I'm Hungry! / ¡Tengo hambre!
#2 in Maria & Nico Series
What’s inside...
A bilingual picture book featuring a chatty bluebird and an indecisive T. Rex who is struggling to decide on his next meal. The story introduces readers to basic Spanish and English food vocabulary as the bluebird offers various food options to the hungry dinosaur. Despite suggestions like bananas and fish, nothing seems to satisfy the T. Rex. In addition to exploring food vocabulary, the story highlights the themes of friendship and understanding as the bluebird helps the dinosaur find not only the right food but also the right friend. The book is perfect for fans of 'We Don't Eat Our Classmates' and 'Stegothesaurus'.
Discussion points
What do you think the caterpillar feels when it says, 'I'm hungry'? Can you describe a time you felt the same way?
How do the different foods in the book help the caterpillar grow? Why is it important to eat a variety of foods?
What are some of your favorite foods, and how do they make you feel?
If you were to help the caterpillar find food, what would you suggest and why?
How did the story change when we read it in Spanish? Did any words sound similar to their English counterparts?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading: Change your tone and pitch to match the emotions and actions in the story, making the reading experience more dynamic and engaging.
Encourage empathy: Ask your child how they think the caterpillar feels at different points in the story, helping them connect emotionally with the character.
Discuss personal connections: Relate the caterpillar’s experiences to your child’s life, such as times when they were very hungry or tried new foods.
Explore language: Take the opportunity to discuss any Spanish words in the book, explaining their meanings and encouraging your child to use them in sentences.
Use visual aids: Point to the illustrations when discussing the types of food the caterpillar eats, helping your child make visual connections with the text.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Language skills development
Explanation: The bilingual format of 'I'm Hungry! / ¡Tengo hambre!' introduces basic English and Spanish vocabulary related to food and expressions of hunger, fostering language acquisition.
Real-World Application: Children can practice using new language skills in everyday situations, such as meal times, enhancing their bilingual communication abilities.
Example Lesson: Expression of needs
Explanation: The protagonist in the book clearly communicates hunger, teaching children the importance of expressing their own needs effectively.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to articulate their feelings and needs to parents and caregivers, promoting healthier emotional development and self-awareness.
Example Lesson: Cultural appreciation
Explanation: By featuring a common theme like hunger in both English and Spanish contexts, the book encourages appreciation and respect for different cultures and languages.
Real-World Application: Children can embrace diversity in their classrooms and communities, respecting and valuing different cultural backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The story follows the character’s quest to satisfy hunger, showcasing simple problem-solving steps.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to think critically and creatively about solving everyday problems they encounter.