Babies, whether in snowy dens, warm lagoons, cozy nests, or living
rooms, are carried and cuddled, nurtured and nuzzled. This bilingual
book is a celebration of the bond between parent and child across the
animal kingdom. Stunning images and elegant verse will capture the
curiosity of even the youngest readers, while the bilingual text makes
this sweet storybook accessible to speakers of both English and Spanish.
This lyrical, bilingual book explores the many aspects of childcare in
the animal kingdom. Stunning paintings by Mike Speiser, an environmental
activist and artist, illustrate tender moments between mother and child.
Discussion guides, English and Spanish animal vocabulary, and
information about child nutrition in the back of the book extend
readers' knowledge of the 18 animals introduced in the pictures. These
questions encourage children to explore more about these animals and
introduce early STEM concepts like habitats by asking the reader to
compare their neighborhood to the jungle, ocean, or arctic. America has
the second-largest Spanish-speaking population in the world, and
familiarity with both English and Spanish helps children succeed in
adulthood. Studies have shown that exposure to multiple languages before
age 5 expands a child's cognitive reserve, leading to increased language
acquisition and capacity for memory. In addition, poetry encourages an
enlarged vocabulary. Carried and Cuddled encompasses all of these
linguistic elements, while also introducing STEM and parenting concepts.
An extensive Teacher's Guide, available for free download, enhances the
book's content, increasing learning opportunities.
