Small Nap, Little Dream

by Talia Aikens-Nunez, Natalia Colombo (Illustrator)

This playful story celebrates the joy of a refreshing nap--while introducing some simple Spanish vocabulary.

Young children are busy all day long--running and climbing, looking and laughing--and in the middle of a full day of fun, there's nothing like taking a break for a small nap. This is the time of day to have a little dream--sueñito--that gives the afternoon some added sweetness.

Look at me RUN. Mis pies go fast!
Look at me READ. Mis ojos explore!

Kids will soon be chiming in with the Spanish words for their body parts, as they wind down and get ready for that refreshing nap. And they will love poring through the pages of toddlers at play in an imaginary multicolored world that is full of happiness, setting the stage for their dreams.

Genres: Picture Books, Spanish Literature, Storytime

32 pages, Hardcover

Published June 15, 2021

About the author

Talia Aikens-Nunez wanted to be a meteorologist, a politician and a lawyer. It was raising her bilingual children that inspired Talia to write multicultural children’s books. Her family loves nature so much that she and her husband vowed that they will always try to live close to water, so now they live on a river in Connecticut.

Reviews

[Noorie Hassan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most cutest and adorable book I’ve read. It has such cute pictures in which the characters are playing, running around, sleeping and doing other fun activities. I love how Talia has used Spanish words for different parts like hands, head etc. in between the English sentences. This helps children to learn two languages at the same time. It’s a quick, easy and interesting read. An adorable piece of work.

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recently Kirkus published an article on the importance of rest and relaxation for kids - and this book fits that category perfectly. Little bodies are busy running and playing - but then it is time to take a "small nap" filled with "little dreams". The illustrations are bright and colorful; the text is very simple, with many of the words written in Spanish. But don't worry - there is a vocabulary to help you translate if you need it.
Thank you to Penguin Random House for a review copy!

[Bookish Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in love with this book. It’s short, easy and enjoyable. The book is followed by interesting images and a little story about dreams and napping. Love it.

[Rumzlicious · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book has 2 languages; Spanish and English. It’s very effective for children to learn both languages simultaneously. The book is eye-catching which develops the reader’s interest.

[Book Geek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love how the author has defined the Spanish words in the beginning and then used them in sentences so children can learn both languages which are English and Spanish. Amazing book.

[Moonlight Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will always use this book as a bedtime storybook for my children. It will help them dream better and imagine better. I enjoyed reading this book a lot.

[Hassan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks, Talia for writing this cutesy book. Loved every part of it. 5 out of 5 stars for this book.

[Terresa Wellborn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this picture book with colorful, kawaii illustrations that introduces Spanish words in otherwise English sentences, which I guess, works? I'll try it with my bilingual storytime kids and see.

Themes: naptime, body parts, bilingual/Spanish language
Ages: toddler-K
Pub year: 2021

[Kayla Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me encanta.

[SamSamSam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyday diversity, VOCABULARY, PHONOLOGICAL AWARENESS

[Nessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute short read about how nice it is to play and nap!

[Andréa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[Tori Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple multi-lingual book, I like that it includes nap time in the routine in a positive way.