Too often, people assume that immigrant children who can’t yet read or write in English may be “behind” or even illiterate. But many immigrant children already have strong literacy skills in their home language; they can read, write, and tell stories with richness and depth. Those skills matter, and they should be honored. Kids deserve access to books in their own language so that their existing literacy is recognized, strengthened, and celebrated.

Language is identity, connection, and culture, and bilingual picture books offer children an opportunity to celebrate and grow both of their languages, while also nurturing a deeper sense of cultural belonging and pride. These books also remind all readers, whether they are multilingual or not, that our world is full of different ways of speaking, reading, and sharing stories.

In this list, you’ll find bilingual picture books that honor and uplift different languages and affirm literacy skills . These stories open doors to understanding, affirm the beauty of multiple languages, and encourage kids to embrace their full selves as readers and storytellers.

Bilingual Picture Books

Find the list on Amazon | Bookshop, or click on the individual titles linked below:

Ukrainian | English

The Story of Ukraine by Olena Kharchenko | Introduces readers to Ukraine through its powerful national anthem, which was once forbidden but now is a symbol of pride, resilience, and freedom. Line by line, the book explains the anthem’s cultural significance while weaving in details about Ukraine’s land, people, and traditions

Bosnian | English

Bus Ride to Nana and Dido’s House by Nidzara Pecenkovic | A child gazes out the window of a moving bus, taking in vibrant scenes of his family’s hometown. Inspired by the author’s roots in Bihać, the whimsical illustrations celebrate the beauty of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the deep connection of the diaspora to their homeland.

Spanish | English

Baby Ballena by Ben Gundersheimer | From her birth in the warm waters of Mexico to her long migration north, Juana the gray whale’s journey is full of wonder and danger. She grows quickly, learns to travel with her pod, and faces challenges like orcas and fishing nets on the way to Alaskan feeding grounds.

Spanglish

How to Speak in Spanglish by Mónica Mancillas | Sami loves speaking both English and Spanish, and especially mixing them together in Spanglish! But when others insist he keep the languages separate, Sami feels torn and frustrated. With encouragement from his family and community, he learns that Spanglish is part of who he is, and that his unique way of speaking is something to celebrate.

Tagalog | English

Filipino Folktales for Children by Zarah C. Gagatiga | This collection of seven Filipino folktales brings to life a world of magical creatures, powerful gods and goddesses, and the bravery of everyday people. Rooted in the Philippines’ rich storytelling tradition, the book also includes free online resources to deepen the experience for readers and learners alike.

Cebuano | English

Kalipay and the Tiniest TikTik by Christina Newhard | Kalipay loves to daydream but struggles with bullies at school, until she meets Gamay, an unusual new friend with bat wings, a split body, and a strange tongue. While others shy away from Gamay’s differences, Kalipay embraces them, and the two form a special bond. Together, they discover that true friendship can rise above fear and teasing.

Hmong | English

Mama’s Little Dearest by Pang Hlub Xiong | A tender love letter from a mother to her baby, this heartfelt board book captures the joy of watching a little one grow up all too quickly.

Chinese | English

Oh No! Chinese School! by Crystal Murakami | Crystal dreads giving up her Saturdays for Chinese school. It feels boring, hard, and pointless when she already speaks English. But when a new boy is teased by a bully, Crystal discovers the power and pride of being bilingual. Maybe learning Chinese is more special than she thought.

Khmer | English

The Cambodian Dancer by Daryn Reicherter | Tells the true story of a Cambodian refugee who survived the Khmer Rouge, built a new life in the U.S., and shared her gift of hope by teaching traditional Cambodian dance to children.

Korean | English

Waiting for Mama by Lee Tae-Jun | This tender, nearly wordless story from Korea follows a small child waiting patiently for Mama at a snowy train station. First published in a 1938 newspaper, the story captures universal themes of patience, love, and reunion.

Japanese | English

Hokusai’s Daughter by Sunny Seki | Tells the inspiring story of Eijo, Hokusai’s youngest daughter, who defies expectations to pursue her passion for art. With grit, determination, and creativity, she proves that girls can create great works of art, thus contributing to her father’s legacy and leaving her own mark on the world.

Vietnamese | English

Mở Ra Là Thấy Tết by Chieu Xuan | Celebrates the Vietnamese Lunar Year by sharing special traditions, decorations, colors, and more.

Indonesian | English

Gecko’s Complaint by Ann Martin Bowler | After restless nights filled with hundreds of noisy fireflies, Gecko turns to Raden, the wise lion leader of the jungle, for help. As Raden listens, he discovers a chorus of complaints from the other animals. Can he restore peace and happiness to the jungles of Bali?

Arabic | English

My Arabic Breakfast by Yasmin Fakhereddin | Little ones will explore numbers while discovering Middle Eastern breakfast foods, building early math skills and enjoying a flavorful introduction to language and culture.

Chamorro | English

The Lost Child by Rufina Ferjan Mendiola | A heartwarming story about Bella, a young girl who feels overlooked in her busy family, but discovers friendship and love in her garden. This book celebrates Chamoru values, highlighting the importance of family, community, and working together.

Cree | English

This Land is a Lullaby by Tonya Simpson | A soothing lullaby that carries children from dusk to sleep, this book celebrates the sounds, sights, and spirit of the Prairies and Plains. Through pointillist illustrations and lyrical text, it honors Indigenous connections to the land and the ancestral gifts of song, dance, and storytelling.

Ojibwe | English

Phoenix Gets Greater by Marty Wilson-Trudeau | Phoenix loves dolls, fabrics, and dancing. Sometimes he feels different and faces teasing, but with support from his family, he learns about Two-Spirit/Niizh Manidoowag in Anishinaabe culture and discovers just how special he truly is.

Diné | English

When We Are Kind by Monique Gray Smith | Celebrates everyday acts of kindness, helping children notice how it feels to give and receive kindness.

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Here’s to raising our young readers and future leaders~

Happy Reading,

Maya