My First Book of Chinese Words: An ABC Rhyming Book
Starting with A, for ai, a word that means love in Chinese, this picture book uses the English alphabet as a framework to learn Chinese words. Each entry includes the word in Pinyin as well as the traditional and simplified Chinese characters, accompanied by a rhyme that incorporates the term. Some topics, such as the moon, dogs, and grandmothers, are universal; others introduce cultural aspects of Chinese life, such as chopsticks, rice, and dragons. A preface for adults offers guidelines for pronunciation, but the publisher’s website, mentioned on the book flap, is more helpful. Colorful illustrations complement the text and clarify a few of the terms. This first book is a good supplement to primary multicultural units, but it does require preliminary practice unless read aloud by someone fluent in Chinese. Grades K-2. --Linda Perkins