We were in the library when my daughter handed me a stack of board books that she had pulled from the shelves to read to her. As I absentmindedly picked up the stack, I noticed a book that didn’t look quite like the others: it bilingual, it had all kinds of flaps you could unfold to reveal hidden images, and most importantly it was based on the lyrics of “Los Pollitos Dicen!” Um, what?!

That was my first experience with Canticos, books that celebrate Latinx culture through nursery rhymes and songs. I’m super excited to start a fun new series here called “Cinco Minutos,” 5 questions answered by some incredibly inspiring authors, moms and/or business owners. I couldn’t think of anyone better to kick it off than Susie Jaramillo, cofounder and chief creative officer of Canticos. I especially loved her advice about raising bilingual/bicultural kids (that last point! So true and something I’m already experiencing con mi hija now that she’s in preschool). ¡Que disfruten!

Hi Susie! Tell us a little about yourself…

Hello there! I’m an eternal student of culture, a child at heart who loves to draw and paint and bring stories to life. I’m also the mother of two fun-loving kids and the wife of a musical mathematician.

What has surprised you most about the experience of building the Canticos brand and company?

I was mostly surprised by the broader reception of these books by non-Hispanic or Spanish speaking families, librarians and educators. They really appreciate what we are doing and have come out in full force to support. As a company I appreciate the talent and the partners we are attracting – partners like Sol Book Box, Burt’s Bees Baby, Target!! These are all great partners to have.

What is your favorite thing about your job? What is the most challenging?

I have 2 favorite aspects of my job:

  1. When I illustrate the books and write the rhymes (singing them out loud to anyone who will listen until I am completely sure they sound great.)
  2. When I get to see little kids enjoy my books, whether I am reading to them or someone else is. Its especially exciting when the children know the song and their eyes light up with recognition and excitement.

What is the biggest thing you hope your kids learn from you?

The thing I hope for most is that these kids take pride in their language and their culture. That they see these songs and this world as aspirational!! Something that represents them that they can be proud of.

Give us your best advice for parents raising bilingual and/or bicultural kids.

I regularly seek out ways to expose my children to my language and my culture. Why? Being bilingual is truly good for their brains. That said I also want my children to be proud of their roots, and gain confidence from their ability to navigate between cultures.

My best advice would be this:

  • Speak Spanish at home – either both parents or at least one.
  • If you hire a caregiver, hire a Spanish dominant one and ask them to only speak to your child in Spanish.
  • Find Spanish dominant kids for them to play with if possible.
  • Read and sing to them in Spanish regularly.
  • When they watch TV, or play with apps, let them play/watch in Spanish. Most streaming services have this capability.
  • Take them to Latin America when you can. Family immersion trips are key.
  • Last but not least, don’t force it. Don’t let it become a thing the kids feel stressed about. Keep things light and fun. It’s not the end of the world if they answer you in English once they start going to school.