{"id":4789760589903,"title":"We Laugh Alike \/ Juntos nos reímos","handle":"we-laugh-alike","description":"\u003ch6\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/carmen-bernier-grand\"\u003eCarmen T. Bernier-Grand\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/alyssa-bermudez\"\u003eAlyssa Bermudez\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTwo languages. One playground. Now what?\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThree kids are playing at the park when three more arrive. The groups can't understand each other because one trio speaks only English and the other only Spanish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCan they find a way to play? ¡Sí, se pueden! Con sonrisas, los amigos learn that they are more alike than different. With music, laughter, a jump rope, and an open mind, no necesitan palabras. This playground adventure from celebrated author Carmen T. Bernier-Grand is propelled by cleverly integrated Spanish and English dialogue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these: \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/mario-and-the-hole-in-the-sky\"\u003eMario and the Hole in the Sky\u003c\/a\u003e \/ \u003ca href=\"\/products\/mario-y-el-agujero-en-el-cielo\"\u003eMario y el agujero en el cielo\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/maya-papaya-and-her-amigos-play-dress-up\"\u003eMaya Papaya and Her Amigos Play Dress-Up\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/mario-y-el-agujero-en-el-cielo\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/im-new-here\"\u003eI'm New Here\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/someone-new\"\u003eSomeone New\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e [TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"cvr-border-gray\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/we-laugh-alike-spread.jpg?v=1600279485\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e \u003cscript src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-shape=\"round\" defer async=\"\" type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"medium-cover\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"We Laugh Alike \/ Juntos nos reímos book cover\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/we-laugh-alike-cover.jpg?v=1600279485\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/we-laugh-alike-cover-hires.jpg.zip?v=1600279487\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCarmen T. Bernier-Grand, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarmen T. Bernier-Grand is the author of numerous books for children, including \u003cem\u003ePicasso: I The King, Yo el rey; Alicia Alonso: Prima Ballerina; \u003c\/em\u003eand\u003cem\u003e Diego: Bigger than Life\u003c\/em\u003e, a Pura Belpré honor book. She speaks about her work and the history of Puerto Rico, where she grew up, to elementary students. She lives in Portland, Oregon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/carmen-bernier-grand\"\u003eRead more \u003c\/a\u003eabout Carmen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlyssa Bermudez, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlyssa Bermudez has illustrated several books for children, including the two Lucía Luchadora books, the Amelia Chamelia series, and \u003cem\u003eMy Singing Nana\u003c\/em\u003e. She studied illustration and animation at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Alyssa was born and raised in New York City; she has Puerto Rican family roots and currently lives in Tasmania, Australia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/alyssa-bermudez\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Alyssa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComing soon!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo groups of friends, one that speaks English, the other speaking Spanish, encounter each other at the park and learn to communicate through the language of play. The two languages are reflected in a responsive dual text, though not an exact translation, that allows readers to engage with each group’s thinking and understanding. “We listen to the other kids, even though we don’t understand a word of Spanish. \/ Escuchamos a los tres niños, aunque no sabemos inglés.” The literal translations are: “Escuchamos a los otros niños, a pesar de no entender una palabra de español. \/ We listen to the three children, even though we don’t know English.” The two groups—both racially diverse—cautiously observe each other and then each begins to learn the other’s games until they are counting, jumping rope, dancing, singing, and playing together. The cheery art using scanned textures and bold colors highlights the activity, setting it in a city park in the shadow of numerous skyscrapers. The simple, dual text works well to establish the concept that these children have much in common. But the wording of the English title, We Laugh Alike, is awkward in comparison to the Spanish version, which translates as Together We Laugh and jibes better with the spirit of the story. Nevertheless, the children are alike in their eagerness to befriend one another and laugh together. A sweet demonstration of how friendship can transcend language barriers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eBooklist\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this playful spin on the bilingual format, three English-speaking friends go to play at the park, where a Spanish-speaking trio soon shows up. Each group is curious about the other, but for the first half of the story, they keep to different sides of the park, saying the same things in their respective languages, thus naturally incorporating the translation into the text. For example, when the English-speaking kids say, “They know how to jump rope! But we don’t understand their rhyme,” the Spanish-speaking kids also say, “Nuestro rima los invita a saltar con nosotros, pero no now hacen caso.” Before long, kids from both groups are gesturing to one another to come play, bringing everyone together. Colorful illustrations showcase the similarities among the racially diverse kids, who easily find ways to connect that go beyond language. Yet, the kids don’t stop there; they spend time learning each other’s songs and rhymes. A glossary and author’s note rounds out this encouraging demonstration of overcoming language barriers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-096-8\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE-book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-63289-847-0 EPUB\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 5-8\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 32\u003cbr\u003e10 x 10\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]","published_at":"2020-09-16T15:13:55-04:00","created_at":"2020-09-16T13:59:54-04:00","vendor":"Charlesbridge","type":"Children's Book","tags":["Browse by Age_Ages 3-6","Browse by Age_Ages 6-10","Browse by Fiction\/Nonfiction_Fiction","Browse by Format_Picture Book","Browse by Language_English","Browse by Language_Spanish\/Bilingual","Browse by Subject_Diversity","Browse by Subject_Life Lessons \u0026 Skills","Browse by Subject_Poetry \u0026 Language","Browse by Subject_Social Studies\/Cultures","Browse by Subject_Story Time \u0026 Play"],"price":1799,"price_min":1799,"price_max":1799,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":32595516194895,"title":"Hardcover","option1":"Hardcover","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"40968","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":15655679328335,"product_id":4789760589903,"position":1,"created_at":"2020-09-16T14:18:54-04:00","updated_at":"2021-01-27T12:46:45-05:00","alt":"We Laugh Alike \/ Juntos nos reímos book cover image","width":1500,"height":1500,"src":"\/\/www.charlesbridgeteen.com\/cdn\/shop\/products\/WeLaughJuntos_Not-FNL_CVRnew.jpg?v=1611769605","variant_ids":[32595516194895]},"available":true,"name":"We Laugh Alike \/ Juntos nos reímos - Hardcover","public_title":"Hardcover","options":["Hardcover"],"price":1799,"weight":369,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_quantity":8,"inventory_management":"shopify","inventory_policy":"continue","barcode":"978-1-62354-096-8","featured_media":{"alt":"We Laugh Alike \/ Juntos nos reímos book cover image","id":7829394948175,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1500,"width":1500,"src":"\/\/www.charlesbridgeteen.com\/cdn\/shop\/products\/WeLaughJuntos_Not-FNL_CVRnew.jpg?v=1611769605"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.charlesbridgeteen.com\/cdn\/shop\/products\/WeLaughJuntos_Not-FNL_CVRnew.jpg?v=1611769605"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.charlesbridgeteen.com\/cdn\/shop\/products\/WeLaughJuntos_Not-FNL_CVRnew.jpg?v=1611769605","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":"We Laugh Alike \/ Juntos nos reímos book cover image","id":7829394948175,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1500,"width":1500,"src":"\/\/www.charlesbridgeteen.com\/cdn\/shop\/products\/WeLaughJuntos_Not-FNL_CVRnew.jpg?v=1611769605"},"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1500,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.charlesbridgeteen.com\/cdn\/shop\/products\/WeLaughJuntos_Not-FNL_CVRnew.jpg?v=1611769605","width":1500}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003ch6\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/carmen-bernier-grand\"\u003eCarmen T. Bernier-Grand\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/alyssa-bermudez\"\u003eAlyssa Bermudez\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTwo languages. One playground. Now what?\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThree kids are playing at the park when three more arrive. The groups can't understand each other because one trio speaks only English and the other only Spanish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCan they find a way to play? ¡Sí, se pueden! Con sonrisas, los amigos learn that they are more alike than different. With music, laughter, a jump rope, and an open mind, no necesitan palabras. This playground adventure from celebrated author Carmen T. Bernier-Grand is propelled by cleverly integrated Spanish and English dialogue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these: \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/mario-and-the-hole-in-the-sky\"\u003eMario and the Hole in the Sky\u003c\/a\u003e \/ \u003ca href=\"\/products\/mario-y-el-agujero-en-el-cielo\"\u003eMario y el agujero en el cielo\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/maya-papaya-and-her-amigos-play-dress-up\"\u003eMaya Papaya and Her Amigos Play Dress-Up\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/mario-y-el-agujero-en-el-cielo\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/im-new-here\"\u003eI'm New Here\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/someone-new\"\u003eSomeone New\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e [TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"cvr-border-gray\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/we-laugh-alike-spread.jpg?v=1600279485\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e \u003cscript src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-shape=\"round\" defer async=\"\" type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"medium-cover\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"We Laugh Alike \/ Juntos nos reímos book cover\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/we-laugh-alike-cover.jpg?v=1600279485\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/we-laugh-alike-cover-hires.jpg.zip?v=1600279487\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCarmen T. Bernier-Grand, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarmen T. Bernier-Grand is the author of numerous books for children, including \u003cem\u003ePicasso: I The King, Yo el rey; Alicia Alonso: Prima Ballerina; \u003c\/em\u003eand\u003cem\u003e Diego: Bigger than Life\u003c\/em\u003e, a Pura Belpré honor book. She speaks about her work and the history of Puerto Rico, where she grew up, to elementary students. She lives in Portland, Oregon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/carmen-bernier-grand\"\u003eRead more \u003c\/a\u003eabout Carmen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlyssa Bermudez, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlyssa Bermudez has illustrated several books for children, including the two Lucía Luchadora books, the Amelia Chamelia series, and \u003cem\u003eMy Singing Nana\u003c\/em\u003e. She studied illustration and animation at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Alyssa was born and raised in New York City; she has Puerto Rican family roots and currently lives in Tasmania, Australia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/alyssa-bermudez\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Alyssa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComing soon!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo groups of friends, one that speaks English, the other speaking Spanish, encounter each other at the park and learn to communicate through the language of play. The two languages are reflected in a responsive dual text, though not an exact translation, that allows readers to engage with each group’s thinking and understanding. “We listen to the other kids, even though we don’t understand a word of Spanish. \/ Escuchamos a los tres niños, aunque no sabemos inglés.” The literal translations are: “Escuchamos a los otros niños, a pesar de no entender una palabra de español. \/ We listen to the three children, even though we don’t know English.” The two groups—both racially diverse—cautiously observe each other and then each begins to learn the other’s games until they are counting, jumping rope, dancing, singing, and playing together. The cheery art using scanned textures and bold colors highlights the activity, setting it in a city park in the shadow of numerous skyscrapers. The simple, dual text works well to establish the concept that these children have much in common. But the wording of the English title, We Laugh Alike, is awkward in comparison to the Spanish version, which translates as Together We Laugh and jibes better with the spirit of the story. Nevertheless, the children are alike in their eagerness to befriend one another and laugh together. A sweet demonstration of how friendship can transcend language barriers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eBooklist\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this playful spin on the bilingual format, three English-speaking friends go to play at the park, where a Spanish-speaking trio soon shows up. Each group is curious about the other, but for the first half of the story, they keep to different sides of the park, saying the same things in their respective languages, thus naturally incorporating the translation into the text. For example, when the English-speaking kids say, “They know how to jump rope! But we don’t understand their rhyme,” the Spanish-speaking kids also say, “Nuestro rima los invita a saltar con nosotros, pero no now hacen caso.” Before long, kids from both groups are gesturing to one another to come play, bringing everyone together. Colorful illustrations showcase the similarities among the racially diverse kids, who easily find ways to connect that go beyond language. Yet, the kids don’t stop there; they spend time learning each other’s songs and rhymes. A glossary and author’s note rounds out this encouraging demonstration of overcoming language barriers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-096-8\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE-book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-63289-847-0 EPUB\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 5-8\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 32\u003cbr\u003e10 x 10\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]"}

We Laugh Alike / Juntos nos reímos


By: Carmen T. Bernier-Grand / Illustrated by: Alyssa Bermudez

Two languages. One playground. Now what?

Three kids are playing at the park when three more arrive. The groups can't understand each other because one trio speaks only English and the other only Spanish.

Can they find a way to play? ¡Sí, se pueden! Con sonrisas, los amigos learn that they are more alike than different. With music, laughter, a jump rope, and an open mind, no necesitan palabras. This playground adventure from celebrated author Carmen T. Bernier-Grand is propelled by cleverly integrated Spanish and English dialogue.

Maximum quantity available reached.

Carmen T. Bernier-Grand, author

Carmen T. Bernier-Grand is the author of numerous books for children, including Picasso: I The King, Yo el rey; Alicia Alonso: Prima Ballerina; and Diego: Bigger than Life, a Pura Belpré honor book. She speaks about her work and the history of Puerto Rico, where she grew up, to elementary students. She lives in Portland, Oregon.

Read more about Carmen.


Alyssa Bermudez, illustrator

Alyssa Bermudez has illustrated several books for children, including the two Lucía Luchadora books, the Amelia Chamelia series, and My Singing Nana. She studied illustration and animation at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Alyssa was born and raised in New York City; she has Puerto Rican family roots and currently lives in Tasmania, Australia.

Read more about Alyssa.

  • Coming soon!

Kirkus Reviews

Two groups of friends, one that speaks English, the other speaking Spanish, encounter each other at the park and learn to communicate through the language of play. The two languages are reflected in a responsive dual text, though not an exact translation, that allows readers to engage with each group’s thinking and understanding. “We listen to the other kids, even though we don’t understand a word of Spanish. / Escuchamos a los tres niños, aunque no sabemos inglés.” The literal translations are: “Escuchamos a los otros niños, a pesar de no entender una palabra de español. / We listen to the three children, even though we don’t know English.” The two groups—both racially diverse—cautiously observe each other and then each begins to learn the other’s games until they are counting, jumping rope, dancing, singing, and playing together. The cheery art using scanned textures and bold colors highlights the activity, setting it in a city park in the shadow of numerous skyscrapers. The simple, dual text works well to establish the concept that these children have much in common. But the wording of the English title, We Laugh Alike, is awkward in comparison to the Spanish version, which translates as Together We Laugh and jibes better with the spirit of the story. Nevertheless, the children are alike in their eagerness to befriend one another and laugh together. A sweet demonstration of how friendship can transcend language barriers.

Booklist

In this playful spin on the bilingual format, three English-speaking friends go to play at the park, where a Spanish-speaking trio soon shows up. Each group is curious about the other, but for the first half of the story, they keep to different sides of the park, saying the same things in their respective languages, thus naturally incorporating the translation into the text. For example, when the English-speaking kids say, “They know how to jump rope! But we don’t understand their rhyme,” the Spanish-speaking kids also say, “Nuestro rima los invita a saltar con nosotros, pero no now hacen caso.” Before long, kids from both groups are gesturing to one another to come play, bringing everyone together. Colorful illustrations showcase the similarities among the racially diverse kids, who easily find ways to connect that go beyond language. Yet, the kids don’t stop there; they spend time learning each other’s songs and rhymes. A glossary and author’s note rounds out this encouraging demonstration of overcoming language barriers.

Hardcover
ISBN: 978-1-62354-096-8

E-book
ISBN: 978-1-63289-847-0 EPUB

Ages: 5-8
Page count: 32
10 x 10