In these warm and engaging bilingual rhyming stories, a very young child accompanies his mother to the supermarket and the beach. Spanish words are introduced in context so youngsters can understand them without a formal definition. Each story concludes with a glossary of the Spanish words and their definitions for review and language skills development. The vibrant and humorous illustrations bring Bebé’s world to life with colorful details. Delightfully narrated by the author!

Reviews

These two engaging picture books by Susan Middleton Elya feature Spanish words scattered throughout rhyming English text and vivid illustrations by Steven Salerno. Spanish words are woven into the context of these simple stories. The author narrates in a quiet, soothing voice. The detailed watercolor and ink illustrations from both titles are scanned iconographically, and sound effects enliven the telling; quiet music plays behind the narration. The production concludes with an on-screen glossary of the Spanish words. Youngsters will quickly learn the Spanish words and will enjoy the lively rhythm of these engaging stories.
School Library Journal, November 2008.

Compiling iconographic-animated adaptations of the children’s picture books Bebe Goes Shopping and Bebe Goes to the Beach, written by Susan Middleton Elya (who also narrates) and illustrated by Steven Salerno, Bebe serves up a delightful day-in-the-life rhyming stories featuring the titular tyke, seamlessly combining English with Spanish. In lines like “He tugs on a carton with mucho colorese/in butterfly yellow with pink and white flores,”, the Spanish words are introduced in context, backed with appropriate pictures. After each story, a glossary of all the Spanish words and phrases is presented with English translations. DVD extras include an interview with the author. Recommended.
Video Librarian, July/August 2009