Some bilingual picture books do more than tell a story. They feel like a summer vacation. They carry the warmth of family gatherings, the sound of two languages moving naturally through a kitchen, the rhythm of children running outside while adults talk nearby. These books often feel sunlit, even before the illustrations begin. As aContinue reading “Bilingual Picture Books That Feel Like Summer Vacation / Libros de cuentos bilingües que se sienten como vacaciones de verano”
Author Archives: Alicia Salazar
Part II: Give Your Character a Problem / Parte II: Dale un problema a tu personaje
Welcome to Part II of my 10-week series on writing pointers for children: Give Your Character a Problem. If you missed Part I, just scroll down to last week. Every story needs something to happen—and that usually starts with a problem. Without a problem, your character has no reason to act, change, or grow. ThinkContinue reading “Part II: Give Your Character a Problem / Parte II: Dale un problema a tu personaje”
Start Small, Dream Big / Empieza en pequeño, sueña en grande
Start Small, Dream Big is Part I of a 10-Part series on writing pointers for kids. When kids sit down to write, they sometimes feel like they need a big, exciting idea right away. A dragon! A magical world! A hero with incredible powers! But here’s a gentle truth: stories don’t begin big—they begin small. AContinue reading “Start Small, Dream Big / Empieza en pequeño, sueña en grande”
How to Build a Mini Writing Workshop / Cómo crear un mini taller de escritura
How to Build a Mini Writing Workshop at Home or in the Classroom A mini writing workshop is a simple yet powerful way to nurture young writers—whether you’re a teacher with a tight schedule or a parent looking to spark creativity at home. You don’t need a fancy setup. Just a few thoughtful routines canContinue reading “How to Build a Mini Writing Workshop / Cómo crear un mini taller de escritura”
Happy Easter!
Only one week until Easter. If you are making cascarones this weekend, and even if you aren’t. Enjoy this coloring page. Cascarón Coloring Page
Spooky Stories / Historias Escalofríentes
There’s something magical about being just scared enough. When I was a teacher, my third graders couldn’t get enough of spooky stories. On certain days, we would turn off the lights, close the blinds, and I would read by flashlight—my voice low and dramatic. Out came El Cucuy or La Llorona, and suddenly the classroom felt different. Quieter. Charged.Continue reading “Spooky Stories / Historias Escalofríentes”
Permission to Write a Bad First Draft / Permiso para escribir un mal primer borrador
If you could see the first drafts of most books, you might be surprised. Adults are often the gatekeepers of children’s books—teachers, librarians, parents, editors—but kids are very much part of the audience too. And I want young writers to know something important: Books don’t start out perfect. The page you see here is fromContinue reading “Permission to Write a Bad First Draft / Permiso para escribir un mal primer borrador”
How to Read a Bilingual Book with Your Child (Even If You’re Not Bilingual) / Cómo leer un libro bilingüe con tu hijo (aunque no seas bilingüe)
Sometimes, when we open a bilingual book, our eyes drift to the language we don’t know and we hesitate. The words look unfamiliar. The accents hover over letters like small mysteries. And a quiet question rises: What if I don’t read this “right”? But reading a bilingual book with your child is not a test. It’sContinue reading “How to Read a Bilingual Book with Your Child (Even If You’re Not Bilingual) / Cómo leer un libro bilingüe con tu hijo (aunque no seas bilingüe)”
Cascarones: An Easter Surprise / Cascarones: una sorpresa de Pascuas
As we step into the Easter season, I find myself thinking about color. Not the quiet, muted tones of winter—but the bright, joyful colors that burst onto the scene when families gather, children laugh, and traditions come alive. In my picture book, Cascarones: An Easter Surprise, Easter is not just a date on the calendar. It’sContinue reading “Cascarones: An Easter Surprise / Cascarones: una sorpresa de Pascuas”