Customer Reviews

Before You Were Here, Mi Amor (English and Spanish Edition)

5 star:		(36)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book was given to me as a gift at the most opportune time in my life - a few months before the birth of my own (first) child. As I sat swaying in my rocker/recliner, though not homemade by papi but special nonetheless, like the mami of the book, I rubbed my belly as I wondered how my little one would change our lives - both me and my husband but also my very large, extended family - for the better and how much we would love him. I read it to him in my belly and was simply enchanted by its loveliness. It's a book I will cherish and read to him again and again, both inside and out of my barriguita. It makes a wonderful gift and how can anyone not fall in love with its colors, vibrancy and cultural flair?! In addition, as a multilingual mother wondering how I will teach my children some of the languages that I speak without them getting bored or resentful, I feel Before You Were Here, Mi Amor and I hope more and more books like it, even in other languages like French, Italian and Arabic (though I doubt the market is as large for those in the United States), is a superb and natural way to start incorporating another language into my child's life. Though not of a Spanish or Latino background myself, I believe the importance of learning other languages, and especially a language as essential as Spanish, is often overlooked but something I have made a priority in my life and something I want to pass on to my children. With this book, I can do that in a fun and exciting way and from very early on in their lives. In an ever-growing global, internationally-connected world like ours, this is the perfect book for all our children, and for us adults too!

While reading, "Before You Were Here, Mi Amor," I could not stop thinking of my sister who is expecting a baby later this year. I can not imagine a more perfect book for a mother to read to her child. The book is wonderful for so many reasons and highlights some of the common family values we all share. This book does a great job introducing the family, not just the nuclear family, but the extended family as well. And as an aunt to be, this meant alot to me. It goes beyond an introduction of family to also show the importance of one's family and the excitement the entire family feels as they await the birth of their new arrival.
The story would make any child feel so wanted and loved as they learn what went into their arrival. This book provides a wonderful platform from which a mother and child can bond.
In addition to introducing a child to family values and the love of their family, the book does an exceptional job of teaching a child some basic words in two languages!
I recommend this book for everyone who is not only expecting a child, but for those who have children already so the children can learn what it was like before they were here. I can not say enough wonderful things about this book and can not recommend it highly enough. It is the perfect gift too!
"Before You Were Here, Mi Amor" is a heartfelt and heartwarming story of a family's preparation for their baby, told in two languages, with wonderful illustrations. I think it is one of those books that your children will want read to them repeatedly and it will elicit questions from them whose answers can only strengthen the family bond and the love that your child feels.

This warm and loving story has a cadence and uniqueness that will leave young children asking for the book to be read to them again and again as they play with the vocabulary. It's a fun game for non-Spanish speakers to figure out the meaning of the Spanish words and then practice them, while bilingual readers will enjoy the blend of two languages. The illustrations enrich the text and make the book current. I only wish the book would have been around when my children were younger, but I will definitely be sending it to my nieces and nephews.

This tender story of the anticipation of a new bebe in the family, sprinkled with words in spanish, is a must have for young families and for grandparents. The illustrations are as lovely as the story, and creat opportunities for conversations with young readers. I was enchanted with the book and know that other readers will be too. A thoughtful gift for families expecting another baby, pediatric office waiting rooms, and grandparents. I appreciated the glossery in the back, although the spanish words are easy to understand in context and through the illustrations.

Before You Were Here, Mi Amor is a beautifully written and illustrated story about a family expecting a new baby. My children loved hearing me read it to them and asked many questions about what our life was like before the three of them came along. Not only did it make us reminisce about it but it also made me wish I was having another child!!! This book tells a story about family and how everyone cares about this new baby. Such a beautiful message. What I love mostly is the fact that it introduces Spanish to children and the words are easily pronouced with the added bonus of having the glossy at the end. I just ordered another copy for a friend expecting her 3rd baby in April. She'll love it as much as we do!

As a grandmother to 20, I am always looking for a new book for the many sleepovers. This one was a complete success. We had 3 of our granddaughters for a sleepover, ages 5,4, & 3 1/2. The questions were amazing. Their knowledge of Spanish astonished me. We went through the book a total of 3 times (one for each child), so they could get all their comments in. I would recommend this book to anyone for any child. I know I plan on ordering 3 more for my children. Great book.

Great family book - we loved sharing this family story and the bright colorful illustrations. It's fun to reminisce and hear the story of the time when mom was expecting and all the preparations were underway for the arrival of baby. I love the way three generations are involved - the grandparents, the parents and the siblings. It's a great baby gift or for a big sister or brother! As a Spanish speaking mom, I love the chance to share Spanish words with my girls. The Spanish words are woven into the story so naturally and the illustrations help convey the meaning of the Spanish words. It's the kind of book kids will choose for a bedtime story over and over again and eventually, they'll want to read it themselves over and over again. Everyone can relate to the warm and beautiful story.

Before You Were Here, Mi Amor, is a delightful and thoughtful book for both parent and child (a rare find). It tells the story of the exciting time for an extended family before they welcome a new baby into their life. Beautifully written in English with Spanish words throughout in natural places. Warm and colorful pictures and the text is a perfect companion.

I am buying several for my friends who have young children and/or are expecting. My nearly five year old boys love to hear about the time when I was pregnant with them and so they listened intently as I read it to them. They are learning Spanish words in preschool so it is fun (and educational) to teach them new words and about another culture. Overall, a winning book for several ages.

The story is told in Spanglish, and is suited for an audience that understands English and Spanish. Depicted is an expectant mom and an extended Latino family who are each doing their part to prepare for the arrival of the new bebe, from mama eating healthily to abuela painting a colorful mural in the bedroom. It's a sweet story and a good one to share with little ones of any culture who are eager to understand just what is going on! It reinforces the strength of familial love and of being a wanted child. Included is an extensive glossary of words, but alas, no pronunciation guide. The illustrations are bright and attractive and large enough to share with a group in storytime.

A joyful read for all ages, this bright story mixes in spanish language words that are fun and easy to understand even for the reading- and language-challenged. Creates a timeless sense of wonder and warmth in the readers and a strong sense of family. Gorgeous illustrations make it a great story to read over and over.