Our top 9 books pick on World Book Day
The many benefits of reading for children
Children who read regularly or are read to by their parents develop a broader vocabulary, increased general knowledge, have higher test scores and better understand other cultures than children who do not read. There are countless lists out there (the Internet) of the benefits reading has on children’s development as more and more studies are being published on this subject.
Reading helps children:
- Get to know sounds, words and language, and develop early literacy skills,
- Learn to value books and stories,
- Spark imagination and stimulate curiosity,
- Develop the ability to focus, concentrate, social skills and communication skills,
- Understand new or frightening events and the intense emotions that come with them
- Learn about the world, their own culture and other cultures.
Apart from the many generic benefits listed, when it comes to children reading in the native language of their parents, the benefits almost double. When you add to the mix books that reflect the parent’s culture and heritage, the benefits turn into real, tangible advantages. These are the type of books we are sharing with you below.
Today we want to share with you our top 9 picks from the catalogue of Luminita Books, a new Irish based shop specializing in children’s books in different native languages. These books help parents stimulate the children’s curiosity about their heritage. Parents can also use this type of book to tell their own experiences about growing up in a particular country and bonding with children even more.
Romanian
Bicicleta femecata by Mihaela Cosescu
A book about dreams, hard work, empathy and giving and sharing with others: it is the story of Zamfira, a child from rural Romania who dreamed of having a bicycle someday. Whisked away on an adventure that holds the essence of both the magical and the mundane, follow one girl’s journey of longing, courage, and sacrificial love.
The book is translated into English and French. You can find both the Romanian and English versions at www.luminitabooks.ie
Primele mele versuri, poezii și cântecele
The book is a collection of the oldest and most appreciated poems and rhymes from the Romanian culture. Many of them have no author and have been passed on verbally through generations. Parents can create beautiful moments reading this book as it will transport them to their childhood instantly. I cried a little bit the first time I read “Rica” to my son as it reminded me of my grandparents teaching me the poem when I was tiny.
Ursul pacalit de vulpe by Ion Creanga
Romanian parents will not need an introduction to this book. It is a Romanian fairytale by one of Romania’s most beloved authors. The text is kept to its original form. The illustrations are done by Aliona Bereghici, one of the most talented and appreciated illustrators of Children’s books in Romania and Moldova.
Spanish
¿Quién viene esta noche? By Ana Meilan
This book tells the story of the Spanish tooth fairy, how he manages to be in so many homes at the same time, or why sometimes he leaves a coin, other times a book, other times a toy.
The reader will be fascinated by this beautiful and tender story full of small details to discover with each reading, accompanied by a magnificent full-colour collage.
Written by best-selling authors of children’s stories Ariel Andrés Almada (author) and illustrated by Sonja Wimmer, this book has received raging reviews worldwide, from the US to Australia. It tells the story of a journey through a daughter’s first words, discovering her emotions and dreams. A story in which both moms and dads, and girls will be reflected and excited with each illustration.
El Pollo Pepe collection by Nick Denchfield
Although not a Spanish writer, the Pollo Pepe series has sold more than 1 million copies worldwide and is a much-beloved children book in Spain where it has been published since 1998. Many young Spanish parents relate to these books as being part of their childhood. You will find 8 different titles from this collection at www.luminitabooks.ie
Lithuanian
“Trumpos istorijos” collection by Kęstutis Kasparavičius.
Kęstutis Kasparavičius, named ” A conductor of the word’s imagination” by the Lithuanian Institute of Culture, has written more than 60 books which have been translated into 25 languages. The “Trumpos istorijos” collection includes short feel-good stories about various comic characters. Bears, pigs, rabbits, and turtles find themselves trapped in puzzling and thought-provoking situations.
Sniego žmogelių žiema by Selemonas Paltanavičius
A collection of short tales about winter, awarded the Pranas Masši Prize for Best book for kids in 2019. Selemonas Paltanavičius is the author of fantastic fairy tales and great books about nature: “Those house houses”, “Year of the Stork”, Year of the Puppy in the Village “, and others. The author was awarded the Children’s Literature Prize of the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports.
Kas yra upė? by Monika Vacenaviciene
Winner of the Best Educational Book for Children (IBBY Lithuania, 2020), Domicele Tarabildienė’s award for the Most Beautiful Book of the Year (IBBY Lithuania, 2020), and Best Book for Kids (World Illustration Awards, 2018).
You will want to travel along the river, look at the illustrations and think about the importance of nature, preservation, and the future you want your children to have.
If you are interested in these or other non-English books for children, check out Luminita Books. They will soon expand the language range to include Italian, French and German. Find out more at www.luminitabooks.ie
The best part? Mother Tongues members get a 15% discount! Become a member today!
Upcoming webinars for members
Bláthnaid ní Ghréacháin, CEO and Ciara Ní Bhroin, Development Officer from the organisation Gaeloideachas – the national support organisation for Irish-medium pre-schools, primary and post-primary schools will speak to parents about the benefits of choosing an Irish-medium education, the role parents can play in their child’s education through Irish, as well as the many supports and resources available to parents and children. Irish-medium education offers a wonderful experience for all children of all abilities and all backgrounds and we welcome the opportunity to encourage parents to be part of this model of education in Ireland.
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