A Rainbow of Joy: Our Experience with Colors/Colores by Eric Carle
The sun streams through the window as my little ones, Max (age 3) and Luna (age 5), wind down for the night. After an evening of imaginative play that involved an abundance of stuffed animals and a lot of giggles, we’ve finally settled on the couch, snuggled up under a blanket. As I pull out Colors/Colores by Eric Carle, I can see their eyes light up. The vibrant colors on the cover are like an invitation, offering a promise of adventure we all desperately need after a whirlwind of a day.
This adorable board book is not just about colors; it’s a delightful journey through English and Spanish words, and it brilliantly captures the essence of Eric Carle’s engaging artwork. As we slide the panels to reveal various colors—blue, yellow, red—each page brings a new character to life. Max bursts into laughter when he sees the blue dolphin, and Luna hums happily at the image of the yellow bee, eager to show me how she can say the words in both languages.
Reading Colors/Colores has opened the door to some fascinating discussions. Luna, always the inquisitive one, asks, "Mommy, why do some people speak Spanish?" That simple question leads to a teachable moment about the beauty of languages and cultures, and I can’t help but feel grateful for an experience where we can learn together. Plus, who knew that learning could be so colorful?
The illustrations, as you might expect from Carle, are vibrant and captivating, with thick pages that hold up against tiny fingers (and possibly the occasional drool). Each picture is filled with texture and detail that keeps both kids engaged. As we read, Max had this hilarious moment where he tried to mimic my pronunciation of “amarillo” and ended up making the funniest sound, which sent us both into fits of giggles!
One of my favorite moments came when we reached the page with the orange cat. "Look, Mommy! That’s my friend’s cat! Can we get one?" It’s a moment that showcases how books can spark real-life connections and make reading an interactive experience. I love listening to the imaginative stories they weave around each illustration, giving life to the animals and colors in ways I would have never anticipated.
Colors/Colores is the kind of book I would recommend to any parent with little ones aged 0-5, especially those who are curious and love to explore language. It’s a short but intensely engaging read, perfect for those quick-but-precious moments of connection before bed or nap time.
As we close the book and I tuck my little ones into bed, I reflect on how enriching this reading experience has been. It’s not just about teaching them colors or bilingual words; it’s about nurturing a love for reading and encouraging curiosity about the world around them. Adding this vibrant book to our collection has undoubtedly made its way to becoming a family favorite, and I can’t recommend it enough—we’ll be reading it again and again!
Whether you’re a bilingual family or just someone looking to introduce a second language, Colors/Colores is a delightful, colorful gem that will capture hearts and imaginations for years to come. 🌈🌼
Dive into a colorful adventure with Eric Carle! >>
