Not every parent is fluent in Italian, but many Italian Americans want to see their children have success in both English and Italian languages, either to help them communicate with elderly grandparents or simply to have a better understanding of their cultural heritage.
One great way to introduce children to the Italian language is by reading their favorite English children's books in Italian. Even without fluency in Italian, having the English and Italian versions of books side by side can help children (and their parents) learn the Italian language. Picture books are especially good for this since the pictures can be matched up, showing how the language translates.
Buying the translated versions of books can be as simple as heading over to a local bookstore and requesting they place a special order, or by visiting specialty shops like IAM Books in Boston's North End or Rizzoli Books in Manhattan.
Below is a list of popular English books that are available in Italian translation.
Buonanotte luna
Margaret Wise Brown
With more than 48 million copies sold, Goodnight Moon is a wildly popular children's book available not only in English and Italian but in thirteen other languages. The simple story is about a small rabbit saying goodnight to his favorite things in the green room, and an old lady whispering "hush."
Nel paese dei mostri selvaggi
Maurice Sendak
Better known as Where the Wild Things Are in English, the 1963 story follows the story of Max, who dresses up in a wolf suit and causes some mischief. Max is then sent to bed, but when he wakes up, he is on a land inhabited by monsters. The book has big bold illustrations and a simple story and includes dialogue. It’s a bit more complicated, and non-Italian speakers might need to look up some of the pronunciations of the longer Italian words.
Il piccolo bruco Maisazio
Eric Carle
This 1969 classic picture book features a very hungry caterpillar eating her way through fruits, vegetables, cupcakes, ice cream, and more before building a cocoon and turning into a butterfly. This book is practically the Rosetta Stone of children's books having been translated into more than 60 languages including Italian. The simple sentences are easy to read and include introductory language like fruits, days of the week, and numbers – many of the basic vocabulary anyone learning Italian will be introduced to.
Spotty Va A Scuola
Eric Hill
Better known as Spot Goes to School, this 1984 book tells the story of a puppy headed to school for the very first time. Spotty, as the Italian pup is known, learns letters and how to play with others. Plus, there are flaps in the book where Spotty hides. Spotty is part of a series featuring the dog in various situations from Christmas to potty time. The language in the Italian edition is particularly easy to pronounce, something non-fluent readers might prefer, and has a great rhythmic meter.
Il gatto e il cappello matto
Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss fans might have guessed this book translates as The Cat in The Hat. The book tells the story of a cat wearing a bright red hat who shows up on a rainy day and causes mischief. Part of the appeal of course is the English rhymes, which don't exactly translate with the same sound rhyming scheme or cadence in Italian, but it’s nevertheless a popular book many English speakers probably already have on their shelves.
Ian MacAllen
Ian MacAllen is America Domani's Senior Correspondent and the author of Red Sauce: How Italian Food Became American. He is a writer, editor, and graphic designer living in Brooklyn. Connect with him at IanMacAllen.com or on Twitter @IanMacAllen.