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“A charming and authentic celebration of everyday bilingual family life. . . . The text and the illustrations adeptly work side-by-side. . . . This book is great for all ages and should find a home in every public library and school library setting.”

—School Library Journal

My Daddy Speaks English, Mamá Habla Español

Written by Mariane Rodriguez Dolce
Illustrated by Joe Cepeda
Published by Holiday House

A fun rhyming picture book that celebrates bilingual households.

Early en la mañana,
Mamà drinks café.
Mi hermana drinks juice,
And Daddy drinks té.

Written with a combination of English and Spanish words that reflects the speech of a bilingual family, this story follows a child through her busy day–breakfast with Mommy, Daddy, and big sister; at the library with Grandma; buying groceries with Mommy; dinner time; bathtime; storytime; and bedtime. Every event is filled with love and joy. Then she dreams sweet dreams–in both English and Spanish, of course! A glossary is included.

Born and raised in Puerto Rico and now living in Florida, the author was inspired to write My Daddy Speaks English, Mamá Habla Español, by a desire to teach her daughter to appreciate her father’s American culture as well as her own Hispanic culture. Charming illustrations depicting the loving bilingual household in this book are by Joe Cepeda, whose work has received many honors including a Pura Belpré Honor and a Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor.

Primary ISBN: 9780823457816
Publication Date: November 2025
Available As: Hardcover
Picture Book, Age 04 or older

Community Represented:

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

Setting: United States (Florida)

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

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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