This post is sponsored by Diana Paola Navarro Gómez and hosted by The Children’s Book Review. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views. In addition, this post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I may receive a small commission from the sale.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Danny sabe leer / Danny can read by Diana Paola Navarro Gómez Illustrator: Carmen Blanco
Published by Mr momo on July 24, 2025
ISBN: 9791387523510
Genres: Fiction / Short Stories (single author)
Pages: 38
Format: eBook
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En un mundo mágico habitado por dinosaurios, Danny y Lily, dos hermanos inseparables, se enfrentan a un nuevo desafío cuando Danny aprende a leer. Su pasión por las palabras lo absorbe por completo y lo lleva a vivir maravillosas aventuras, pero también provoca que se sienta más distante de su hermana, quien comienza a sentirse excluida. ¿Podrán los hermanos encontrar la manera de reconectarse a pesar de sus diferencias? ¿Descubrirán que incluso las divergencias más marcadas pueden complementarse para crear algo verdaderamente mágico? Adéntrate en esta historia de autoconocimiento y amistad, donde los hermanos descubren que sus diferencias los enriquecen y que, al unirse, son más fuertes.
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.
MY THOUGHTS
Danny sabe leer / Danny can read by Diana Navarro and illustrated by Carmen Blanco starts out as a cute story about two siblings that quickly turns into something more serious. We’ve all been Lily at some point in our lives. We’ve watched someone else do something we can’t, felt left out, frustrated, and maybe even a little jealous if we’re being honest. I appreciated that you didn’t rush past that feeling. Diana, you let it breathe, but you also did more; you didn’t let it end there.
Sometimes, when I read a book, I feel unsatisfied by a lack of action or follow-through, but instead of having Lily suddenly “catch up,” you introduced collaboration. Sure, Danny can read, but he can’t draw. Lily can’t read (yet), but she has a gift he needs.
We’re not all meant to do things the same way or at the same time. Our differences are strengths; they make us stronger when we collaborate.
I liked how Danny’s love of reading was introduced naturally, not forced, which can encourage young readers. I remember fondly that when my daughter was five, and she learned to read, nothing with words on it was safe. She’d be picking up pieces of paper off the street, reading the street signs and the bus stops as we rode the bus. It was really funny at times, when I wasn’t in a hurry.
What I Liked
- The message about the different strengths of working together
- How the story handled jealousy and comparison in a real but age-appropriate way
- The center on teamwork instead of competition
- Danny’s love of reading was introduced smoothly.
- Illustrations that clearly showed emotion and growth
- The bilingual format (Spanish/English) makes it accessible to more readers and families who can learn together.
What Gave Me Pause
- Seeing Spanish presented first (in the title and throughout) surprised me.
- Not because I couldn’t understand it, but because it was labeled as an English-Spanish book. This pause made me realize I’m used to seeing English prioritized in this country and differences used as crutches to make some feel like outsiders.
- It didn’t take away from the story, but it did make me pause and reflect on my possible prejudices—which, ultimately, isn’t a bad thing.
Key Takeaways
- This story reminds us that children learn at different paces—and that doesn’t need fixing.
- Danny and Lily show that what one lacks, the other may have, and when those differences come together, something meaningful is created.
- It also shows that every skill counts—not just the most visible ones.
If You Like
- Stories about siblings learning to work together
- Books that explore jealousy and big emotions
- Early readers that build confidence in reading
- Stories about family dynamics and life lessons
Recommendation
- This is an excellent option for families with young children, particularly those developing reading skills or managing sibling dynamics, and for fostering family bonds as everyone learns together.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
About Diana Paola Navarro Gómez
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
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