoming and lyrical look at the festival of lights.

I enjoyed spending time with the family of five featured in this picture book, the youngest of whom is affectionately called Sugarpop by his mom. The poems are titled for each night of Hanukkah, spanning from the first night to the eighth, the last night.

In a dark, dark room,

one thin candle

wakes, bursts to life

 

So begins the joyful celebration. It’s also a great idea that, in addition to every poem, a helpful info box with thoughts on that particular night in each poem is included.

 

 

The Book of Candles int1 boy wishing Happy Hanukkah to man in street.
Interior art from The Book of Candles, written by Laurel Snyder and illustrated by Leanne Hatch, Clarion Books, ©2025.

 

 

And even though I have observed this holiday for decades, I still learned something new. For example, Snyder explains the approach to lighting the candles on a Friday night, which is also Shabbat (the Sabbath).

 

A Thought for the Fourth Night: On Friday night, we light the Hanukkah candles at least eighteen minutes before sunset because, for observant Jews, it’s against the rules to strike a match after Shabbat has started.

 

Some poems are playful while others are more solemn, but all are engaging. Together, they make this book about a moving and meaningful celebration come to life. I especially found the scenes with Sugarpop and the cat to be sweet and relatable since our family cats have always been present for Hanukkah, whether beside the menorah, mesmerized by the flickering candles, or seeking a taste of latkes with sour cream. Many readers will be delighted by the poem describing the family visiting the grandparents, when the youngest was finally allowed to light the candles. And who won’t be impressed when, in another scene, a flat tire means the family will have to improvise, using the banana Hanukkiah hack. That, along with convenience-store birthday candles standing in for Hanukkah candles, makes for a most memorable holiday!

 

 

The Book of Candles int2 flat tire.
Interior spread from The Book of Candles, written by Laurel Snyder and illustrated by Leanne Hatch, Clarion Books, ©2025.

 

There are myriad reasons to find The Book of Candles a fresh new take on Hanukkah, Hatch’s art being one. She captures the warmth of the holiday, particularly in her depiction of the candles burning. She also conveys the family’s closeness in a laid-back way while maintaining the holiday’s importance. I can definitely picture children wanting to have this read to them each night of Hanukkah along with many of the other wonderful Hanukkah books out this year.

 

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Picture Book Review – Body Beautiful

BODY BEAUTIFUL
Written by Susan Verde
Illustrated by Steph Littlebird
(Abrams BYR; $19.99, Ages 4-8)

 

 

Body Beautiful cover Black girl hugging herself as kids play in background.

 

 

Did you know your body is beautiful? #1 New York Times bestselling author, Susan Verde, poses this thoughtful question to young readers in her new picture book, Body Beautiful. The book takes children on a journey that celebrates the magnificent wonders of our bodies.

The story starts with a lovely illustration (below) of a fetus sleeping soundly inside its mother’s womb.

“You were born from a beautiful body

who was born from another beautiful body

and so on going way way way back.”

Indigenous artist Steph Littlebird illustrates our continuing connectivity by showing the planets circling the mother and unborn child using soft colors of purples, pinks, and yellows. Littlebird’s vibrant art moves us forward as we turn the page to a list showing all the many ways to describe the human body. It’s a long list because we are rightfully different. I love how this spread conveys that we are all so unique that we can’t be categorized as just one entity.

 

 

Body Beautiful int1 Pregnant woman You were born from another beautiful body.
Interior spread from Body Beautiful, written by Susan Verde and illustrated by Steph Littlebird, Abrams BYR ©2025.

 

 

However, Verde explains, these descriptions are only part of what makes our bodies beautiful.  MIRACULOUS, GROWING, and SPEAKING are words used to express how each of us is more than what is seen on the outside. UNIQUE is spelled out alongside a girl and a boy sitting in the wilderness, amidst the green trees, birds, owls, and butterflies. The story’s lyrical language takes the reader through the outer vessels of our bodies to our inner minds that tell us when our body has something to say. One of my favorite lines is Asking you to listen—our bodies often tell us when something isn’t right. We just need to stop and listen. As a certified yoga instructor, this resonated with me because it’s something I do and encourage others to as well.

 

Body Beautiful int2 wonderful descriptions.
Interior spread from Body Beautiful, written by Susan Verde and illustrated by Steph Littlebird, Abrams BYR ©2025.

 

 

Littlebird’s uplifting art depicts kids of all shapes and sizes, from tall to short, large to small, from white to brown, and everything in between, as well as those with varying abilities, each moving happily together. Your body is also WISE— Keeping a record of the joy, the sadness, the wonder, the stories of your resilience, the lessons learned. This book serves as a meaningful reminder to children (and to adults). When we see the young black girl hugging herself, we read Your body is YOUR OWN.

 

 

Body Beautiful int3 diverse children Your body is expressive.
Interior spread from Body Beautiful, written by Susan Verde and illustrated by Steph Littlebird, Abrams BYR ©2025.

 

 

The story flows, inviting read-alouds and conversation. It then concludes with children walking through a field, reminding the reader that the most beautiful part of your body is YOU, and there will be nothing more beautiful than that.

The backmatter includes an Author’s Note explaining how Verde got the idea for this story. There’s also an Illustrator’s Note that encourages young people to feel proud of their bodies. This is an important topic that should be taught to children at a young age, before they begin judging themselves for what they think they should be. We live in a time when stories like this need to be told because you can never share too much about mindfulness, self-love, and kindness with children.

  • Reviewed by Ronda Einbinder
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The Ways We Say “I Love You” for Valentine’s Day 2025

 

 

THE WAYS WE SAY “I LOVE YOU”

Written and illustrated by Caroline Hadilaksono

(Orchard Books; $18.99, Ages 4-8)

 

 

 

The Ways We Say I Love You cover mom hugging child.

 

 

Publisher Description:

For some families, saying ‘I love you’ comes out easily. For others, they show ‘I love you’ in other caring ways. Author-illustrator Caroline Hadilaksono’s sweet story explores the many thoughtful ways we show our love to each other, whether it’s spending time together or hidden in a ‘have you eaten yet?’

Review:

 

As I read her thoughtfully crafted picture book The Ways We Say “I Love You,” I felt as if author-illustrator Caroline Hadilaksono was speaking to me. I grew up in a family where I knew I was loved, but the sentiment was shown way more frequently than said. I’ve written essays about how my father took me shopping and my mother took me to the theater, but hearing those three words verbalized was uncommon in my family.

 

 

The Ways We Say I Love You int1 siblings reading together.
Interior spread from The Ways We Say “I Love You.” Written and illustrated by Caroline Hadilaksono, Orchard Books ©2024.

 

 

What’s so wonderful about this picture book is that it offers children who have been raised in households similar to mine the opportunity to see that actions often speak louder than words. Hadilaksono also gently conveys in her warm illustrations that many cultures demonstrate their love this way, which doesn’t mean a child is loved any less. The way the siblings share a story time (see the illustration above) says love. The tender way the parents watch and don’t interrupt the special moment says love. That’s why this book would be great to share for Valentine’s Day, especially if the giver knows the book is depicting them. It’s a great way to start the conversation about all the different ways there are to say I love you.

 

 

The Ways We Say I Love You int2 children grandma cooking together.
Interior spread from The Ways We Say “I Love You.” Written and illustrated by Caroline Hadilaksono, Orchard Books ©2024.

 

Spending time with a grandparent, great aunt, or other esteemed elder is a special way to show love. Sharing and passing along a traditional family recipe while cooking together also demonstrates love. The various spreads show diverse families and the love their actions convey, whether that’s feeding a child, talking long distance on a video call, or teaching a child to ride a bike, being there if they fall, and cheering them on when they succeed.

In her touching backmatter Author’s Note, Hadilaksono writes that in her Indonesian culture, her parents never said, “I love you,” and people didn’t generally say it to one another. It was much more of an “American thing” from movies and TV. She captures the heart of her picture book when she explains that while she’s still learning how to say “I love you” to the important people in her life, she also understands that there are many ways to say” I love you.” The beautiful artwork, rendered in watercolor and gouache textures, was composed digitally and adds to the feel-good mood this story brings to readers.

 

 

 

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Picture Book Review – Our Class is a Country

 

OUR CLASS IS A COUNTRY

Written by Andria W. Rosenbaum

Illustrated by Dream Chen

(Albert Whitman & Co.; $18.99; Ages 4-8)

 

 

Our Class is a Country cover ten diverse children interact.

 

In the delightful and inclusive picture book, Our Class is a Country, written by Andria W. Rosenbaum with illustrations by Dream Chen, a classroom of diverse students welcomes a new teacher with love and respect.

Acorn Elementary School students enter the school building with smiling faces and backpacks over their shoulders. An adult with blonde hair speaks to the new red-headed teacher as a student points to the unfamiliar lady. What makes this opening spread stand out is the diversity of the students. A blonde boy wears a beret, while a brown-haired boy skips into class with a yarmulke on his head. Chen’s colorful illustrations of the kids (I love the perspective of the one below) display the uniqueness of each young child.

 

 

 

Our class is a country int1 join in circle time.
Interior spread from Our Class is a Country written by Andria W. Rosenbaum and illustrated by Dream Chen. Albert Whitman & Co. ©2023.

 

 

Led by the new teacher, the children gather in a circle on a rug, holding each other’s hands. The teacher sits with legs in butterfly pose, while some kids have their legs stretched in front of them and a boy in a red shirt sits in his wheelchair. The teacher stands in front of a green wall map with kids waving their hands up as Rosenbaum writes We’re hola, bonjour, namaste, and shalom. Our class is a country of “welcome” from home. The drawings of these kids show the reader that all kids can get along no matter where they come from or what religion they practice.

 

Our Class is a Country int2 smiling faces of diverse children.
Interior spread from Our Class is a Country written by Andria W. Rosenbaum and illustrated by Dream Chen. Albert Whitman & Co. ©2023.

 

 

Next, the teacher transitions the class into the music lesson seated again in a circle on the rug. Our language is music. Our names are a song. Our class is a country when we sing along. One boy strums a green-colored guitar while another boy drums with his orange sticks. Lunchtime emphasizes the diversity when the children sit together at a long table eating tacos, wontons, sushi, and a hamburger. The Indian friend bites into Naan bread, but the French boy prefers his croissant.

 

Our Class is a Country int3 teacher's helpers.
Interior spread from Our Class is a Country written by Andria W. Rosenbaum and illustrated by Dream Chen. Albert Whitman & Co. ©2023.

 

Sometimes, the kids work solo, and sometimes, they work in teams, but however they work, the new teacher is there guiding them along.  After spending time practicing addition seated at their desks, the kids return to the circle where Rosenbaum writes Our class in a country with no room for hate, my favorite line in the story. The day concludes with the kids returning the kindness the new teacher has shared by drawing hearts on cards and giving them to her. Wouldn’t it be great if all classes were like this one?

The backmatter asks How Many Ways Can You Say Hello? A list includes Konnichiwa (Japanese), Shalom (Hebrew), and Ciao (Italian) to name a few. This story was very realistic for me as a substitute teacher. I often work with students who speak languages unfamiliar to me and this story felt like the new teacher could also be a substitute. Kids will enjoy the catchy refrain of “our class is a country.” And like the title, which is just so good, it kept me hooked. This is an upbeat read-aloud with an encouraging message of kindness and acceptance that always grabs my attention. I can see this as a go-to picture book for storytimes especially in schools and libraries.

  • Reviewed by Ronda Einbinder

 

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