Introducing 'Contemos' with Olga Segura: The New Elefantes Sound Book

Every once in a while, a Cali's Books collaboration has me so excited that it's difficult for me not to shout about it from the rooftops. Today, I'm thrilled to finally get to share some exciting news with you! We will be launching a brand-new sound book called Contemos ("Let's Count" in Spanish), and it's not just any sound book - it's an extra special collaboration with the incredible Olga Segura!

I'm so proud of what we've created together, a testament to our commitment to getting the best books into your kiddos' hands.

If you're a parent looking for a fun and educational book to help your little ones (ages 1 to 3) learn to count through beloved Spanish nursery rhymes, you're in for a treat. Contemos is not just about fun-it's designed to engage your child's learning process, making counting a joyful and educational experience.

Let's explore los elefantes se balanceaban!

Meet Olga Segura

Let me introduce you to Olga Segura, our incredible collaborator on this project. You might know Olga as the co-founder of organizations such as The Latinx House, Poderistos, Somos Decididas, and Los Angeles en Mexico. She's an absolute powerhouse in the Latinx community and a talented producer known for her contributions to film and media. We knew Olga would be the perfect partner for this sound book due to her lifelong dedication to uplifting Latinx voices and stories.

I was awestruck when I first came across Olga's work on social media. Her impact inspires our whole team to keep putting in the work and create a more inclusive future for our little ones. As a co-founder of Latinx House, she has created a space to celebrate Latinx excellence in arts and entertainment.

Whether she's producing films and spearheading community projects, Olga's passion for storytelling and compassion for human beings and their representation in media shine through. 

The Contemos Sound Book

So, what is the Contemos sound book? It is an addition to our fantastic Cali's Books sound books lineup. This interactive, musical book is designed for children aged 1-3 to learn how to count (en español). The book features the classic nursery rhyme "Los Elefantes," which many of us grew up singing along to - whether in the classroom or with Latinx family members. This sound book is a great way for kiddos to learn counting, language skills, and rhythm in one fun package!

Check out the book's beautifully illustrated pages and those important interactive sound buttons that will play the "Los Elefantes" song on command. Do you recognize these "Los Elefantes" lyrics?

Un elefante estaba bailando sobre la mesa de su casa. ¿Cómo veía que resistía? Fue a llamar a otro elefante.

Dos elefantes estaban bailando sobre la rama de una palma. ¿Cómo veían que resistía? Fueron a llamar a otro elefante.

Tres elefantes estaban bailando sobre la colcha de su cama. ¿Cómo veían que resistía? Fueron a llamar a otro elefante.

Cuatro elefantes estaban bailando sobre la lana de su capa. ¿Cómo veían que resistía? Fueron a llamar a otro elefante.

Cientos de elefantes estaban bailando sobre la alfombra de la sala. ¿Cómo veían que resistía? Fueron a llamar a otro elefante.

And so on! The number of elephants keeps going up with each verse. It's a fun and engaging way for children to practice counting while getting to enjoy the music of the song. 

Educational Benefits

If you're familiar with what we do here at Cali's Books, you know that the Contemos sound book is not just about fun - it's packed with educational benefits for your little ones, too! Bright pages and engaging tunes will draw them in, but the learning will come without anybody noticing. It's the education equivalent of sneaking some veggies into the red sauce. Children can interactively develop their counting skills by singing along to the "Los Elefantes" song. Each verse introduces a new number, helping young learners come to terms with numbers through repetition and song.

On top of that, rhyme and rhythm are essential tools in our toolbox of language development. Singing along enhances:

• vocabulary
• phonemic awareness
• memory

Plus, those interactive sound buttons encourage fine motor skills as little fingers press and play.

The Elefantes Nursery Rhyme

Are you ready to dive into the cultural importance of the Elefantes nursery rhyme? For many of us, myself included, this song is a cherished childhood memory. It's fun, catchy, and a great way to get kids counting and singing along. Beyond that, the song teaches valuable lessons about collaboration and community support. Each elephant joins in, strengthening the web, just like how we can all achieve more when we work together and lift each other up.

This song is a staple in Spanish-speaking households, and its repetitive, cumulative structure makes it easy as pie for kiddos to learn and remember.

That's right; it's more than just a counting song; it's a piece of cultural heritage handed down through generations, reinforcing a sense of identity and connection to tradition. By sharing this with your child, you're not just teaching them to count, you're immersing them in a rich cultural experience.

Elefanta Project by The Latinx House

The entire reason Olga and I decided to release this sound book was because of the Elefanta Project by The Latinx House. As part of this project, The Latinx House released an animated short film that reimagines the Elefantes song with a new, modern twist. "Elefanta, Que Ninguna Se Quede Balanceándose Sola!" features Latinx actors and a cool Reggaeton version of the song. Check out the video here and get inspired to keep breaking down these barriers. Warning: you may not be able to stop singing the song.

The Elefanta Project isn't just an artistic endeavor. It is a proud celebration of Latinx culture and a statement about the importance of representation (inside and outside the boardroom). By bringing together these talented Latinx actresses and blending the traditional with the modern, the project highlights the vibrancy and diversity of the Latinx community. It's a must-have for young and old!

Announcing the New Contemos Sound Book

Without further ado, we're super excited to announce that the Contemos sound book will be available in September 2024 on our website. As a celebration of all things Latinx, we will be also offering a special bundle that includes Contemos, Spanish Nursery Rhymes, and La Vaca Lola. At this rate, the whole family will be speaking Spanish in no time. The bundle is a great way to immerse your children in the beauty of Spanish nursery rhymes.

Quick aside, you do not need Latinx heritage to enjoy these books. Here at Cali's Books, we delight in helping kids explore their own heritage and cultures that aren't their own. We believe it's the best way to build an inclusive world filled with curious, engaged humans.

Wrapping Up

As parents, we want the very best for our children, and that includes resources that are as educational as they are culturally enriching. We can't wait for Contemos to make its way onto your little one's bookshelf. It offers fun, learning, and an all-important connection to beloved cultural traditions. Don't miss out on this opportunity to bring the magic of "Los Elefantes" into your home.

My kiddos have already gotten to enjoy some of the songs. They make for a great Sunday sing-along in our house, especially while doing anything that requires counting. "Los elefantes: can easily be substituted with whatever you're counting. Why not turn it into a game and look up the words together? When your kids see you find information they discover where adults go to find stuff out. An important life skill!

Ready to get your hands on this amazing sound book? Visit the Contemos sound book product page and the Spanish sound book bundle page to learn a little more about what we have to order and place your order.

Thank you for joining me on this exciting endeavor with Olga Segura. Happy reading and singing with your little ones!