Cultura y noticias hispanas del Valle del Hudson
Reading Together, Growing Together
How Mac The Disc Dog Bridges Language and Connection at Home
Por Ivette O’Sullivan
October 2026
Long before I ever learned to read words printed on a page, I already knew the rhythm of a good story. I learned it in Spanish, wrapped in the warmth of home, where every word carried love, safety, and connection.
Growing up, my teachers always emphasized how important it was for parents to read to us at home, but my mother didn’t speak English. That left me longing for a shared reading experience, something that could bridge the gap between our kitchen table and my classroom. As children, navigating two distinct cultures can sometimes bring moments of misplaced embarrassment when a parent doesn't speak English. Today, looking back through the lens of my years as an
educator and social worker, I see those moments with total clarity. Speaking Spanish was never a barrier; it was always a strength, a bridge, and a true gift.
That childhood experience is what inspired me to write my bilingual children's book, Mac The Disc Dog / Mac El Perro De Disco Volador. I wanted to take that old sense of disconnect and turn it into a family superpower.
When families open a bilingual book together, story time becomes a real team effort. Children can read the English pages to practice what they’re learning at school, while parents can read the Spanish pages aloud, sharing the beauty and depth of their native language. Everyone learns alongside one another, building mutual respect and trading self-doubt for pride.
Literacy builds the foundation for academic success, but the emotional bond created while sitting side by side reading is what truly stays with a child. As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, let’s honor our roots and take full ownership of our stories. When we read together, we show our children that their language, background, and culture belong in every single room they step into.
As a Dominican American author, creating Mac The Disc Dog / Mac El Perro De Disco Volador is my personal tribute to every family walking between two languages each day. Our heritage isn't something we leave behind at the front door; it’s our greatest asset, packed with resilience, joy, and deep tradition. Whether you are turning pages with a young reader at bedtime or building out your home library, I invite you to join Mac on his journey of courage and self-discovery. Together, let’s make reading a celebration of who we are, one page and two languages at a time.
Mac The Disc Dog / Mac El Perro De Disco Volador is available now at local independent bookstores and online through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Ivette O'Sullivan
Published Author
https://www.ivetteosullivanbooks.com/back to top
COPYRIGHT 2026
La Voz, Cultura y noticias hispanas del Valle de Hudson
Growing up, my teachers always emphasized how important it was for parents to read to us at home, but my mother didn’t speak English. That left me longing for a shared reading experience, something that could bridge the gap between our kitchen table and my classroom. As children, navigating two distinct cultures can sometimes bring moments of misplaced embarrassment when a parent doesn't speak English. Today, looking back through the lens of my years as an
educator and social worker, I see those moments with total clarity. Speaking Spanish was never a barrier; it was always a strength, a bridge, and a true gift.
That childhood experience is what inspired me to write my bilingual children's book, Mac The Disc Dog / Mac El Perro De Disco Volador. I wanted to take that old sense of disconnect and turn it into a family superpower.
When families open a bilingual book together, story time becomes a real team effort. Children can read the English pages to practice what they’re learning at school, while parents can read the Spanish pages aloud, sharing the beauty and depth of their native language. Everyone learns alongside one another, building mutual respect and trading self-doubt for pride.
Literacy builds the foundation for academic success, but the emotional bond created while sitting side by side reading is what truly stays with a child. As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, let’s honor our roots and take full ownership of our stories. When we read together, we show our children that their language, background, and culture belong in every single room they step into.
As a Dominican American author, creating Mac The Disc Dog / Mac El Perro De Disco Volador is my personal tribute to every family walking between two languages each day. Our heritage isn't something we leave behind at the front door; it’s our greatest asset, packed with resilience, joy, and deep tradition. Whether you are turning pages with a young reader at bedtime or building out your home library, I invite you to join Mac on his journey of courage and self-discovery. Together, let’s make reading a celebration of who we are, one page and two languages at a time.
Mac The Disc Dog / Mac El Perro De Disco Volador is available now at local independent bookstores and online through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Ivette O'Sullivan
Published Author
https://www.ivetteosullivanbooks.com/back to top
COPYRIGHT 2026
La Voz, Cultura y noticias hispanas del Valle de Hudson
Comments | |
| Sorry, there are no comments at this time. |