PPBF –Tío Ricky Doesn’t Speak English

Greetings! And belated Happy New Year! I’ve gotten off to a slow start this year, but I found a Perfect Picture Book for today. Enjoy!

Title: Tío Ricky Doesn’t Speak English * no habla inglés

Written By: Maritere R. Bellas

Illustrated By: Jayri Gómez

Publisher/Date: Lil’ Libros/2025

Suitable for Ages: 4-8

Themes/Topics: bilingual, translation, translator, relatives

Opening:

“Tío Ricky is here, Tío Ricky is here!”

Every time Tío Ricky visits, he brings me plantain chips and sweets, and we play dominoes on the kitchen table.

Brief Synopsis: When Tío Ricky, who doesn’t speak English, visits, the young narrator has to translate for him, which the narrator doesn’t like doing.

Links to Resources:

·      Does your family or members of your family come from somewhere where English is not the primary language? How do you help relatives or friends feel at home when they have trouble understanding words or idioms in English?

·      Describe in words or pictures your plans to welcome friends and family.

Why I Like this Book:

In English and Spanish text, Bellas describes a visit from a special uncle. The young narrator is excited to spend time with his uncle. But as the days pass, the narrator becomes less eager to translate everything for Tío Ricky when they are at stores, the bank, and other places. I think many children in bilingual families will relate to the narrator’s frustration and desire that his uncle learn English. It’s clear that the narrator also feels embarrassed that his uncle can’t master English more quickly, something that also feels very true to life.

But when Tío Ricky becomes ill and needs assistance, the narrator realizes that he has a special role to play, and he’s happy to help.

With its vibrant illustrations, Tío Ricky Doesn’t Speak English is a welcome addition to families and classrooms in which English and Spanish are spoken.

A Note about Craft:

Bellas uses first-person point-of-view which brings an immediacy to the story and helps readers relate to the reluctant narrator who doesn’t like to translate for his uncle. The text appears in both English and Spanish, making this a wonderful read-aloud for bilingual families and in bilingual classrooms.

This Perfect Picture Book entry is being added to Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Book list. Check out the other great picture books featured there!