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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

The Interpreter

Written by Olivia Abtahi
Illustrated by Monica Arnaldo
Published by Kokila

Some kids have one job: to be a kid! Cecilia has two. When she isn’t on the soccer field scoring goals, Cecilia accompanies her parents to all kinds of grown-up places that her teammates don’t go to, like the DMV, the accountant’s office, and the auto shop. She helps them translate from Spanish to English and from English to Spanish. It can be fun, but often it’s really hard work.

Sometimes Cecilia’s second job is so much responsibility, it feels like she’ll split in two! That is, until she calls a time out.

Olivia Abtahi’s clever text and Monica Arnaldo’s charming illustrations capture a common aspect of life for immigrant and bilingual families while offering a model for teamwork that helps everyone feel understood.

Look for the Spanish version, La Intérprete.

Primary ISBN: 9780593620441
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