Before You Were Here, Mi Amor (English and Spanish Edition)

This is a lovely book that cleverly combines Spanish words with English words in a way that English readers/listeners could easily understand what the mother means when she speaks to her "barriguita". If there is any confusion about what the word may mean the pictures also help the reader/listener infer the Spanish words. It is a very short book that tells about a mother expecting her new child and how her family prepares for it and how it is already so loved before it even arrives. This is a heartwarming book with a great educational value for teachers teaching Spanish.

This is a good book for a younger class for activating memories; it would also help with predictions. I like the dual language format, because the best time for kids to learn a new language is around the age this book is geared toward.

This book is amazing, I really loved that when you read it, you come up upon Spanish words are woven throughout the book. I love teaching my students new vocabulary in Spanish because it will brighten their literacy. So the family is helping Mami prepare for the new baby to arrive. So Papi is building a rocking chair for Mami and the baby. Abuela is painting animals in the nursery. And hermano and hermana are helping Mami pick out baby names.

I would love to have a book like this in my classroom because it will help with explaining to children who's parents are expecting a baby and the parents are having a hard to expressing themselves to their kids about the new baby. So I take the lead and assist the parents in expressing to their show more children that it is okay that Mommy is having a baby and that they love you still so very much. Also I would tell them, Ms. Yvette is here for you, if you need some extra loving.

I definietly would use this in my future class and in my lesson plans as well. To talk about new babies and new spanish words. show less

Personal Response:
This story is written in English with a few Spanish words added into the text of the book. I learned that the linguistic term for this is called "code-switching". This gives the reader a sense of ethnicity and bilingualism, offering a chance to learn some Spanish words. The glossary at the back lists the Spanish word with the English translation. The story nicely demonstrates how the whole family gets involved in getting ready for the new baby.

Curricular or Programming Connections:
Excellent book for the New Baby in the Family
Learning Spanish

SUMMARY: The book tells of a Spanish speaking family's anticipation of a new baby being born. The author mixes Spanish words into the writing and describes the various periods of the mother's pregnancy. It is a positive book that shows a loving family preparing themselves and their home for the arrival of a new member. The author also includes a glossary of the Spanish terms included in the story.

ART/MEDIA: blank ink, watercolor

Loved this sweet, sweet book. It made me almost want to have a baby, almost.