Book Review Best Behavior® Series (Bilingual Boardbooks) 8-Book Set (Spanish and English Edition)

If you're a parent, caregiver, or educator looking for engaging, bilingual board books that teach essential social-emotional skills, the Best Behavior® Series (Bilingual Board Books) 8-Book Set is a treasure trove. This collection, available in both English and Spanish, is designed to help toddlers and preschoolers navigate big emotions, manners, and everyday challenges—all while introducing them to a second language.

As someone who has read countless children’s books, I was struck by how simple yet effective these books are. They don’t just tell kids what to do—they show how and why good behavior matters. Whether you're raising a bilingual child or simply want to reinforce kindness and respect, this set is a must-have for early learning.

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Unlike traditional storybooks, the Best Behavior® Series focuses on behavioral lessons rather than complex plots. Each book tackles a specific topic, such as:

• Sharing ("Sharing/Compartir")
• Using gentle hands ("Hands Are Not for Hitting/Las manos no son para pegar")
• Managing emotions ("Calm-Down Time/Momento para calmarse")
• Bedtime routines ("Naptime/La hora de dormir la siesta")

The narratives are short, rhythmic, and repetitive, making them perfect for young children. For example, "Teeth Are Not for Biting/Los dientes no son para morder" reinforces positive alternatives ("Teeth are for chewing food") while gently discouraging negative behavior.

What makes this set unique is its bilingual approach—each page features English and Spanish text side-by-side, allowing kids (and parents!) to learn naturally.

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Since these books are concept-driven, there aren’t traditional characters. Instead, the "characters" are everyday kids facing common challenges—throwing tantrums, refusing to share, or struggling with bedtime.

The illustrations (by Marieka Heinlen) are bright, inclusive, and expressive, showing diverse children in familiar settings. This makes it easy for toddlers to see themselves in the scenarios and understand the lessons.

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The writing is clear, direct, and rhythmic, using positive reinforcement rather than scolding. For example:

"Voices are for saying kind words. / Las voces son para decir palabras amables."

The repetition helps reinforce learning, while the bilingual text ensures accessibility. The books are short (around 24 pages each), making them perfect for short attention spans.

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While the books focus on behavioral guidance, they also teach:

• Empathy – Understanding how actions affect others
• Self-regulation – Managing emotions like frustration
• Routine-building – Establishing healthy habits (sleep, hygiene)

The bilingual aspect adds cultural exposure, helping kids appreciate language diversity early on.

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As a parent, I’ve seen firsthand how these books reduce power struggles. My toddler used to resist brushing teeth—until we read "Teeth Are Not for Biting." Now, she excitedly repeats, "Teeth are for chewing apples!"

The dual-language format has also helped her pick up basic Spanish words naturally. The sturdy board book design means they survive rough handling—a huge plus!

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Compared to other behavior-focused books (like "No Hitting!" by Karen Katz), the Best Behavior® Series stands out because:

✅ Bilingual format – Great for language exposure
✅ Positive framing – Focuses on what kids should do, not just what they shouldn’t
✅ Diverse illustrations – Reflects real-world families

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✔ Perfect for ages 1-4 – Simple, engaging, and durable
✔ Bilingual learning – Seamless Spanish/English exposure
✔ Positive messaging – Encourages kindness without shaming
✔ Great for classrooms/daycares – Helps reinforce group rules

❌ Very basic for older kids – Best for toddlers/preschoolers
❌ No overarching story – More instructional than narrative-driven

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This collection is ideal for:

• Parents of toddlers/preschoolers
• Bilingual families or those introducing Spanish
• Early childhood educators
• Speech therapists (great for language development)

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Some standout lines:

"Feet are not for kicking people. Feet are for jumping and dancing."
"Los pies no son para patear a las personas. Los pies son para saltar y bailar."

These affirmations help kids associate body parts with positive actions.

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The Best Behavior® Series was developed by Free Spirit Publishing, a leader in social-emotional learning materials. The bilingual edition reflects the growing demand for multicultural resources in early education.

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If you want to raise kind, emotionally aware kids while introducing a second language, this 8-book set is a fantastic investment. The lessons are timeless, the format is toddler-proof, and the bilingual aspect adds incredible value.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

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• Have you used bilingual books with your child? How did they respond?
• Which behavior-focused book has made the biggest impact in your home?

Let’s chat in the comments! 📚💬

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