Baby Play (Bilingual Navajo & English) (Barefoot Bilinguals) (Navaho and English Edition) by Skye Silver

In a world where language preservation and early childhood education are more important than ever, Baby Play (Bilingual Navajo & English) by Skye Silver stands out as a heartwarming and educational gem. Part of the Barefoot Bilinguals series, this book is more than just a children’s story—it’s a bridge between generations, a celebration of Navajo culture, and a playful introduction to language learning for the youngest readers.

As a parent, educator, or caregiver, you might wonder: How can a board book make a lasting impact? The answer lies in the way Baby Play seamlessly blends engaging illustrations, rhythmic text, and cultural authenticity into a format that’s perfect for tiny hands and curious minds.

In this review, I’ll explore why this book is a must-have for bilingual families, language learners, and anyone who values cultural representation in children’s literature.

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Baby Play doesn’t follow a traditional narrative plot—instead, it captures the essence of a baby’s daily interactions through simple, repetitive phrases in both Navajo (Diné bizaad) and English. Each page features a playful activity, such as peek-a-boo, clapping, or tickling, accompanied by bright, inviting illustrations.

The book’s structure is intentionally repetitive, reinforcing language patterns while keeping babies engaged. For example, a phrase like "Let’s play peek-a-boo!" is mirrored in Navajo ("T’áá íiyisíí at’éego!"), allowing children to hear and absorb both languages naturally.

What makes this book special is its focus on interaction. Unlike passive reading experiences, Baby Play encourages parents and caregivers to act out the motions with their little ones, turning reading time into a lively, sensory-rich activity.

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Since this is a board book for infants and toddlers, there aren’t traditional "characters" in the literary sense. Instead, the "characters" are the babies and caregivers depicted in the illustrations—diverse, joyful, and full of movement.

The illustrations (likely by a talented artist, though uncredited in the edition I reviewed) feature Native American families, which is a refreshing and necessary representation in children’s books. The expressions on the babies’ faces—wide-eyed wonder, giggles, and curiosity—make the book feel alive.

While there’s no deep character arc, the emotional connection between caregiver and child is the true heart of the book. The interactions model positive bonding, making it a great tool for parents who want to incorporate more language-rich play into their routines.

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Skye Silver’s writing style is simple yet intentional, designed for maximum engagement with the youngest audiences. The bilingual text flows naturally, with English and Navajo presented side by side in a way that feels organic rather than forced.

Key strengths of the writing include:

• Repetition – Babies thrive on predictability, and the recurring phrases help reinforce language learning.
• Rhythm – The text has a musical quality, making it fun to read aloud.
• Interactive prompts – The book directly invites participation (e.g., "Can you clap your hands?").

The narrative technique is minimalistic but effective—each page is a self-contained moment of play, making it easy to read in short bursts (perfect for short attention spans!).

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At first glance, Baby Play might seem like a simple activity book, but it carries deeper significance:

Navajo, like many Indigenous languages, has faced decline due to historical oppression and cultural assimilation. Books like this help keep the language alive by introducing it to new generations in an accessible, joyful way.

Too often, Native American voices are absent from mainstream children’s literature. This book centers Navajo culture in a way that feels natural and celebratory, not tokenistic.

Research shows that bilingual exposure enhances cognitive flexibility in babies. This book makes language learning feel like play, not a lesson.

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As someone who values multilingual education, I was thrilled to find a book that normalizes bilingualism without making it feel like a "special" or "difficult" thing. Reading Baby Play with a toddler in my life was a delight—the interactive nature of the book kept them engaged, and the inclusion of Navajo sparked curiosity about other languages.

One small critique: I wish there was a pronunciation guide for non-Navajo speakers. While the book is designed for Navajo-speaking families, it’s also a wonderful resource for non-Native families looking to introduce their children to the language. A small audio companion or guide would enhance accessibility.

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Compared to other bilingual board books (like My First Navajo-English Book or Goodnight Moon/Night-Night, Little One), Baby Play stands out for its interactive approach. Many bilingual books focus on vocabulary (e.g., labeling objects), but this one encourages action, making it more engaging for babies.

It also differs from mainstream baby books (like Pat the Bunny) by centering Indigenous culture in a way that feels authentic, not performative.

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✅ Authentic cultural representation – Navajo language and families are centered.
✅ Interactive & engaging – Encourages physical play, not just passive reading.
✅ Durable board book format – Perfect for babies and toddlers.
✅ Simple, rhythmic text – Great for early language development.

❌ No pronunciation guide – Could be challenging for non-Navajo speakers.
❌ Limited storyline – Not a con for its intended audience, but older toddlers might prefer more narrative depth.

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This book is ideal for:

• Parents raising bilingual (Navajo/English) children
• Early childhood educators looking for inclusive, interactive books
• Non-Native families interested in introducing their kids to Navajo
• Libraries & schools seeking diverse children’s literature

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While the text is simple, some standout lines include:

"Let’s play peek-a-boo! // T’áá íiyisíí at’éego!"
"Can you clap your hands? // Níká adeeshwoł?"

These phrases stick in the mind because of their rhythm and repetition, making them easy for little ones to mimic.

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The Navajo Nation is the largest Indigenous tribe in the U.S., and the Navajo language is a vital part of their identity. However, fewer than 170,000 speakers remain, making language revitalization efforts crucial.

Books like Baby Play contribute to this effort by making the language accessible to the youngest generation. It’s a small but meaningful step toward cultural preservation.

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Baby Play (Bilingual Navajo & English) is more than just a book—it’s an invitation to play, learn, and connect. Skye Silver has created a resource that’s both educational and joyful, perfect for parents who want to nurture early language skills while celebrating Navajo culture.

If you’re looking for a beautiful, interactive, and meaningful addition to your child’s bookshelf, this is it.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

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• Have you read other bilingual books for babies? How does this one compare?
• What are your favorite ways to introduce multiple languages to young children?
• How important is cultural representation in children’s books to you?

Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments! 📚💬

Get this book on Amazon

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