What do you think?
Rate this book
We Laugh Alike / Juntos Nos Reímos: A Story That's Part Spanish, Part English, And A Whole Lot of Fun
This lyrical picture book celebrates the beauty of nature while exploring the diverse landscapes of the National Parks across the United States of America.
From the volcanos of Haleakalā National Park in Hawai'i to waterfalls of Yosemite to the churning ocean at Acadia National Park in Maine, I Am Made of Mountains takes readers on a tour to honor America’s great outdoors. Sixteen parks are highlighted, and the story follows a different child visiting each park and exploring the natural wonders of each location.
The lyrical text paired with the expansive illustrations is an ode to the outdoors that will inspire nature lovers and National Park visitors of all ages.
From the volcanos of Haleakalā National Park in Hawai'i to waterfalls of Yosemite to the churning ocean at Acadia National Park in Maine, I Am Made of Mountains takes readers on a tour to honor America’s great outdoors. Sixteen parks are highlighted, and the story follows a different child visiting each park and exploring the natural wonders of each location.
The lyrical text paired with the expansive illustrations is an ode to the outdoors that will inspire nature lovers and National Park visitors of all ages.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published April 13, 2021
About the author
Carmen T. Bernier-Grand
15 books16 followersCarmen T. Bernier-Grand is a national award winning author of eleven books for children and young adults. She teaches writing at the Whidbey Island MFA, a program of Northwest Literary Arts, at Writers in the Schools, a program of Oregon Literary Arts, and at Wordstock.
In 2008, The Oregon Library Association's Children's Division gave her the Evelyn Lampman Award for her significant contribution to the children of Oregon in the field of children's literature.
Bernier-Grand was born in Puerto Rico but lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband, Jeremy Grand, and her bilingual dog, Lily.
(source)
In 2008, The Oregon Library Association's Children's Division gave her the Evelyn Lampman Award for her significant contribution to the children of Oregon in the field of children's literature.
Bernier-Grand was born in Puerto Rico but lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband, Jeremy Grand, and her bilingual dog, Lily.
(source)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 22, 2022
I read this book to Julianna tonight. She gives it 5 stars. Good bilingual book to encourage language learning with great illustrations.
July 5, 2022
This book has English and Spanish speaking kids who get together and figure out how to communicate and be friends. Both languages are used. The artwork was good - colorful and happy. And there was a glossary.
December 31, 2020
Review to be added to Amazon UK and US on 13th April 2021 – publication day!
I thought that this book was just lovely and it was a wonderful bilingual story.
The book is very well written, it has a lovely flow to it and the illustrations just bring it to life. loved the focus around the diverse mix of characters and the positive message – and as a plus my daughter got to learn a little Spanish too!
Definitely a book I could see being read at school too and one to use as a classroom aid to talk about different cultures and backgrounds with the focus on this one being Hispanic and the song that the children are singing at the playground.
A fun and colourful read with some lovely illustrations – it is 5 stars from me for this one!
I thought that this book was just lovely and it was a wonderful bilingual story.
The book is very well written, it has a lovely flow to it and the illustrations just bring it to life. loved the focus around the diverse mix of characters and the positive message – and as a plus my daughter got to learn a little Spanish too!
Definitely a book I could see being read at school too and one to use as a classroom aid to talk about different cultures and backgrounds with the focus on this one being Hispanic and the song that the children are singing at the playground.
A fun and colourful read with some lovely illustrations – it is 5 stars from me for this one!
February 21, 2022
Tasmanian based illustrator
Read
December 13, 2020This feel-good, bilingual picture book celebrates making friends across languages and the joy of play, music, and dance. Colorful, cartoony illustrations show the energy of two trios of kids, one English-speaking and one Spanish-speaking.
The sweet story has extra richness for dual language speakers. Rather than offering all text in English and Spanish, each group of kids expresses similar thoughts in their own language. The rhythm of the back and forth is playfully stretched when one group sings a Spanish jump rope rhyme. The story then leans into the suspense of whether everyone will play together, not revealing a parallel English text until the tension is resolved.
With chant-along rhymes and counting, dancing and jumping, this book is sure to be a fun storytime read aloud for preschool. Recommended for storytime, preschoolers learning Spanish or English, and library collections.
I received an e-arc from the publisher for review.
The sweet story has extra richness for dual language speakers. Rather than offering all text in English and Spanish, each group of kids expresses similar thoughts in their own language. The rhythm of the back and forth is playfully stretched when one group sings a Spanish jump rope rhyme. The story then leans into the suspense of whether everyone will play together, not revealing a parallel English text until the tension is resolved.
With chant-along rhymes and counting, dancing and jumping, this book is sure to be a fun storytime read aloud for preschool. Recommended for storytime, preschoolers learning Spanish or English, and library collections.
I received an e-arc from the publisher for review.
January 29, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A fun and cute story for bilingual kids or kids who are learning spanish.! Also promoting kids to play together even if there are differences in things such as language.
A fun and cute story for bilingual kids or kids who are learning spanish.! Also promoting kids to play together even if there are differences in things such as language.
June 3, 2021
*received for free from netgalley for honest review* Really cute, liked how they did this book, would have loved this as a kid lol
April 23, 2021
Digital illustrations feature six energetic children who meet in a park and are able to surmount the language barrier between English and Spanish. The first page, written in English, begins with three English speakers who are playing with each other when three Spanish speakers arrive on the scene on the second page, written in Spanish. Interestingly, both sets of youngsters are saying the same things, just in their Mother Tongue, and they are intrigued by the words, their music, and their dance steps. They even jump rope and sing tunes together, and at the end of the day, several new friendships have been formed, and plans are made to meet the next day. From the final two images and text, it appears that the youngsters have picked up a few phrases as the English speakers say goodbye in Spanish and the Spanish speakers use English as they leave. There is a glossary of terms in the back of the book as well as a note from the author in which she states that laughter and enjoyment are universal and might allow youngsters or even adults to cross the borders and differences that might at first glance seem to separate them. Perhaps out of simple actions such as spending a few moments playing with someone who is different from them, youngsters can learn to accept and embrace diversity.
March 15, 2021
Two groups of kids meet in a park. One group only speaks English and the other only speaks Spanish. At first they struggle to communicate, but they soon realise they have more in common than they originally thought and are able to overcome the language barrier to play together and even teach each other some words and phrases in their respective languages.
This was a simple and sweet story with the message of tolerance and celebrating diversity. It's told from the point of view of both groups of kids, so you get to read the text in English and Spanish, which is a great way for both kids and older readers like me who are learning Spanish to practice their comprehension. There's also a glossary at the back, which saves you from having to look up unfamiliar words in a separate dictionary.
This is definitely a book I'd recommend for both younger and older readers who are interested in learning/practicing Spanish. It's also a great way of introducing and encouraging the idea of celebrating differences between people of different languages and cultures to young kids.
I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a simple and sweet story with the message of tolerance and celebrating diversity. It's told from the point of view of both groups of kids, so you get to read the text in English and Spanish, which is a great way for both kids and older readers like me who are learning Spanish to practice their comprehension. There's also a glossary at the back, which saves you from having to look up unfamiliar words in a separate dictionary.
This is definitely a book I'd recommend for both younger and older readers who are interested in learning/practicing Spanish. It's also a great way of introducing and encouraging the idea of celebrating differences between people of different languages and cultures to young kids.
I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 20, 2023
The story begins at a local park where different groups of children have arrived to play. The story is told from two group perspectives: one group of children speak English, and the other group of children speak Spanish. They cannot understand one another at first but are curious and want to play together. Eventually, they do start playing together, and the groups start to learn each other’s language. But they realize they all laugh and sound the same when laughing!
This book is really wonderful because it is bilingual but is also telling two slightly different variations of the story at the same time – this gave it more credibility to me as a book billed as being bilingual. The story was also authentic in that it seemed exactly how children would behave at a playground. The message of the story, that learning languages together can create more friendships, was one that was positive. The cultural aspects mostly revolve around language in this book but are nonetheless significant to the story.
This book is really wonderful because it is bilingual but is also telling two slightly different variations of the story at the same time – this gave it more credibility to me as a book billed as being bilingual. The story was also authentic in that it seemed exactly how children would behave at a playground. The message of the story, that learning languages together can create more friendships, was one that was positive. The cultural aspects mostly revolve around language in this book but are nonetheless significant to the story.
January 18, 2021
This bilingual book depicts two groups of kids coming to the park to play. They are each fascinated by the language, songs and games of the other group. They listen and learn. Until...they decide to play together.
The illustrations are fun and bright, bringing life to the story. The author also reinforces the message of kids that while people may have differences, there is so much more that brings them together. In the beginning, the book has English and Spanish text on separate pages next to the group of children speaking. When the children begin to play with one another, the text also comes together on a single page. The author’s note gives suggestions for learning a new language and embracing other cultures.
Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The illustrations are fun and bright, bringing life to the story. The author also reinforces the message of kids that while people may have differences, there is so much more that brings them together. In the beginning, the book has English and Spanish text on separate pages next to the group of children speaking. When the children begin to play with one another, the text also comes together on a single page. The author’s note gives suggestions for learning a new language and embracing other cultures.
Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
February 9, 2021
First sentence: Today we are not alone in the park. Three other kids just showed up. Hoy no estamos solos en el parque. Hay ostros tres ninos jugando.
Premise/plot: We Laugh Alike is the story of six kids playing in the park. Three kids speak English. Three kids speak Spanish. Both are curious about the other...but it takes a little while before these two groups of kids join together and play together. Fun is the universal language.
My thoughts: There's something so joyous about this one. It is written in two languages. But it isn't your typical bilingual book where everything said is in both English and Spanish. The two languages blend together as the groups merge and join. There is a glossary in the back of the book.
Quote: We sing the same song a million times until they learn the words and sing with us.
Premise/plot: We Laugh Alike is the story of six kids playing in the park. Three kids speak English. Three kids speak Spanish. Both are curious about the other...but it takes a little while before these two groups of kids join together and play together. Fun is the universal language.
My thoughts: There's something so joyous about this one. It is written in two languages. But it isn't your typical bilingual book where everything said is in both English and Spanish. The two languages blend together as the groups merge and join. There is a glossary in the back of the book.
Quote: We sing the same song a million times until they learn the words and sing with us.
March 19, 2021
Super cute story about six kids playing on the playground, even though they don’t all speak the same language. Half speak English and half speak Spanish, but using gestures they are able to invite each other to play together. They all notice differences in how they sing, dance and rhyme, but when they laugh they all sound the same.
This story feels like something I have seen many times at the playground. Kids who speak different languages still enjoy playing together, despite language barriers. They are just happy to have someone to play with. I also enjoyed the flow between English and Spanish in the book, it felt very organic.
This story feels like something I have seen many times at the playground. Kids who speak different languages still enjoy playing together, despite language barriers. They are just happy to have someone to play with. I also enjoyed the flow between English and Spanish in the book, it felt very organic.
March 24, 2023
3 English-speaking kids and 3 Spanish-speaking kids are in the park together. They don't understand each other's words, but they like each other's songs and dances and jump rope rhyme, and soon, the two groups are playing together!
Written in parallel dialogue, it's not a translation, the text is each group telling their story. As they start to play together, the English and Spanish phrases are all mixed together - just like the kids. Includes a glossary, but the story stands on its own (in either language) even without looking up the translations. There's a great note at the end as well about language, communicating, and making friends.
cross posted to http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com
Written in parallel dialogue, it's not a translation, the text is each group telling their story. As they start to play together, the English and Spanish phrases are all mixed together - just like the kids. Includes a glossary, but the story stands on its own (in either language) even without looking up the translations. There's a great note at the end as well about language, communicating, and making friends.
cross posted to http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com
April 11, 2021
I was able to review We Laugh Alike / Juntos nos reímos by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand by Charlesbridge publisher for providing me with an advanced ARC in exchange for an honest review.
We Laugh Alike is a Bilingual book showing how a group of kids did not have a common language and they realized they have other things in common such as their love of playing and laughing. The story shows the positive message of inclusiveness, acceptance and diversity of other cultures. Great way to show how two separate groups of kids become a single group.
We Laugh Alike is a Bilingual book showing how a group of kids did not have a common language and they realized they have other things in common such as their love of playing and laughing. The story shows the positive message of inclusiveness, acceptance and diversity of other cultures. Great way to show how two separate groups of kids become a single group.
August 26, 2021
Two groups of kids are playing in the park. One group speaks Spanish, the other speaks English, but through jumping rope, singing, and laughing together, the two groups of kids bond and connect despite speaking different languages. Skillfully told in both English and Spanish, We Laugh Alike was a cool reading experience that I'd love to share with kids once I'm a little better at speaking Spanish!
Themes: Sharing, Friendship, We're all the same/we're all different
Age range: Preschool-Early elementary
Themes: Sharing, Friendship, We're all the same/we're all different
Age range: Preschool-Early elementary
February 13, 2021
Super cute. I love that it was in english and spanish. Easily a book to have in a ece classroom and had an anti bias theme.
February 26, 2021
Incredibly sweet and charming. Joyous illustrations. I like that it's not an exact duplicate in the two language, and that they're given equal font and footing.
September 23, 2021
Really appreciated how English didn’t lead every page.
January 5, 2023
love it
I’ve been trying to learn Spanish and this book had some English and Spanish and it helped with the understanding and learning process
I’ve been trying to learn Spanish and this book had some English and Spanish and it helped with the understanding and learning process
December 21, 2020
Thank you netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this bilingual storybook about a group of kids who decide to play and learn the spanish song being sung by the Hispanic kids on the playground. Loved the positive message of inclusiveness and diversity. Would definitely buy it for my son.
I enjoyed this bilingual storybook about a group of kids who decide to play and learn the spanish song being sung by the Hispanic kids on the playground. Loved the positive message of inclusiveness and diversity. Would definitely buy it for my son.
April 13, 2021
Note: I accessed digital review copies of this book through NetGalley and Edelweiss.
April 20, 2021
WE LAUGH ALIKE JUNTOS NOS REÍMOS by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand is a joyful, bilingual romp in a playground with two trios of kids who speak different languages: English and Spanish. The cheerful picture book reminds us that children (and their caregivers!) are more similar to their peers than not. A good lesson for us all.
full review: http://vegbooks.org/index.php/2021/04...
full review: http://vegbooks.org/index.php/2021/04...
November 21, 2021
I received an electronic ARC from Charlesbridge through NetGalley.
Bernier-Grand has created a delightful story that shows play is universal. Six kids meet in a park. Three speak one language; three another. They work together to find ways to communicate and play together. Readers see both English and Spanish text on each page spread. In addition to being brightly colored and detailed, the illustrations provide context clues for readers in both languages. A Spanish/English glossary is included at the end.
Terrific book for elementary libraries.
Bernier-Grand has created a delightful story that shows play is universal. Six kids meet in a park. Three speak one language; three another. They work together to find ways to communicate and play together. Readers see both English and Spanish text on each page spread. In addition to being brightly colored and detailed, the illustrations provide context clues for readers in both languages. A Spanish/English glossary is included at the end.
Terrific book for elementary libraries.
July 5, 2022
Great book to teach children that we are different but also similar
This was a great book about diversity and being kind to others. Enjoyed the phrases in both English and Spanish.
This was a great book about diversity and being kind to others. Enjoyed the phrases in both English and Spanish.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews