For more than 40 years, New School Lyon has combined bilingual learning and English immersion from the earliest age. To extend this approach at home, the best bilingual books for children are an effective way to enrich vocabulary and strengthen children's language skills. Here is a selection of titles suitable for every age, to support your children in learning English.
Why encourage bilingual reading from the earliest age?
Books are wonderful tools for learning English. They can be used anytime and offer a playful experience. From the youngest age, children absorb the sounds and rhythms of the language, even if they don't yet understand everything. Children's books are precious because they introduce the language gently.
Bilingual books, in particular, make it easier to move from one language to the other. This encourages an intuitive understanding of English and grows vocabulary. At New School Lyon, we recommend this method of learning, which combines pleasure and effectiveness.
Recommended bilingual books for children aged 0 to 4
Young children enjoy interactive books. These often feature pop-ups or textures to touch. If your English pronunciation isn't perfect, you can opt for books with an accompanying CD. Your child will then be able to listen to native speakers while following the story. Here are a few suggestions for this age group:
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Eric Carle: this classic is ideal for teaching colours and animals. The sentences are short and repetitive.
Gruffalo, Where Are You? by Julia Donaldson: this interactive book is both fun and educational. It helps build fine motor skills and memorisation.
That's Not My Car by Fiona Watt: this sensory book lets young children learn through touch while discovering new words.
These books capture little ones' attention thanks to their vivid colours and engaging illustrations. They spark interest in reading.
Recommended bilingual books for children aged 5 to 12
From age 5, children begin to read on their own. Bilingual books help them absorb English naturally. Here are a few recommendations for this age group:
The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter: this timeless classic is perfect for young readers. The sentences are short and simple, ideal for getting started.
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak: this story stimulates children's imagination while introducing more complex sentence structures.
See Inside Science by Alex Frith: this book, designed for curious children, explores scientific concepts while expanding their vocabulary.
For older children, comic books or adventure novels like Around the World in Eighty Days are also excellent ways to spark their interest in reading in English.
Conclusion
Bringing bilingual reading into the home allows your children to learn English in a playful, natural way. Whether through picture books for the youngest or novels for older children, every book is a new language adventure. At New School Lyon, we strongly encourage this approach, as it reflects our immersive teaching, tailored to each child.
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