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Marta! Big & Small
Marta is una niña, an ordinary girl . . . with some extraordinary animal friends!
As Marta explores the jungle, she knows she's bigger than a bug, smaller than an elephant, and faster than a turtle. But then she meets the snake, who thinks Marta is sabrosa—tasty, very tasty! But Marta is ingeniosa, a very clever girl, and she outsmarts the snake with hilarious results.
With simple Spanish and a glossary at the end, this fun read-aloud picture book teaches little ones to identify opposites and animals and learn new words.
As Marta explores the jungle, she knows she's bigger than a bug, smaller than an elephant, and faster than a turtle. But then she meets the snake, who thinks Marta is sabrosa—tasty, very tasty! But Marta is ingeniosa, a very clever girl, and she outsmarts the snake with hilarious results.
With simple Spanish and a glossary at the end, this fun read-aloud picture book teaches little ones to identify opposites and animals and learn new words.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published August 23, 2016
6 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
About the author
Jen Arena
23 books101 followersJen Arena is lucky to have been surrounded by great children’s books her whole life. As a teenager, she worked at a children’s-only indie bookstore in Pennsylvania, and after graduating from college, she made her way to New York City, where she found a job in children's book publishing. Since then, she’s written many books for kids. She recently left New York and now lives in Florida, surrounded by sunshine, palm trees, and really weird birds.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
October 12, 2021
This book is great for teaching children some basic Spanish words. You will find adjectivos (adjectives) like grande (big) and pequeño (small) as well as different animales (animals) like el elefante (elephant) and el león (lion). Nothing too complicated--I think there are roughly 15 Spanish terms that are introduced--and they are words little children would be familiar with. I also like that when they are teaching the new Spanish word, all the other words are in English, so it makes it very easy to follow. The artwork is cute and rich in color and texture. I recommend this to kids ages 4 and up.
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August 8, 2016My favorite bilingual picture book this season.
November 5, 2016
This book is perfecto. A perfect bilingual picture book that tells a simple story. Lovely illustrations too! This book would be a perfect way to introduce a child to the Spanish language.
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May 5, 2018First of all yes i am awake... No you don't have to remind me its almost one in the morning... Yes i have enough energy to write this review...................... Ahhh i'm awake, i'm awake you don't have to yell...................... Ahh sorry gosh you don't have to get nasty about it i'm just a tired girl trying to write a review..... Fine i won't waste anymore of your time here goes nothing................. I'm not asleep....
Okay just had a good cup of coffee and i am now ready to type... Marta big and small by Jen Arena was a great educational book for younger kids seeking to learn a few easy words in spanish such as small, big, tasty, and many more. I don't know a whole lot of spanish so i was glad to add onto my vocabulary. This book was cute and every spanish teacher in the world should own it. This is a fun way to modivate children because pictures always seem to catch their attention. The story was not very long so i cannot realy write a full review like i do for other picture boks but i can say that this book gets four stars for the story.
The pictures did not catch my attention in ways that they should have. They were not poorly done but they could have used some work. Yes i know what your thinking...... In every review that you have read by me the pictures have always been judged so harshly.... Thats because in my opinion the pictures are the story and if they are not done perfectly then it drives me insane so the pictures get a one star rateing. Don't look so dissapointed... Oops my phone is ringing...... One second... Hello... No mom i don't need anything from walmart.... I am kind of in the middle of a review....Don't yell at me...... Mom i have to hang up now.... Yes i took my vitamin pills... Bye mom... Yes love you to..... That was my mom she always seems to butt in whenever i am giveing my reviews... Anyways five out of five stars are rewarded to Marta big and small and this story is reccomended to everyone.
My Rateing
5/5
Hey readers you may have noticed that my review was thrown off topic a little bit this time... Well if any of you have read my Wishing Foxes review then you know i was pretty angry with the whole story concept and was not much fun but i thought i would make up for it in this review.... Yes i know my sense of humor is poor but hey i am practicing you gotta give me credit for that... Until next time! All of you have a GREAT WEEKEND!
-Love Always
Britney Kirsten Argueta Reviews
Okay just had a good cup of coffee and i am now ready to type... Marta big and small by Jen Arena was a great educational book for younger kids seeking to learn a few easy words in spanish such as small, big, tasty, and many more. I don't know a whole lot of spanish so i was glad to add onto my vocabulary. This book was cute and every spanish teacher in the world should own it. This is a fun way to modivate children because pictures always seem to catch their attention. The story was not very long so i cannot realy write a full review like i do for other picture boks but i can say that this book gets four stars for the story.
The pictures did not catch my attention in ways that they should have. They were not poorly done but they could have used some work. Yes i know what your thinking...... In every review that you have read by me the pictures have always been judged so harshly.... Thats because in my opinion the pictures are the story and if they are not done perfectly then it drives me insane so the pictures get a one star rateing. Don't look so dissapointed... Oops my phone is ringing...... One second... Hello... No mom i don't need anything from walmart.... I am kind of in the middle of a review....Don't yell at me...... Mom i have to hang up now.... Yes i took my vitamin pills... Bye mom... Yes love you to..... That was my mom she always seems to butt in whenever i am giveing my reviews... Anyways five out of five stars are rewarded to Marta big and small and this story is reccomended to everyone.
My Rateing
5/5
Hey readers you may have noticed that my review was thrown off topic a little bit this time... Well if any of you have read my Wishing Foxes review then you know i was pretty angry with the whole story concept and was not much fun but i thought i would make up for it in this review.... Yes i know my sense of humor is poor but hey i am practicing you gotta give me credit for that... Until next time! All of you have a GREAT WEEKEND!
-Love Always
Britney Kirsten Argueta Reviews
January 20, 2017
❤️
A bilingual book that presumes an English-speaking reader but doesn't condescend to that reader or diminish the Spanish words that it teaches.
It's also a book of opposites and a book of animals, so this picturebook is pulling some major triple duty.
And to top it all off, the crowning line of this book highlights cleverness as an inherent quality trait of girls. Hermiones of the world, get this book on your radar.
A bilingual book that presumes an English-speaking reader but doesn't condescend to that reader or diminish the Spanish words that it teaches.
It's also a book of opposites and a book of animals, so this picturebook is pulling some major triple duty.
And to top it all off, the crowning line of this book highlights cleverness as an inherent quality trait of girls. Hermiones of the world, get this book on your radar.
December 14, 2016
This would get 4.5 or even 4.75 from me. The art is bold and active, and I can easily see using this in story time. My many Spanish speaking nannies will love hearing me use the Spanish animal names and adjectives, and the animal movements will be perfect for a bit of kids yoga. I think I need a copy of this for my "reading room" collection. Gracias, Jen Arena!
August 28, 2016
I loved that this picture book had a Latina character as the girl in the story. I also liked that it taught the concept of opposites while also teaching Spanish words at the same time.
September 2, 2016
Cute bilingual book that teaches simple Spanish vocabulary...with a surprise girl power message at the end! :)
September 3, 2016
A winning combination of opposites, English/Spanish vocabulary, animals, and one clever little girl! Charmed me.
October 20, 2016
Opposites
Jungle theme
Simple colorful images
English book with sprinkled-Spanish
Ingenious Latina girl
Jungle theme
Simple colorful images
English book with sprinkled-Spanish
Ingenious Latina girl
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February 2, 2019Marta! Big & Small is a fun book about opposites and a clever little girl, who is also bilingual. Marta is out exploring on a normal day and comes across many different animals such as an insect, a lion and a snake. She compares herself to all of the animals all along the way. On every page, the reader learns new Spanish words like lenta and tranquila as they follow Marta on her journey. Near the end she comes upon a snake who thinks she is sabrosa (tasty!) but the ingeniosa (clever) Marta is able to outsmart the snake and escape! This bilingual picture book is a fun quick read with minimal text that goes beyond being bilingual to also cover opposites and different types of animals. The illustrations are done with bold lines that make them stand out from the solid white background so that the story is easy to follow even when reading to a group.
This book adds to the diversity of the shelf. As a bilingual book, it helps encourage the learning of a new language at a point when their little brains are able to really soak it in. It also adds a layer of inclusivity as the story can be understood whether the child comes from an English or Spanish speaking home, bridging a gap between different types of families. It helps introduce to young children the very idea that there are people in their neighborhoods who speak other languages and that it is not only possible to learn that language but can actually be fun. Visually, the book provides an example of a diverse character, but it takes it a step further by also celebrating her ability to speak in multiple languages all wrapped up in a silly, easy to follow story.
This book adds to the diversity of the shelf. As a bilingual book, it helps encourage the learning of a new language at a point when their little brains are able to really soak it in. It also adds a layer of inclusivity as the story can be understood whether the child comes from an English or Spanish speaking home, bridging a gap between different types of families. It helps introduce to young children the very idea that there are people in their neighborhoods who speak other languages and that it is not only possible to learn that language but can actually be fun. Visually, the book provides an example of a diverse character, but it takes it a step further by also celebrating her ability to speak in multiple languages all wrapped up in a silly, easy to follow story.
March 21, 2017
In this wonderful story, we meet an ordinary girl named Marta who meets and compares herself to an elephant, horse, turtle, lion, rabbit, and snake--which leads to a funny discovery and escape. Throughout the book we are taught new Spanish words, both the animals and adjectives, with the translations in the back of the book. A delight to read to primary grades and perfect for storytime with an ECE, Kinder, or young first grade class. A new favorite with simple text structure that will be repeated time and time again.
May 15, 2017
An adorable bilingual picture book about Marta, who explores the jungle and compares herself to animals. I can guaruntee I'll be using this in storytime.
I've read criticisms before that make the argument that presenting two languages in two different fonts can be problematic, especially when one of those fonts is difficult to read. While the Spanish words in Arena's text are in a different font, they're also legible. There aren't full sentences either; the text more seems to be an opportunity to introduce Spanish words to children who might not otherwise be hearing them.
I've read criticisms before that make the argument that presenting two languages in two different fonts can be problematic, especially when one of those fonts is difficult to read. While the Spanish words in Arena's text are in a different font, they're also legible. There aren't full sentences either; the text more seems to be an opportunity to introduce Spanish words to children who might not otherwise be hearing them.
April 25, 2017
This book quickly became a staple in my PreK outreach visits and on regular rotation for my storytimes. Young children love figuring out the meaning of the Spanish words and then we practice saying them together.
They all get VERY concerned when the snake shows up and it is hilarious to me that they really think I am going to read them a story about a girl being eaten! You can hear the sigh of relief when I reveal she is hiding in the tree.
They all get VERY concerned when the snake shows up and it is hilarious to me that they really think I am going to read them a story about a girl being eaten! You can hear the sigh of relief when I reveal she is hiding in the tree.
April 25, 2020
I really have to thank my coworker Whitney. She discovered this book first. It was my observing her in storytime that I discovered how approachable bilingual books are. So I did it in My First Books with my Kindergarten kids. They LOVED it!!
This one focuses on opposites. It's simple, yet the illustrations are my favorite.
This one focuses on opposites. It's simple, yet the illustrations are my favorite.
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May 14, 2020Join Marta in this bilingual story as she meets all types of animal friends. Full of Spanish words for your little one to learn and a glossary at the end, this is a wonderful book for the whole family to share. Enjoy this one now by checking out a copy on Mymcpl.org or searching for it on Overdrive! – Reviewed by Stephanie at MCPL Reading Rocket
February 6, 2017
Awesome sauce! An English book that introduces Spanish in a very clever and adorable way! I can't wait to read this aloud. Though I might need to brush up on my pronunciation (of course two of my Spanish-speaking little friends will be sure to correct me).
February 12, 2017
Marta is many different things, depending on your point of view. She's a clever girl and this is a very clever book. And most enjoyable. Amazing illustrations. Love the blend of English and Spanish.
June 17, 2017
A high energy bilingual preschool concept book that teaches basic vocabulary about animals and opposites in English and Spanish. The vibrant illustrations make Marta's joy literally leap off the pages. An engaging picture book that will leave readers wanting more Marta.
October 4, 2017
One of my go-to read-alouds for Storytime, particularly for talking about opposites and different sizes. The intermingling of English and Spanish is great for a bilingual audience (or an audience interested in learning new Spanish words).
August 25, 2016
Perfect for a bilingual size or opposite-themed Storytime for toddlers/preschoolers.
September 4, 2016
Marta is a smart girl. she is also loud, big, and small...or ruidosa, grande y pequena. What a great story to introduce some spanish to the youngest of readers.
January 5, 2017
Spanish and English in a cute opposites book filled with animals.
January 19, 2017
-bilingual- in English with Spanish vocabulary- would be easy to read to non-Spanish speakers and have them understand.
-Ms Tea's crowd pleasers
-Ms Tea's crowd pleasers
March 22, 2017
Great for beginning to teach Spanish for kids!
May 8, 2017
Lovely incorporation of Spanish & English words - great for bilingual storytimes.
May 14, 2017
Completely appealing story and perfect for storytime sharing! Love the illustrations, and Marta, la nina ingeniosa, and the effortless flow between Spanish and English.
May 18, 2017
great for international story time
July 16, 2017
An interesting way to support bilingual students and their friends. I learned many Spanish words myself and in context with picture support I felt successful.
August 19, 2017
a nice one for perspective
Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews