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“Written in English and with Spanish translations, this story is meant to highlight the experience of families caught up in between two languages, and to make bilingual children feel seen, appreciated and to recognize their ability to speak in two languages as the superpower it can be!”

—Mirelle Ortega, author/illustrator of Magic: Once Upon a Faraway Land, a Pura Belpré Honor Book.

“Great Story to relate! A story that highlights family relationships, language and culture. Sign me up!”

—Nomar Pérez, author/illustrator of the Pura Belpré Honor Book, Coquí in the City

Tío Ricky Doesn’t Speak English / Tío Ricky No Habla Inglés

Written by Maritere R. Bellas
Illustrated by Jayri Gómez
Published by Lil' Libros

Meet Enrique, a bilingual boy who finds speaking Spanish a chore…until he discovers it’s the superpower he needs to save his uncle—and the day!

Knock, knock! Tío Ricky is in town and he needs his nephew Enrique’s help! He doesn’t speak any English, so his nephew has to translate for him at the store, the post office, and the bank. But speaking Spanish feels like such a chore…until Enrique finds himself in a situation where his bilingual skills become life-saving. Enrique soon discovers that speaking two languages isn’t just helpful—it’s powerful, and it can strengthen family ties in ways he never imagined. It’s a heartwarming story in English and Spanish that shows you don’t need a superhero cape to be a hero!

Parents will adore this bilingual English-Spanish hardcover as it spotlights a nephew-uncle relationship in which language barriers know no boundaries. As well, this book showcases the genuine importance of speaking two languages, encouraging bilingualism in our future generations, and the power behind translation, especially between multigenerational individuals.

Primary ISBN: 9781962227261
Publication Date: October 2025
Available As: Hardcover
Picture Book, Age 04 or older

Community Represented:

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

Setting: United States

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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