Sweet English-Mandarin Bedtime Stories by Marie Chow

As the mother of a bilingual family, I have a soft spot for bilingual kidlit. Add that I've been dabbling in learning Mandarin (it's a slow dabble), today's series caught my attention. These two books should read as gentle bedtime stories with just enough of a twist to lure young readers in. I reviewed another work from this author a few weeks ago (Here), so I already am pretty sure the tales will flow wonderfully well. Also, I'm curious to see how she handles the two languages.

So, let's take a peek at both of them and see.

BECAUSE DRAGONS LOVE MILK

by Marie Chow

Illustrated by Miki Tharp

Picture Book

English   /  Mandarin 

28 pages

ages 2 to 5

A slightly different take on the traditional bedtime story. See how Tycho's father helps to soothe the monsters in his room... bilingual translation makes the book read smoothly in either Mandarin (with traditional Chinese characters) or English.

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON

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TO THE MOON

by Marie Chow

Illustrated by Miki Tharp

Picture Book

English   /   Mandarin

26 pages

ages 2 to 5

A young girl plans all the adventures she plans on having on her day off: from going to the moon to exploring the tropical forests. Her mother encourages her daughter's adventurous spirit by providing helpful suggestions as to what type of equipment will be necessary for each of her adventures.

GOODREADS   /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

With a sense of playfulness and parent-child warmth, these reads present lovely tales in both Mandarin and English offering language goodness, too.

Both books are wonderful bedtime reads. To The Moon presents a little girl, who is tying to decide what she wants to do for the weekend, and each of her ideas is huge (like going to the moon). Her mother considers various things which the little girl might need on her imaginative adventure, which makes the girl hesitate just enough that she comes up with another fantastic idea. Because Dragons Love Milk revolves around a little boy's fear of monsters under his bed, With each one he mentions, the father thinks of ways to placate the monster. Each book offers a hint of fantasy while sticking to familiar themes for the intended age group and radiating family warmth and a dab of humor. The stories flow very well with very natural dialogue. I'm especially impressed with how the parents interact with their children. They take them seriously and engage in a way that shows care, understanding, playfulness, and wisdom. It's more natural than in many picture books I've run across.

These stories are short and sweet. The author understands her craft and brings in what is needed at a steady pacing without adding more than necessary. Yet, the stories don't feel clipped, either, and offer well-rounded bedtime reads. Especially impatient or tired listeners will enjoy this aspect. Add the nice illustrations, which makes the moments and situations clear while offering enjoyable scenes, and these make ideal read-alouds.

Then, there's the language aspect. These are written in English and Mandarin. The English text is presented first. Right below flows the Mandarin. So, it can be read seamlessly in either language. Also, placing one right below the other offers easy comparison for language learners. The author adds a note at the end of each book explaining that the languages are, of course, not direct translations. Rather, both flow with the naturalness of the corresponding language. At the end of both books is a glossary of certain terms and definitions to assist language learners. To The Moon adds a couple pages of terms with pronunciation keys and images (like a tree is illustrated, presented in English and Mandarin and also with the Mandarin pronunciation), which I also found helpful for learners.

It's a nice pair of books, and I hope there will be more to join them in the future. 

And here she is...

Marie Chow is a former teacher, education evaluator, and engineer. A lifelong student, she has degrees in degrees in chemical engineering, teaching, an MFA in writing, and a doctorate in educational leadership. Her writing focuses on bilingual and English-only children's books that feature mixed families, as well as literary and contemporary fiction focused on Asian and Asian American characters.
You can reach her at career.student.productions@gmail.com

UN-spoiled! by Marie Chow

Today's read looks adorable! I love the pink princess-ness. Add the word unspoiled, and it immediately puts a smile on my face. Telling by the cover, this little girl is definitely spoiled. Will she cast a spell to change everything? Or will she try her best to be unspoiled? I'm ready to see what this tale does and hope for fun along the way.

UN-SPOILED!

by Marie Chow

Illustrated by Arthur Lin

Picture Book

29 pages

ages 4 to 8

Nova is a young girl... full of joy, and fully committed to getting her own way. 

I'm the opposite of spoiled
... ask anyone.
It's not my fault I'm everyone's
favorite loved one.

Is she spoiled? You'll have to decide for yourself.

GOODREADS     /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Smiles are guaranteed as this little girl tries her best to make the argument that she is anything but spoiled.

Nova is un-spoiled, and she can prove it. With tons of energy, a positive attitude, and loads of pink, she goes through the day and points out the many things, which make it seem like she's spoiled. But she clearly doesn't fall into that category. Right?

Readers, who adore pink princess vibes, are going to enjoy this read since Nova is as girly as girly can be. Her positive attitude is addictive, and she goes through life with a smile. This goodness radiates so much that it may make readers wonder if she truly is spoiled or not. After all, she's obviously a nice and kind person to be around. So while everyone makes sure she's satisfied and has more than she needs, there isn't the slightest hint of negativity. It creates a fun balance and shows how blurred the line between truth and perception can grow. It's cute to watch her place her well-laid arguments while she spins from one page to the next. 

The illustrations bring each scene across with pink pizzazz and family goodness. Nova's life will ring familiar with many readers thanks to the daily life scenes. The text is delivered in four-phrased rhymes, which flow well, are kept short, and keep the positive atmosphere going. This makes it a lovely read-aloud...and the shorter length keeps even reluctant listeners' attentions from steering too far away. It's a cute read, which gives a little to think about while keeping everything warm and cheerful.

And here she is...

Marie Chow is a former teacher, education evaluator, and engineer. A lifelong student, she has degrees in degrees in chemical engineering, teaching, an MFA in writing, and a doctorate in educational leadership. Her writing focuses on bilingual and English-only children's books that feature mixed families, as well as literary and contemporary fiction focused on Asian and Asian American characters.