Andrea Cáceres, originally from Venezuela, demonstrates her love of dogs and languages in her debut picture book, My Dog Just Speaks Spanish, a diverting story that also creates a fun opportunity for both English- and Spanish-speaking children to expand their language acquisition.
"When Aurora came to the United States, she learned to speak English." But Nena, her adorable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, only obeys Spanish commands. Cáceres shows the language difference right away: Aurora sits in her room, surrounded by markers, writing notes like "CAMA = BED," "CONEJO = RABBIT," and "HOLA = HELLO." Floppy-eared Nena enters the room and immediately chews up all Aurora's carefully written learning aids. Next, Aurora and Nena head to the park, where Aurora demonstrates Nena's listening skills: when Aurora says "SIÉNTATE," Nena sits; Nena doesn't obey when Aurora says "WAIT," but stays still for "ESPERA." (Observant readers will notice that Nena lets a squirrel escape because she listens to her owner.) When English-speakers can't communicate with Nena, Aurora teaches them Spanish words by drawing on the path with chalk, but she and Nena especially love it when they meet other Spanish-speakers.
Cáceres's digital illustrations have a childlike flair and are filled with textures, speech bubbles, and handwritten bilingual notes. Humans and dogs alike wear giant smiles as the pets run, jump, roll, and give, as Nena knows them, "BESOS." My Dog Just Speaks Spanish is a delightful romp with a beloved pet and a valuable language lesson to boot. --Melinda Greenblatt, freelance book reviewer