Gathering the Sun: An Alphabet in Spanish and English

10.16.2015

FOR THE WEEKEND, share this fun title with your child! 


Gathering the Sun: An Alphabet in Spanish and English is appropriate for children 4-8 and is a perfect book to curl up on the couch under a blanket with this fall.


Summary:
Gathering the Sun: An Alphabet in Spanish and English is a collection of poems in Spanish and English, one for each letter of the alphabet describing farms and harvest. The beautiful book from author Alma Flor Ada is perfect alongside the traditional style paintings of Simon Silva on each page, drenched in bold, warm colors which help bring the poetry to life.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Take a Picture Walk/Sequencing:
As you read through Gathering the Sun: An Alphabet in Spanish and English, use the beautiful paintings to ask your child what they think that page’s poem might be about. For an older child, you can also try sequencing and working on alphabetical order. Help your child remember what letter was on the previous page and try to figure out what letter the poem on the next page will start with.

Do this with your child:
Read through the poems in Gathering the Sun: An Alphabet in Spanish and English in the language you are more comfortable with, then try the other language. Practice the titles of each poem in English and Spanish with your child. It’s a good possibility that you will both be exposed to something new and different. It’s okay if you’re unsure of some of the words, that is how we learn!

If you’re interested in sharing Gathering the Sun: An Alphabet in Spanish and English with your child you can find it from Harper Collins Publishers here.

Like illustrator Simon Silva on Facebook and follow him on Twitter.

Related Posts

06.18.2025

The Best Reading and Family Engagement Programs for Children Ages 0–8

Strong reading skills are the foundation for success—but they don’t develop in the classroom alone. The best reading programs for children begin early and include the whole family. That’s exactly what Raising a Reader offers: high-quality, research-backed reading and family engagement programs for children ages 0–8. Whether you’re supporting toddlers, preschoolers, or early elementary students, our programs build home literacy routines that nurture ...

Read More
06.16.2025 Tips

How to Start a Family Reading Routine That Sticks

Reading together as a family isn’t just a cozy bedtime activity—it’s one of the most powerful ways to support your child’s learning and emotional growth. But between busy schedules and screen distractions, how do you make reading a habit that lasts? At Raising a Reader, we’ve helped thousands of families build meaningful, consistent reading routines. Here’s how you can too. ...

Read More