Opposites in stories: choosing a concept book in English or Spanish

There's an elephant at one end of the seesaw and a very small rabbit at the other. It's a funny picture before you've read anything at all, and a good introduction to the way Sandra Boynton approaches opposites: through animal characters you can spend a moment looking at together.

We carry the story as Opposites in English and Opuestos in Spanish. The language is the first choice to make; these are separate books, rather than a bilingual volume with both versions on each page.

Think about who will read it

A book might be for the household's everyday reading, or for time with a particular grown-up. Maybe Spanish is the language that person would like to share. Maybe the family wants both editions. For a gift, it's worth asking, because a familiar cover doesn't tell you which copy would be most welcome.

Our Spanish board-book guide brings a few different stories together if you'd like to compare the options. You don't have to choose the same story in two languages; two different themes can be a thoughtful pair as well.

Spend a little time with the pictures

The story uses contrasts such as high and low or fast and slow, with the animals helping carry the idea. You can read the words, point out what's happening in an illustration or describe it in your own way.

If the rabbit is the interesting part, stay with the rabbit for a while. You might talk about the two animals, the seesaw or something else the illustration reminds you of. Then turn the page and see which pair appears next.

Two editions, or a different second book?

If you do want the language pair, check the full title, language and binding as you order; the volumes are sold separately. Translated titles and animal expressions aren't necessarily word-for-word matches, and similar cover art doesn't mean the ISBNs are the same.

For a change of subject, our counting-book guide looks at dogs, pets and groups of animals. There are also alphabet stories, alongside sound and bedtime books in the Sandra Boynton collection. Start with the language and the picture that draws you in, then choose the copy you can imagine opening together.