Biographies of world leaders and creators, a rollicking take on the way animals sleep, and a primer on race for kids. These Spanish-language selections are perfect for rounding out nonfiction collections.

Kaiser, Lisbeth. Maya Angelou. illus. by Leire Salaberria. ISBN 9780711284654.
Sánchez Vegara, Maria Isabel. Agatha Christie. illus. by Elisa Munsó. ISBN 9780711284678.
––––. Frida Kahlo. illus. by Gee Fan Eng. ISBN 9780711284647.
––––. Pablo Picasso. illus. by Teresa Bellón. ISBN 9780711284821.
ea vol: 32p. (Little People, Big Dreams en Español). Frances Lincoln. May 2023. pap. $8.99. SP
K-Gr 3–This series brings the lives of famous and impactful individuals to younger readers. Agatha Christie illuminates the life of one of the most popular mystery writers of all time. Her love of detective stories began as a little girl, and she would go on to create two of the most famous fictional detectives. Frida Kahlo introduces readers to the talented Mexican artist who overcame illness and a difficult accident as a child. Her unique and fierce personality influenced her artwork. She is now one of the most recognizable artists in the world. Maya Angelou details the life of the poet and memoirist and how she was treated differently because of her race and gender. The entry treats the attack she suffered at eight years old, leaving her mute, with sensitivity. Pablo Picasso follows a young boy as his father teaches him to paint; he would go on to create his own unique style known as Cubism. Each title is beautifully illustrated with color palettes and illustration styles corresponding well with the personalities of each subject. The Spanish text is engaging and informative without being too wordy, making these titles an ­excellent choice for younger readers looking for biographies for reports. Each of the titles includes a small time line and additional biographical details following the text. VERDICT An excellent collection of ­Spanish biographies for younger readers, these titles are solid nonfiction choices.–Selenia Paz

Madison, Megan & Jessica Ralli. Nuestra piel: Una primera conversación sobre la raza. tr. from English by Isabel Mendoza. illus. by Isabel Roxas. 40p. Penguin Workshop/Rise X. Apr. 2023. Tr $15.99. ISBN 9780593523124. SP
PreS-Gr 3–This informational text reminds readers that people’s skin comes in all colors. Whether it’s the skin of family members or people they meet on the go, every skin color is beautiful, just the way it is. The work explains that all skin has a substance called melanin. The more melanin a person has, the darker their skin. Skin color does not determine who a person is or their value, although there are many who try to say it does. In child-appropriate terms, the book defines colorism and racism. It also describes institutional racism, and how it can play out in small and big ways, from how rules are made to how children play. Racism can be deliberate or unintentional, but it is always hurtful and unjust. The book emphasizes why it’s important to talk about and fight against racism, whether it is happening to readers or they are witnessing it. This informational text is a great conversation starter on a topic that affects all kids, whether they know it or not. The art is cheerful and colorful, inviting readers to discuss these weighty themes in an accessible and matter-of-fact way. Back matter includes further resources and points of discussion for parents and educators. VERDICT A great choice for those looking to have child-friendly and necessary conversations about race and racism. Recommended for all libraries.–Melanie Ortega

Sánchez Vegara, Maria Isabel. Greta Thunberg. illus. by Anke Weckmann. ISBN 9780711284746.
––––. Kamala Harris. illus. by Lauren Semmer. ISBN 9780711284814.
––––. Martin Luther King, Jr. illus. by Mai Ly Degnan. ISBN 9780711284739.
––––. Michelle Obama. illus. by Mia Saine. ISBN 9780711284791.
ea vol: 32p. (Little People, Big Dreams en Español). Frances Lincoln. May 2023. pap. $8.99. SP
K-Gr 3–The lives of subjects who have impacted political change are profiled in these titles. Greta Thunberg began helping the planet at a young age by conserving energy and water. She was so affected by the knowledge of global warming that she began protesting all over the world to bring about real change in the planet’s future. Kamala Harris became involved in demonstrations thanks to her parents, and this developed into a desire to help others throughout her life. Years later, she became the first female Vice President of the United States. The volume on Martin Luther King, Jr . shares the struggles and injustices that the civil rights leader and many others faced due to racial inequities. It describes King’s legacy and how he fought peacefully to put an end to segregation. Michelle Obama hoped to obtain a higher education and to reach Princeton despite not always having support; this volume shows her accomplishments as she became a lawyer and began to help many young people reach their own dreams, and her role as First Lady of the United States. Each uniquely illustrated title is full of color, with short paragraphs of Spanish text accompanying each spread and engaging readers with a conversational tone and interesting details. A spread featuring black-and-white photographs, a small time line, and additional biographical details accompanies the text. VERDICT Making the lives of these important political figures accessible to younger readers, these “Little People, Big Dreams en Español” titles are perfect for Spanish biography collections.–Selenia Paz

Torres, Xaviera & Maite Pérez. Dormir a pata suelta. illus. by Paula Bossio. 44p. Editorial Flamboyant. Apr. 2023. Tr $18.96. ISBN 9788419401359. SP
Gr 1-4–Humans need sleep because it helps us rest, recall pieces of information, and grow. Just as humans need to sleep, so do animals. House pets sleep; land animals sleep, some during the day and some at night; birds can sleep a few seconds when they fly, but mostly do it in their nests or somewhere safe. Sea animals are able to sleep under water, some of them taking shelter in coral reefs so as not to be interrupted by predators. The informational text describes even more sleep practices of animals, such as hibernation and sleeping in packs or while in camouflage. This work will fascinate early elementary students and would be great fodder for reports. The snarky tone and brightly colored illustrations are an ­immediate draw. Kids can browse from page to page, and the infographic-type design will engage even the most reluctant of readers. The expressive faces and occasionally silly headings make this a fun read. VERDICT An informative book that has a plethora of uses, including as a read-aloud or research text or for the fact lover of any age.–­Melanie Ortega