Children grow and develop at different rates. Skills and abilities develop in their own time even in twins. Today we get to share a fun bilingual, Spanish and English, that shares this concept and that we each have our own talents. The book is Danny Can Read / Danny Sabe Leer by Diana Paola Navarro Gómez and illustrated by Carmen Bianco. And there is a giveaway at the end of this post!
About the Book:
Danny sabe leer / Danny can read Written by Diana Paola Navarro Gómez and Illustrated by Carmen BlancoAges: 4–8 | 38 Pages | Publisher: Mr Momo (2025) | ISBN: 979-138-752-3121
Publisher's Book Summary: Danny Can Read is a bilingual (English–Spanish) picture book that celebrates the magic of reading and the power of learning at your own pace. Dinosaur siblings Danny and Lily discover that their talents shine in different ways — and that they shine the most when they work together. Through a warm, engaging story designed for read-alouds, children explore big feelings like frustration and comparison, practice empathy, and build confidence as they see that differences aren't obstacles — they're strengths. Perfect for ages 4–8, ideal for bilingual families and for readers learning English or Spanish.
About the Author
Diana Paola Navarro Gómez is a Colombian children's book author and mother of twins, who inspire the heart of her stories. She writes bilingual picture books grounded in real moments from family life — everyday situations transformed into relatable narratives for young readers. Her debut title blends early literacy with social-emotional learning, encouraging confidence, empathy, and patience as children navigate frustration and grow at their own pace.
Learn more at dianapaolanavarro.com
Instagram: @dpnavarro and @dannylilybooks
From Me:
In this sweet book Danny and Lily are dinosaur twins who do everything together and seem to always get along. When Danny learns to read it becomes a big deal and Lily feels a bit left behind as well as ashamed that she hasn't figured out reading yet. However, when Danny is trying to write a book and struggles with the illustrations, Lily realizes what she can help with and do better than Danny.
I love how this book is about family and kids developing and learning skills differently. It also shares the success of Danny learning to read but also that Lily has a skill at which she is better than Danny. It celebrates kids learning at different speeds and having different talents. It is also about sharing talents with others. Danny reads books to dinosaurs who travel to hear him, and Lily shares her drawing talent with Danny and hopefully others who read their book. It also shares the message that when they work together, they can do anything. Such a wonderful message of a family doing things and working together for success and fun.
This book is perfect for story times at home as well in classrooms and public. It may help talking to children about how skills develop differently in each of person. Some will learn to read sooner than others and that doesn't mean they are better than those who can't because they have their own skills and talents. Everyone grows at their own pace, and everyone has different talents. This is an important lesson for kids learning new skills like reading and not having those that learn slower to feel bad. I see this as a book to have in every early elementary classroom!
Giveaway:
Enter for a chance to win one of three signed paperback copies of Danny sabe leer / Danny can read! One grand prize winner will also receive a 36-piece puzzle inspired by the book along with their signed copy. Giveaway ends April 20, 2026 at 11:30 PM Mountain Time.
