This past summer, my kids and I read 小小的我 and 最亲爱的奶奶! These picture books were originally written in Japanese and have been translated to simplified Chinese and traditional Chinese.
Both of my children (2-year-old son and almost 5-year-old daughter) loved the touching narrative and beautiful, realistic illustrations.
These stories would be perfect for families looking for Montessori friendly Chinese books.
Here is a quick review of 小小的我 and 最亲爱的奶奶 with many photos and a video!
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小小的我 Chinese Book Review
- Title: 小小的我 (Xiǎo xiǎo de wǒ / Little Me)
- Author: 笠井真理
- Age level: 3-7 years
- Where to buy:
- Simplified Chinese / ISBN: 9787510153310 / Publisher: 中国人口出版社
- Traditional Chinese with Zhuyin / ISBN: 9789862483688 / Publisher: 大好書屋-日月文化
- Free audio narration: Ximalaya
- Compatible with Luka Reading Robot which has high-quality narration
This is a story that all children can relate to!
A little girl expresses her shyness around strangers, fear of the dark, and her wish to do things independently, such as walking her dog.
However, she is trying very hard to overcome these challenges! You can listen to the Chinese narrations for free on Ximalaya (see above) and on YouTube (see below).
Here is a video of the traditional Chinese version of the story recorded by Peggy Lin. Please note that the wording is slightly different between the simplified and Chinese versions.
最亲爱的奶奶 Chinese Book Review
- Title: 最亲爱的奶奶 (Zuì qīn’ài de nǎinai / Dearest Grandma)
- Author: 笠井真理
- Age level: 3-7 years
- Where to buy:
- Simplified Chinese / ISBN: 9787510153327 / Publisher: 中国人口出版社
- Compatible with Luka Reading Robot which has high-quality narration
This is a sweet story about a child and close relationship with her beloved grandmother. The story opens with the grandmother teaching the child about her family and how to finger knit.
However, the grandmother is getting old and ill, and the child has to say goodbye to her.
This story may be sad for a family who has recently lost a loved one, but it may also be therapeutic to read about a child who has suffered grief and heartache.
It’s an opportunity to discuss in a gentle way that our life on Earth is temporary and that our eternal home is Heaven.
FREE CHINESE AUDIOBOOKS
Many websites and apps offer FREE multilingual books for kids!
Ximalaya FM is our favorite, and I highly recommend their free Chinese audiobooks for all kids!
Since the entire website and app is in Chinese, please refer to this guide on How to Use Ximalaya if you cannot read Chinese.
WHERE TO BUY CHINESE BOOKS FOR KIDS
For all book recommendations, please explore our favorite Chinese books for kids and follow my Instagram book account @chinesekidlit for special highlights!
If you’re wondering where to buy kids’ books, please click here for a list of the most popular online Chinese bookstores!
Recommended articles about how to teach kids Chinese
If you need tips on how to teach your child Chinese, these posts are for you!
- Teach Your Child a Second Language at Home with 5 Key Steps
- How To Get Your Child To Speak the Minority Language
- Raising Multilingual Children as a Non-Fluent Parent
- 15 Ways to Get Your Child to Read Throughout the Day
- 6 Fun Ways to Assess Reading Comprehension With Kids!
Bilingual English and Chinese Facebook Parent Group
As always, please leave a comment with any questions, and I’ll try my best to answer them! Or better yet, please join our Facebook group!
Montessori-inspired Kids Learning Chinese and English is a community of parents worldwide who are excited to share bilingual book recommendations, Montessori tips, and learning materials!
Chinese resources for kids on Amazon!
Click here to see Chinese learning tools and cultural toys on Amazon!
Happy reading, friends!