Help Me Read

Children's Bilingual Books

Dragon's Tears

By Manju Gregory, Illustrated by Gua Le, Mantra Lingua Ltd,

How did the twenty-four lakes of the River Min get their name The Dragon's Tears? When Chun Li releases a golden fish, he is rewarded with the gift of a magic pearl. But this is when his troubles begin ... A classic Chinese tale about luck, magic, greed, tragedy and reconciliation, it has much scope for discussion.

Five Minutes Peace

by Jill Murphy, Walker Books Ltd, Great Britai 1989/Magi Publishing

An elephant mom wants just five minutes alone in her bath away from the children who, one after another, manage to get involved in her tub.

The Fox and the Crocodile

By Eddie McParland; Omer Mohammed, Omer, Illustrated by Bob Hewis, Learning Design

Based on a traditional Somali story, retold in English and retranslated back into modern Somali, this 12 page full color publication tells the story of how the crocodile foolishly believed the wily tales of the fox and thereby lost his tongue.

ISBN: 1873928009

Frog and The Stranger

By Max Velthuijs

The School Librarian Frog and all of Frog's friends learn about each other and the wide world in this cute and adorable series. A delight for young children.

The Frog Princess?

By Pamela Mann

An ugly little frog says 'reddit' to all the character animals from fairytales that come to drink in his vicinity. Does he really know how to read? A handsome prince's kiss unlocks the mystery.

The Girl Who Hated Books

By M. Pawagi, 1998.

Meena absolutely hates books. Books are in every nook and cranny of the house and they are in Meena's way. Discover how Meena's cat helps introduce her to the world of reading.

Handa's Surprise

By Eileen Browne, Mantra Publishing, 1999.

Handa puts delicious fruits in a basket to take to her friend in another village. But on Handa's walk, she passes several animals who find the fruit very inviting. What will her friend find in the basket? Enjoy this African tale and the colorful illustrations.

A Journey Through Somalia

By Cecile Buxton, London: Tower Hamlets 1997.

An illustrated, dual-language alphabet book about everyday life in Somalia. The striking black and white drawings and the text carry a lot of information about the Somali culture. This book is especially valuable because it celebrates ordinary life and does not even mention war or exile.

Keeping up with Cheetah

By Linday Camp, illustrated by Jill Newton, Lothrop, Lee & Shepard, 1993.

Cheetah is a fast, playful animal with a slow hippo for a friend. Though he loves his company, Cheetah seeks a faster friend. He finds many new playmates but wonders if he will find a true friend.

Lima's Red Hot Chilli

By David Mills, Illustrated by Derek Brazell, Mantra Publishing, 1999.

Take one little girl with a severe case of the after school munchies, six different tempting snacks and one shiny delicious red hot chili. One big bite into the chili results in a spectacular display of fireworks. Everyone comes to help, but Lima's mouth is still on fire. Who can rescue her? Enjoy this colorful story in a variety of bilingual editions.

Mei Ling's Hiccups

By David Mills, Illustrated by Derek Brazell, Mantra Publishing

Mei Ling's hiccups just will not stop. Everyone in her class gives advice on ways to get rid of them, but her hiccups just keep coming back.

Nobody Owns the Sky

By Reeve Lindbergh, Illustrated by Pamela Paparone, Candlewick Press, 1997.

The inspiring story of Bessie Coleman who grew up at a time when it was difficult for any woman to become a pilot, but for a black woman it seemed impossible. A stunningly illustrated book that gives courage to all who have a dream.

The Old Woman and the Pumpkin

Retold by Michael Rosen, Illustrated by Bob Hewis

A traditional story about the perils faced by an old woman who sets out to visit her grand-daughter and encounters and outwits some very dangerous travelling companions.

Roses for Gita

by Rachna Gilmore, Illustrated by Alice Priestley, Tilbury House

Gita misses her grandmother Naniji back in India, and especially her beautiful garden. Her new yard now is just boring grass. Through a broken section of fence she can see the lush garden of mean old Mr. Flinch next door, and makes her long for Naniji's garden with its vibrant colors, twisty paths, and surprise corners. But nearsighted Mr. Flinch snaps at her when he catches her looking over the fence-and even thinks she's a boy! When Gita hears him playing his fiddle in his garden one morning, she decides to try to make friends. The old man and the young girl discover that their shared love of music and growing things overcomes differences in age and culture. Somali/English.

  • Ages 7-12
  • 24 pages
  • paperback
  • ISBN 0-88448-224-3
  • $7.95 (TH) (Library)
  • Buy at Powell's
Samira's Eid

By Nasreen Aktar, illus. by Enebor Attard, London: Mantra Publishing

Samira and Hassan are preparing for Eid - fasting during Ramadan, visiting the mosque and the excitement of new clothes. But this is no ordinary Eid as a surprise visitor has an unusual story to tell. This adorable story, written for both Muslim and non-Muslim children, respectfully presents Islamic practices and the warm sentiments Muslims express. Ages: 3-9 PB 32 pages. Somali/English 1852691336 [Asia For Kids]

Sam's First Day

By David Mills [Asia For Kids]

A boy who loves to talk is silent at school. He builds things, reads, plays etc., enjoying himself, but he won't speak. Finally his sister comes and he begins to talk again. Each page is presented in Somali and English. Illustrated in watercolor.

Somali Folktales

By Abdullahi Hassan Roble, Scansom Publishers-Sweden, 2000.

Contains 14 bi-lingual folktales (Somali and English), most of which center on animals. Large format black and white illustrations.

Splash!

By Flora McDonnell [Asia For Kids] Mantra Publishing.

All the animals are hot on the African grasslands. How will the baby elephant cool off the day for everyone? Enjoy this simple text and colorful illustrations.

Words for School

Mantra Publishing

An illustrated dictionary of all the essential words that every child needs at school. This book can be used by children and all those involved in their care at school and at home.' Ages 3-12. Somali/English.

Other Languages

Amharic | Chinese | Hmong | Khmer | Lao | Multilingual | Phillipine | Samoan | Somalian | Spanish | Tagalog | Vietnamese

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