My First Book of Chinese Words: An ABC Rhyming Book

PreS-Gr 2—Chinese doesn't use an alphabet, but Wu uses the pinyin romanization system to introduce a Chinese character for every letter of the English alphabet. The romanization starts with the same letter, and usually the same sound, as the English letter, for example, "A is for ài." When Chinese lacks a letter or sound (such as "V"), then the author uses an English word and translates it into Chinese. Each page features a Chinese character (shown in both simplified and traditional variations) and a rhyming translation superimposed on a full-color illustration. Many pages also have an explanatory note about Chinese culture. Differing from a traditional "my first words" dictionary-type book, this title works as a read-aloud and would be an easy way to introduce the language into a storytime or unit on China. The rhythm is occasionally awkward. This is a good complement for collections in which picture dictionaries and books such as Roseanne Thong's Round Is a Mooncake (2000) and Red Is a Dragon (2001, both Chronicle) are popular. Web support contains audio for pronunciation guidance.—Jennifer Rothschild, Arlington County Public Libraries, VA