Book reviews - Languages

My First 100 French Words by Clare Beaton

My First 100 Spanish Words by Clare Beaton

Another easy to use book from bsmall - again, the small format makes it easy to carry around. Ideal both for holidays and for supporting early language learning in schools - Spanish is a popular language for teaching. The pictures are fun and colourful and there is a complete word list at the end.  Both the French and Spanish versions include a pronunciation guide and an alphabet game is included on the cover flaps.  

Uno Dos Tres - My First Spanish Rhymes by Yanitzia Canetti

Just as we introduce our children to their own language through songs and nursery rhymes when they are little, so we should introduce them to songs and rhymes in other languages, as they are an excellent way to familiarise young children with another language. This is a collection of 25 traditional nursery rhymes in Spanish - and in case you are wondering how to pronounce them, there is a CD included. An illustrated vocabulary features simple words and phrases that are easy to learn and that can be used in games or everyday life. There is also information about each rhyme. Bright colourful illustrations give plenty of opportunities for discussion and this would be a valuable book for the language teacher. A lovely and somewhat unusual book.  

French Fun by Catherine Bruzzone and Lone Morton

Lucy and Lucia Play Hide and Seek by Genevieve Yusuf

In an interesting approach to early language learning, Spanish words are incorporated in a story which is largely told in English. Lucy and Lucia have fun playing hide-and-seek during Lucy's holiday in Spain and they can both help each other out. An entertaining story with the Spanish words cleverly interwoven throughout, so children will assimilate new words easily. All the Spanish words used are listed at the end.

Phillip and Felipe Become Best Amigos by Genevieve Yusuf

Another story about a holiday in Spain. Phillip helps Felipe find his Mum in the supermarket and lots of useful Spanish vocabulary weaves through the story. From thewebsite: "JaJaJa books would like to take you and your child on a learning experience within a story….Not only will your child learn but you can learn with them. A child’s brain is like a little sponge soaking up information. Our books try to expose children at a young age to a new language, without them even realising they are learning. The stories are written predominantly in English with foreign language vocabulary popped in at the right place....the situations and storylines are relevant so when you and your family go on holiday, to a restaurant or to the beach, you will have some language skills already under your belt."

Wild Animals/Les Animaux Sauvages by Catherine Bruzzone illus Clare Beaton

This is a lovely picture book to help children learn animal names. Each animal is illustrated with two fun pictures, which are bound to amuse children. The French and English words are in clear font with French pronunciation. We all know that the earlier children start to learn a language, the easier it is, so this series 'My First Bilingual Books' for children of 2+ from b small is a great start. More -  Weather/Le Temps (Bilingual First Books), At Home/A La Maison (Bilingual First Books), Food/La Nourriture (Bilingual First Books) and Weather/Le Temps (Bilingual First Books).

First French with Superchat by Catherine Bruzzone, illus Clare Beaton

This is a super book, full of different ways to encourage language learing - as the book so accurately says, it is a "treasure chest". There are brightly coloured flash cards, labels to use around the house, a brightly coloured poster, figures to label and a colourful game. All this, plus an audio CD and many pages of suggested activities and games. A great resource for home and classroom, with so many different ways to reinforce learning - and reward badges for the successful learner. First English with Supercat (First Languages with Supercat) and  First Spanish with Supergato (Book & CD) are in the same series.

Hide and Speak Chinese by Catherine Bruzzone and Susan Martineau

This is far more than just a picture word book. It's great to see Chinese included in this series - complete with the absolutely essential pronunciation! The book is split into 15 popular themes, including party time, at the beach and in the jungle, all illustrated in bright colour. What sets this series apart is the use of wipe clean flaps, which can be used to cover words or pictures to practise speaking or writing as much as liked. A fun way to tackle a new language. 

Home Life Chez Moi by Sue Finnie and Daniele Bourdais

This would be an excellent book to give a young person about to set off on a French Exchange. Ryan, a young reporter, sets out to find out about family life in France through meeting three young people. Fact boxes are liberally sprinkled with French words, making this an enticing way to learn some of the language. Packed with information about everyday life and full of photos, this is a great snapshot of French life. Questions and quizzes add to the fun and all the phrases used in French are translated. Colourful and practical - a really well thought out series. The rest of the Young Reporter in France series are School Days (Young Reporter in France), Having Fun (Young Reporter in France) and Special Days and Holidays (Young Reporter in France).

Polish - Languages of the World by Lucia Raatna

This series, from Raintree, covers a range of major world languages. The books in the series, however, are far more than just language books - they provide an introduction to the culture of the country for KS1 children. A brief introduction to the language is given; there is a guide to pronunciation; introducing yourself and then words associated with everyday life - home, school, shopping, work etc. These are complemented by useful nuggets of information. Clearly laid out, accessible fonts and fact boxes and plenty of photographs, these books are an ideal introduction.

French - Languages of the World by Anita Ganeri 

Spanish (Languages of the World)
Hindi (Languages of the World)
Urdu (Languages of the World)
Mandarin (Languages of the World
Italian (Languages of the World)

Where's Toto?/Ou Est Toto? by Elizabeth Laird

From the series Let's Read in Spanish and English, find out what happens when Susie insists on taking the puppy Toto to the circus. It's a fun story with plenty of illustrations and speech bubbles to help understanding. The story is told in Spanish and English on opposing pages so, whichever language you are learning, you can look at your own language for help.  It is a really fun and enjoyable way to learn a language, as the child can concentrate on and enjoy the story with the help of the parallel language and the speech bubbles. There is a quiz at the end to reinforce comprehension and understanding.

A New World/Un Nouveau Monde by Stephen Rabley

A bi-lingual book - French and English, with the story told with the two languages side by side. Join with Marcus as he travels to the new world with Viking adventurers. Marcus stows away and is allowed to stay when he saves the Captain's life. The story is really well told and has a surprise at the end.  The illustrations are colourful and full of detail and there is an excellent balance of picture to text, meaning that children will not find reading daunting. A fun quiz completes the book - all-in-all, a great way to enjoy learning a new language.

Hide and Speak Italian by Catherine Bruzzone and Susan Martineau

We are so often asked for Modern Foreign Language resources, that I was thrilled to receive another set of books from b small publishing for review. This is a fun, interactive title to introduce children to Italian from a young age. The book covers 15 themes and I like the variety and the slightly unusual selection, which makes a refreshing change from the norm - alongside as the common themes such as Family, your child will enjoy The Dressing Up Box and Shopping for Toys. Each theme is illustrated in full colour, with amusing illustrations and a series of sentences. On the opposite page is a word list, to be used with the wipe-clean flaps to practise the words. An easy guide to pronunciation is also included. A really fun way to start a new language.

French-English Word Puzzle Book by Catherine Bruzzone, Rachel Croxon and Louise Millar

What a super way to reinforce early learning of a language! Children love doing puzzles and this is great fun. 14 themes are covered, ranging from the bedroom to the forest. With French on one side, and English opposite, each pair of pages is cleverly designed to offer the same format but with different puzzles for each language. There are crosswords, word searches, fill the blanks, codes to crack and much more - a great variety. Answers are given and there is a full word list. Full colour, with fun illustrations which give clues to the answers, this is an attractive book which children will enjoy. 

50 Spanish Phrases by Catherine Bruzzone and Susan Martineau

Another bright colourful aid to language learning from b small - it's far more than just a phrase book. This would be a great one to take on holiday with you, or to have in the house if your child is doing an exchange visit. Full of fun activities in which several children can take part, this would also be a great classroom resource to get children involved in learning and to encourage them to 'have a go'. The 50 key phrases are spread though the book and are clearly numbered; there are alos lots of other words and all complete with pronunciation. Attractively presented, this is a really well thought out book with so much to keep children interested and find learning a language is fun. 
And remember - most of the b small language books come in a range of languages, so do look at their website to see the full range.

Cendrillon: Children's Classics in French by Clare Beaton

This is far more than just the story of Cinderella in French. The story is just one part, retold as a simplified story in French. Children's knowledge of the story will instantly help with their understanding of the French, guided by the notes at the front which usefully tell teachers how to prepare to use the story. Brightly coloured cards make the stage and three backdrops, in order to put on the mini-play (text given), using the cut out characters which children can colour. The book can be photocopied, making it a super classroom resource. Hours of fun for children at home or school, who will love to put on a performance - even down to templates supplied for tickets. Cinderella and Snow White are available in English, Spanish and French.

Illustrated Alphabet in French by Louise Comfort

Why not teach your child the alphabet in French as well as English? We all know children pick up languages very easily when they are young so make the most of it! Each letter is shown on a full page with a fun illustration. The pronunciation for each word is given in French, and the English and French word shown. Interestingly, the pronunciation of the French letter is also given - useful. The colourful friezes running across each page give lots of opportunity for discussion - and perhaps for finding some more French words! The quiz at the end is useful reinforcement. A really practical book.

Mira Donde Vivo!/ Look Where I Live by Lone Morton and Catherine Bruzzone

Subtitled 'A Bilingual Look and Find Book' this is a fun way to learn Spanish. Angus has friends all around thye world and this book gives us a peek injside their very different houses.Each house is packed with fascinating details - lots of opportunities for discussion. Lots of fun as children are given the task of spotting all sorts of objects inside the houses - and an interesting insight into different cultures too. Parents will be pleased to know the answers are given!  The book finishes with a useful word list. In common with all the books I have seen from bsmall, there are lots of different and useful facets to this book and they are all excellent value. Take some on holiday with you!

 What's for Supper?/ Qu'est Qu'on Mange ce Soir? by Mary Risk and Carol Thompson

Appealing illustrations and friendly characters would mean this is a fun story to share even if it was just in English but the added dimension of the bi-lingual telling makes this an excellent book. It is such a relaxed and natural way to start children learning a foreign language. Dad and the children are cooking tonight and it's a sorprised for Mum. Join them as they go to the supermarket - can you guess what they are going to cook? This well thought out book includes parent notes, a picture dictionary and a pronunciation guide. Find more in the series at www.bsmall.co.uk.

French-English Picture Dictionary by Catherine Bruzzone & Louise Millar

This colourful French-English dictionary is divided into topics which are very relevant and appealing to young language learners, The topics include the family, the park, the town, the classroom and at sea. Attractively laid out, each word is given in French and English; includes the French pronunciation, and has a colourful picture. An alphabetical list of the words is found at the end of the book. Colours and numbers are also included. An ideal first dictionary,

English Picture Dictionary by Catherine Bruzzone and Louise Millar

A colourful way to introduce children to the richness of the English language. Words are arranged into familiar topics - vehicles, the park, the farm, the bathroom and party time are just a few of the topics covered. Clear layout, accessible font and cheerful pictures all make this an attractive first English dictionary. The alphabetical list of words at the back give scope for extra learning opportunities,

Spanish-English Picture Dictionary by Catherine Bruzzone and Louise Millar

These colourful dictionaries from b small publishing (www.bsmall.co.uk) are an ideal introduction to another language and a lovely way to get children interested. Over 350 words, all relevant to young learners, are arranged in more than 35 colourful themed pages, with pictures and pronunciation. Just the right amount not to seem daunting, these are lovely books and would be ideal to take on holidays abroad.

I Can Learn Spanish from Egmont Books

We are often asked for Spanish teaching resources so I was pleased to receive this title to review. It is aimed at beginners and fits with the curriculum.  Guillermo the cat takes the student through the colourful pages of the book, teaching key vocabulary. Plenty of interactivity, with fun exercises, quizzes and puzzles throughout. Use the reward stickers to encourage and reward your child - in Spanish too! A very useful and easy to follow introduction. with a useful word list at the end. Visit www.icanlearndigital.co.uk/spanish to complement the activities in the book.

I Can Learn French from Egmont Books

Children study a modern foreign language as part of the curriculum so give them a head start with this series - or familiarise them with a language they are not learning. Bilingual Claud the cat takes the student through the 200 everyday words in this book. It is easy to see the practical use of everything learnt and the layout is engaging and colourful. Full of activities to reinforce learning in a fun  way, I recommend this book as an introduction to French. It would be good to take on holiday to France too. Learn more at www.icanlearndigital.co.uk/french, and hear all the words spoken.  

 Numbers/Les Nombres by Catherine Bruzzone

This is a first introduction to numbers in French for young children, suited to children from the age of 2. Brightly coloured teddy bears introduce the concept of numbers. I found the detail in these pictures quite fascinating. Count with the bears in English and French from 1 to 10. At the end of the book is a useful guide to the pronunciation of each number. There are many more in the series, including Colours, Transport and Wild Animals.  

 Colour in Spanish by Catherine Bruzzone

Over 300 Spanish words to colour and learn in this book, which is a great way to learn first words in Spanish. Each page covers a specific theme, such as school and the supermarket. All children love colouring books so this is a super way to help them learn and have fun at the same time. Each object is numbered and the Spanish word is shown clearly at the side of the page, along with the English word. The perfect book to take on a holiday to Spain! Plenty more language books at www.bsmall.co.uk

Hide and Speak French is  cleverly designed interactive book using the proven learning method of 'look, cover and say', facilitated by the integral flaps. This is a lovely, brightly coloured book with an attractively shiny finish. On one side of each double page spread is a lively glossy picture, full of action and interest. There are sentences underneath in French and English. On the opposite side is a list of French words (plus pronunciation) with pictures alongside to be used with the flaps to consolidate learning - the flaps are wipe-clean to allow repeated practice. This well though out book is ideal to support language learning done in schools.