¡Vamos! Let's Go to the Market
#1 of 7 in Little Lobo Series
What’s inside...
This bilingual board book follows Little Lobo and his dog Bernabe as they deliver supplies to vendors in a bustling border town marketplace. Readers will learn simple Spanish words while exploring the diverse offerings of the market, such as sweets, sombreros, portraits, piñatas, carved masks, and comic books. The book is an Eisner Award Nominee and a Pura Belpré Award Honor Book.
Discussion points
What are some of the different places and people Little Lobo visits in the market? How do they all contribute to the market's lively atmosphere?
How do the bilingual signs and conversations in the story help you understand the culture in the book? Why do you think the author chose to include both English and Spanish?
What are some of the words you learned in Spanish from this book? Can you think of a sentence using one of those new words?
How does Little Lobo show kindness and helpfulness during his day at the market? Can you think of a time when you did something similar?
What was your favorite part of the market adventure and why? What would you like to explore if you were there?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to point out elements in the illustrations that catch their eye—this can lead to deeper discussions about the culture and activities in the story.
Discuss the bilingual text, explaining unfamiliar Spanish words. This not only enhances vocabulary but also exposes your child to a new language in a fun way.
Relate the marketplace experiences in the book to personal experiences, perhaps from a family market visit, to bridge the connection between book events and real-life scenarios.
Ask your child how they would help the characters in the story if they were part of that market day, fostering empathy and problem-solving skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: The story is set in a bustling border town market, exposing children to vibrant Latino culture and language.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect diverse cultures and languages, promoting inclusivity in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of Community
Explanation: The protagonist, Little Lobo, interacts with various vendors and community members, showcasing the value of community support.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value and participate in their own communities, understanding the importance of supporting local businesses and neighbors.
Example Lesson: Learning New Languages
Explanation: Spanish words are interspersed throughout the English text, providing children an opportunity to learn new vocabulary in a fun way.
Real-World Application: Kids can use this bilingual exposure to enhance their language skills and potentially develop better communication abilities with a broader range of people.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Little Lobo is entrusted with making deliveries at the market, teaching kids about responsibility through his tasks.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the value of fulfilling commitments and being reliable in both school projects and household chores.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: The lively market setting invites exploration, with Little Lobo discovering new stalls and items, stimulating curiosity.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore and be curious about their surroundings, promoting learning through discovery in everyday life.