Instagram story viewer> @latinaboomermom> Posts

Maritere R. Bellas | Bilingual Mentor & Speaker

@latinaboomermom

20.3K

followers

5066

following

🏅Award Winning Author 📚
🇵🇷Language & Culture Advocate
🎙️Mamas 411 Podcast
💞Nurturing Bilingual Familias

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

Are you using books to help you prepare your child for the new school year? As promised earlier this week, below a list of books for different age groups, that can help. Including books in Spanish, English and bilingual. Thank you @mamallamalinguist, @atlos_amigos_books, @spanishatcedarhill @atmrscabellosc and @lunaspress for adding book suggestions to my list! For a more comprehensive list of back to school themed books in Spanish, click the link in my bio under mamallamalinguist. Thank you, Corrie!

- Yefferson, Actually by Katherine Trejo and Scott Martin-Rowe, ages 8 and up;

- Rene has two last names/Rene tiene dos apellidos by Rene Colato Lainez,bilingual, ages 5-6.

- El Potrillo Rebelde by Almaris Alonso-Claudio, for ages 4 and up;

- Happy Within/Feliz por dentro by Marisa J. Taylor for ages 4 and up;

- Una escuela tan grande como el mundo by Gianni Rodari, ages 3 and up;

- Dear Teacher: A Funny Back To School Book For Kids About First Day Jitters by Amy Husband, ages 4 and up;

- Nuestra Clase es una Familia (Spanish Edition) by Shannon Olsen, ages 5 and up.

- Anamari en la Escuela Grande (Spanish Edition) by Ana Zablah, ages 5 and up.

- Moony Luna / Luna, Lunita Lunera (English and Spanish Edition) by Jorge Argueta - ages 4-7

- Isabel and Her Colores Go to School by Alesandra Alessandri, bilingual, for ages 4 and up.

- ENE o No by Alonso Nuñez, bilingual, for ages 2-5

What book are you reading to your kids lately? Can they be added to this list? ¡Cuéntame! by @latinaboomermom

614

67

4 years ago

If I am raising bilingual, which language should have reading priority?

I get this question quite often. The answer? Children can be exposed to reading in two languages simultaneously. In fact, experts agree that there is no magic approach. Some children learn to read both languages at the same time and others learn sequentially, becoming more fluent readers in one language first, then the second language.

Research does agree that if one of the child's languages is stronger than the other, they should learn to read in that language first. So, if a family's majority language at home is Spanish, then the child should learn to read in Spanish first. While she hones reading skills in Spanish, basic English reading skills will catch up.

Bilingual speech pathologist Liliana Vazquez, @bilingualspeechie agrees, "Parents need to understand that there is no correct method but there are some points to consider. For example, first language literacy. If parents are focusing on Spanish first, which is strongly related to the success of second language learning, the outcome for that child to learn how to read in English would be higher because he has had that foundational base in one language. We know there is that transfer of skills into that second language. They will learn how to read in English, no question, no confusion, no doubts!"

The idea is that we make reading part of their language learning routine, that we make time for reading in both languages, if possible, or maybe alternate reading language days, and that we find fun opportunities to expose children to the beauty of reading so we help them build vocabulary while they develop confidence in their reading skills.

Yet, if reading in Spanish is a top priority for your familia, there are many Spanish language and bilingual children's books and materials available that can help give your child a head start. Happy to email you a list if you dm me.

What language should your child start reading first? Let's just say it is up to your family's language plan and agree that what matters is that children are exposed to reading! by @latinaboomermom

2k

96

4 years ago

Feliz Cumple Tio Ricky!!
We read and celebrated “Tio Ricky doesn’t speak English” at @honey_rock_books_and_cafe_ !
Author: @latinaboomermom
Illustrator: @jayrisart
Publisher: @lil_libros taken in Honey Rock Books and Cafe by @latinaboomermom

44

6

2 days ago

¡Feliz Primer Cumpleaños a Tío Ricky!

Happy First Book Birthday, Tío Ricky!

Still need a copy for your home, school and/or local library? Make sure to order at one of the indie bookstores that has been part of our journey.
Comment INDIE and I will share the list!

¡Sigamos celebrando a Tío Ricky Doesn’t Speak English/Tío Ricky no habla inglés!

#TioRickyBilingualBook #TíoRickyBookFirstBirthday #LanguageandCulture #MaritereWrites by @latinaboomermom

52

18

2 days ago

Mi humilde gratitud a todas las librerías independientes y espacios comerciales que han apoyado “Tío Ricky Doesn’t Speak English / Tío Ricky no habla inglés” durante este último año!

Su apoyo ayuda a que nuestras historias, la riqueza de nuestros idiomas y la belleza de nuestras culturas lleguen a más familias y encuentren un lugar especial en sus hogares.

¡Gracias de corazón por ser parte de este hermoso camino!

A heartfelt THANK YOU to all the independent bookstores and retail spaces that have supported “Tío Ricky Doesn’t Speak English / Tío Ricky no habla inglés” this past year! Your support helps our stories, the richness of our languages, and the beauty of our cultures find a home in the hands of more families. Thank you for being part of the journey!

#TíoRickyBilingualBook #TíoRickyFirstBookBirthday #LanguageandCulture
#LilLibros #MaritereWrites by @latinaboomermom

36

12

3 days ago

Infinitamente agradecida por todo el apoyo para el libro de Tío Ricky este año.

Todos ustedes han contribuido a que su mensaje llegara a miles de familias y que hoy día, un año después, sea uno de los favoritos de muchos niños bilingües en diferentes lugares del mundo, incluyendo Estados Unidos, Puerto Rico, España, Inglaterra y más.

Thank YOU for making Tío Ricky a favorite read! Your support has impacted the lives of many children and I am forever grateful! ¡Viva “Tío Ricky Doesn't Speak English/Tío Ricky no habla inglés”!

#TíoRickyBilingualBook #TíoRickyFirstBookBirthday #LanguageandCulture
#LilLibros #MaritereWrites by @latinaboomermom

42

20

3 days ago

If you’ve ever had to translate for a family member, you’ll probably relate to este 𝓁𝒾𝒷𝓇𝑜!

When Tío Ricky comes to visit, his nephew finds himself translating everywhere they go. And he’s not exactly happy about it! But when an unexpected medical emergency arises, he doesn’t hesitate to help because, at the end of the day, that’s what 𝒻𝒶𝓂𝒾𝓁𝒾𝒶𝓈 do.

A sweet reminder that being bilingual is such a wonderful skill to have, even when it feels like 𝓉𝓇𝒶𝒷𝒶𝒿𝑜!

And this week marks 𝑒𝓈𝓉𝑒 𝓁𝒾𝒷𝓇𝑜’s FIRST birthday! Y @latinaboomermom is working hard to get 𝑒𝓈𝓉𝑒 𝓁𝒾𝒷𝓇𝑜 on the NYT Children’s Best Sellers list, so what better time to show 𝑒𝓈𝓉𝑒 𝒸𝓊𝑒𝓃𝓉𝑜 some love?

Tio Ricky Doesn’t Speak English
Author: @latinaboomermom
Illustrator: @jayrisart
Publisher: @lil_libros by @latinaboomermom

32

3

3 days ago

¿Quién es el Tío Ricky de tu familia?

En muchas familias hay un abuelo, una abuela, un tío o alguien muy especial que no habla inglés, pero que siempre encuentra la manera de hacerse entender y, sobre todo, de demostrar su cariño.

Y es que hay conexiones que van mucho más allá de las palabras.

Son esas conversaciones entre dos idiomas, las ocurrencias, las tradiciones y los pequeños momentos compartidos los que se convierten en recuerdos inolvidables.

“Tío Ricky Doesn’t Speak English /Tío Ricky” no habla inglés celebra esos lazos que unen a nuestras familias, el orgullo por nuestras raíces y la importancia de transmitir nuestra cultura de una generación a otra.

Además de reconocer el súper poder de ser bilingüe.

A ver, quiero que me cuentes historia.

¿Quién es el Tío Ricky de tu familia? ¿Tienes algún recuerdo divertido o especial con esa persona?

¡Compártelo en los comentarios! Me encantará leerte y celebrar contigo esas historias que hacen única a cada familia.

Who is the Tío Ricky in your family? Do you a fun or special language memory with that person that you want to share in the comments? I would love to learn more about your family’s language history! ¡Cuéntame!

Two languages. Same love.

Let’s keep making noise and spreading the word to help “Tío Ricky Doesn’t Speak English / Tío Ricky no habla inglés” get considered for the NYT Best Sellers List in the Children’s category! 📚🎉

Let’s keep the momentum going, mi gente! Every purchase, review, recommendation, and share makes a difference. ¡Vamos con todo! 💪❤️

#TioRickyBilingualBook #BilingualFamilies #LatinaBoomerMom #TíoRickyBookFirstBirthday by @latinaboomermom

23

2

4 days ago

Happy 1st Birthday, Tío Ricky!

¡Esta semana estamos de celebración!

Hace un año nació Tío Ricky Doesn’t Speak English / no habla inglés, una historia muy especial que celebra nuestras raíces, el bilingüismo y esos vínculos familiares que trascienden los idiomas y las generaciones.

Ha sido un año maravilloso compartiendo esta historia con familias que, de una manera u otra, se identifican con Tío Ricky y con el amor que une a nuestras familias latinas.

Gracias a todos los que han acompañado a Tío Ricky durante este primer año, por cada mensaje, cada reseña virtual y escrita, cada palabra de cariño y por abrirle las puertas de sus hogares, de sus librerías, sus bibliotecas.

And the celebration is just getting started! Let’s get Tío Ricky Doesn't Speak English/Tío Ricky no habla inglés on the NYT Best Sellers, Children’s Category list!
Who’s with me? 🙋🏻‍♀️📚❤️”

Durante esta semana estaremos celebrando con historias, recuerdos y algunas sorpresas.

Y si todavía no conoces a Tío Ricky, ¡este es el momento perfecto para descubrirlo y compartir su historia con los pequeños de la familia! ¡Perfecto para añadir a tu lista de regalos de Navidad y Los Tres Reyes Magos!!

One year of stories, family, love and bilingual super power! Here’s to many more!

Con mucho, mucho amor,
Maritere

@Lil_Libros

#TioRickyBilingualBook #KidLit #LatinaBoomerMom #LilLibros #Literaturainfantil by @latinaboomermom

129

31

5 days ago

What a treat to visit the oldest indie bookstore in LA today! @chevaliersbooks

Thank you, co-owner Patty Lombard, for inviting me to share Tío Ricky with your community! Thrilled to have my book featured on your bookstore’s shelves!

Need signed copies of Tío Ricky Doesn’t Speak English/Tío Ricky no habla inglés? Reach out to Chevalier Bookstore! 😀

Happy Sunday, mi gente!

#TíoRickyBilingualBook #kidlit #shoplocal #teachers #Authorlife by @latinaboomermom

102

1

6 days ago

As a proud advisory board member of “Read Your World”, I invite you to join us in the fight to protect every child’s freedom to read! 📚❤️

Are you with me?! Spread the word, stand up for the freedom to read, and LET BOOKS BE!

Como orgullosa integrante del consejo asesor de “Read Your World”, ¡te invito a unirte a nosotros en la lucha por proteger el derecho de todos los niños a leer libremente! 📚❤️

¿Cuento contigo? ¡Corre la voz, defiende la libertad de leer!

@readyourworldmcbd
@weneeddiversebooks

#Consejito #LetBooksBe #BannedBooksWeek #ReadYourWorld by @latinaboomermom

38

6

8 days ago

✨ I’m officially a speaker at Latina 2.0 Summit 2026! 🎤

I’m so excited to join this bilingual online experience October 22–24, bringing together Latinas who are ready to grow, connect, and take their next step. 🪷

I’ll be sharing my session, “From Writer to Author: Perspectives from an Award-Winning Author,” part of thrive experience. ¡Esta corta presentación ¡es totalmente en español!

In my session, we’ll explore the journey from writer to author, and you’ll walk away with insights and encouragement to take the next step in your own writing journey.

I said yes to Latina 2.0 because I believe our our voices deserve to be heard. I can’t wait to learn alongside other Latinas, share our experiences, and remind each other that we don’t have to build our dreams alone. 💕

💻 100% online | Bilingual experience

🎟️ Want to join me? Comment SUMMIT and I will dm you the link!

💕 As a Summit speaker and affiliate, I earn a commission when you purchase a pass through my link. You’ll also get $5 off a Summit or Insider Pass (no coupon needed)

¡Nos vemos en Latina 2.0!!

#Latina20Summit
#LatinaCommunity
#LatinaVoices
#LatinaEntrepreneurs
#AuthorLife by @latinaboomermom

64

15

9 days ago