Meet a little boy named Paco who loves to draw but can’t seem to concentrate during school in this picture book that’s sprinkled with Spanish words! Paco gazed out at the late-morning sun. He wondered why recess had not yet begun. He wanted to go to el campo and play, and act like a matador shouting “¡Olé!” Paco loves daydreaming and drawing, but he struggles to concentrate during class. When his profesor takes him to the art room, Paco is amazed by the colorful paints: pink, rosado; purple, morado; fiery orange, anaranjado; and more! Could art be just what Paco needs? Complete with an author’s note and glossary of Spanish words, this story is a great introduction to Spanish with a strong message about the power of art!

What Kind of Book is A Paintbrush for Paco

Reviews

B is for Bookworm

4.50

This story has Spanish vocabulary words integrated through the predominantly English text. The Spanish words aren't translated or phonetically spelled on the pages, though there is a glossary at the end with both the English and Spanish word and the Spanish pronunciation. Paired with a cute story about a boy in school who just wants to be playing in the sun and ends up doodling, having his teacher tell him he's a great painter, I thought this was a good book for those looking to interlace some Spanish vocab in the story.

Book Lists That Include This Book

The Crayon Man: The True Story of the Invention of Crayola Crayons

Books about art

Aristóteles Y Dante Descubren Los Secretos del Universo

Books about spanish

Books about school

The Creatives Behind the Book

Author

Tracey Kyle

Tracey Kyle grew up in New Jersey and spent much of her childhood reading and writing poems. After seeing the boy band Menudo perform on a Latino TV station in middle school, she decided to learn Spanish. She studied in Madrid, a lively city which inspired her first picture book, Gazpacho for Nacho. She spends most of her time as Señora Kyle, teaching Spanish to a fun group of eighth-graders. She currently lives in Virginia with her husband and two cats, and when she’s not writing lesson plans or working on a new story, she loves to read, cook, and practice yoga.

Illustrator

Joshua Heinsz

Joshua Heinsz is a children’s book illustrator. He has a love for bright and whimsical imagery with a flair for the fantastical and an air of nostalgia. When not drawing and painting, Joshua can be found working as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor. He currently lives in Chicago.