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“Abtahi masterfully weaves an everyday tale that will be familiar to designated translators of all ages from immigrant families. . . . Arnaldo’s bright watercolor and pencil-crayon artwork provides much-needed levity . . . Sensationally true to life.”

– Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

“With its emotionally resonant look at one aspect of immigrant family dynamics, this title is a solid purchase for picture book collections.”

– School Library Journal, Starred Review

“Abtahi’s story about circumstances of bilingual family life that sometimes force children into these adult roles is engagingly rendered in Arnaldo’s colored pencil and watercolor drawings that both reflect the silliness of the situation and neatly show how overwhelmed Cecilia becomes…In addition to nicely balancing an important topic with lighthearted comedy, the book also offers a solution of teamwork that is both thoughtful and respectful to the entire family.”

– Booklist, Starred Review

La Intérprete (The Interpreter)

Written by Olivia Abtahi and David Bowles (Translator)
Illustrated by Monica Arnaldo
Published by Kokila

Cuando Cecilia no está en el campo de futbol marcando goles, acompaña a sus padres a todo tipo de lugares para adultos, como la oficina de licencias de conducir, el despacho del contador y el taller de automóviles. Les ayuda traduciendo del español al inglés y viceversa. Es un trabajo importante e incluso puede ser divertido. También es muy agotador.

A veces, equilibrar sus dos trabajos (disfrutar su niñez y ser intérprete) implica tanta responsabilidad que ¡Cecilia siente que se divide en dos! ¿Es hora de que Cecilia sople su silbato y pida un tiempo muerto?

El ingenioso texto de Olivia Abtahi y las encantadoras ilustraciones de Monica Arnaldo capturan un aspecto común de la vida de las familias inmigrantes y bilingües y, al mismo tiempo, ofrecen un modelo de trabajo en equipo que ayuda a que todos se sientan comprendidos.

Look for the English version, The Interpreter.

Primary ISBN: 9780593859117
Publication Date: January 2025
Available As: Hardcover, Audiobook, eBook
Picture Book, Age 05 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: United States

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 1st Generation

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Engagement Projects & Resources:

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Engagement Materials:

Activity Sheets

Source: Kokila

NPR’s Book of the Day – The Interpreter 

Source: NPR

The Interpreter – Bilingual Read Aloud with the Author

Source: Brightly Storytime