If you’re raising little linguists or want your child to get a head start in Spanish, reading to them in the target language is a game-changer. It’s not just about learning words; it’s about building their confidence and cultural awareness. In this blog post I discuss why grabbing that Spanish picture book matters and share with you some of my favourite children’s books for this time of year; el invierno (winter).
Building Vocabulary and Listening Skills
Reading in Spanish introduces children to a treasure trove of words they might not hear in everyday conversations. Let’s face it—most of us aren’t dropping phrases like “el elefante elegante” at the dinner table! Books expand their exposure to new vocabulary, sentence structures, and even those tricky verb conjugations. Plus, listening to you read gives them a chance to soak up authentic pronunciation and rhythm. It’s like a secret Spanish lesson disguised as a bedtime story.
Sparking a Love for Language and Culture
Kids are naturally curious, and stories have the magic to transport them into new worlds. Reading Spanish books, especially ones that explore Latin American or Spanish culture, connects them to traditions, foods, and characters they’ll never meet on Netflix. From learning about the tradition behind the Poinsettia in “A Mexican Christmas Story” to addressing emotions like fear and how to overcome them in “El Perro Negro“, they’ll associate Spanish with fun and discovery—not just another school subject.
So, whether you’re flipping through a bilingual book or winging it with a Spanish dictionary by your side, reading in Spanish is a gift that keeps on giving. You’re not just teaching them a language—you’re opening the door to endless adventures. Read on to discover some of my favourite books for this time of year as you’ll find on my own bookshelf.
La Mejor Navidad De Froggy
 In this Froggy adventure, Froggy’s friend Max, who is a beaver, takes him to find a Christmas tree so that Froggy can celebrate his first Christmas.Â
El Perro Negro
Face your fears. Face El Perro Negro (The Black Dog). Winner of the prestigious Kate Greenway Award in 2013.
A Mexican Christmas Story
A beautiful traditional Mexican tale of how the first poinsettia came to be. Written in English
Los Reyes Magos
A Christmas-themed book that explain the celebration of Epiphany from its origins up to today.
Estela Reina de la Nieve
Winter was never so magical as in this marvelous book about Stella and Sam discovering a familiar landscape transformed by a heavy snowfall.Â
Ya Llegan los Reyes Magos
 A beautifully illustrated poem voices the excitement of Three Kings’ Day from a child’s perspective.
