Written by Jen Arena, Illustrated by Erika Meza, Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2019. (fiction, ages 2-5)
Things have changed very quickly to say the least. I pulled my kids from school a week before the official closures, stressed and worried how their lives will forever be impacted. I look to my parents’ example for strength. My mom revealed that many of my fond childhood memories spending hours at my father’s store came about because he worked six days a week to make ends meet, but didn’t want to give up family time. Thanks to their love, strength, and creativity, I had no idea that we were struggling. I chose this book because it reminded me how many parents, myself included, have the same hope; that our children’s memories during this difficult time will be of how much we love them.
BACKGROUND
A Latinx family sing a playful lullaby to their baby in Spanish and English, hoping for a successful bedtime. Includes a glossary.
BEST FOR
About a two minute read aloud that would be great for active participation, highlighting Spanish, or family relationships.
PAIR WITH
A Big Mooncake for Little Star by Grace Lin
WHERE TO PURCHASE
If you have an interest in reading Salsa Lullaby
Canada has a lot of publishing companies that produce great Indigenous children’s books written in own voice. This would be no exception. Author Monique Gray Smith is Cree, Lakota, Scottish and wrote this book with the intention of healing and reconciliation especially after a 150 year history of Indian Residential boarding schools where children suffered abuses, poor living conditions, and systematic erasure of their cultural identity.
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