Children's books in several languages: reading in the family's language

How can you use books to help a child grow up with more than one language? Reading aloud is one of the most natural ways to keep a language alive at home and to spark curiosity about others. In this article we give practical ideas for families with two languages or who live in another country, explain how to choose the language of a personalised book and show how to make the most of it.

Why reading in the family's language matters

When a child lives in a country where a language different from their parents' or grandparents' is spoken, the family's language risks being limited to everyday conversation. Reading adds vocabulary, expressions and stories that conversation rarely covers. Reading regularly, even a few minutes a day, helps the child associate that language with pleasure and closeness to the person reading to them.

Families with two or more languages

• Be clear about who speaks which language to the child, to build consistent habits.
• Set aside a daily reading mument in the language at a disadvantage in daily life.
• Accept that the child may answer in another language and keep speaking yours.
• Look for books they enjoy, rather than imposing reading they feel is an obligation.
• Celebrate progress, however small.

Choosing the language of a personalised book

A personalised book can be generated in 14 languages, which lets you choose the family's language, that of the country where you live or the one the child is learning. You can also make the same story in two languages: the 2nd book you buy gets 20% off, which makes it easier to have, for example, one version for the grandparents and another for home. The text can be created by us, from the theme and the names you give, or written by you.

Tips for reading aloud in a language you don't master

1. 1Choose short sentences and simple vocabulary.
2. 2Read slowly, pointing at the pictures to help understanding.
3. 3Repeat expressions the child likes, to create a refrain.
4. 4Ask the child to tell what they understood, in whichever language they prefer.
5. 5Don't correct pronunciation on every word: the goal is a love of the story.

When the grandparents live in another country

Many grandparents speak the family's mother tongue and live far away. A book in which the grandchildren are the main characters, written in the grandparents' language, can be a special gift. The grandparents can read the story over a video call, and the child hears the language in the voice of someone they love. The eBook costs €10 and is available to download right after approval, so it can be sent by email on the right day.

Learning a new language through a story

A book with the child as the main character can motivate them to want to understand what is written. For children learning a language at school, a short, simple story with repeated sentences can be a good complement. It doesn't replace classes, but it gives them an emotional, personal context that textbooks rarely offer.

How the book is made

1. 1Choose a sharp photo of the child, with the face clearly visible.
2. 2Set the theme, the language of the text and, if you like, up to 5 characters.
3. 3See the free preview, without creating an account.
4. 4Write a dedication of up to 250 characters and use the 2 free revisions.
5. 5Approve and receive the eBook, for €10, or the eBook with a hardcover printed book, for €39.99.

Routines that help

• Read always at the same time, for example before bed.
• Have a reading corner with books in the family's languages.
• Use the library, which often has books in several languages.
• Team up with other families to swap books and organise joint readings.
• Watch films and listen to music in the language as a complement, not a replacement for reading.

What to avoid

• Comparing the child with others or demanding fluency.
• Turning reading into a vocabulary test.
• Giving up because the child answers in another language.
• Expecting immediate results: languages grow slowly.

Frequently asked questions

• Can I ask for a book in two languages on the same page? Each book is generated in one language; to have two versions, you make two books, and the 2nd gets 20% off.
• Is the book suitable for children who can't read yet? Yes: it is read aloud and the pictures tell the story.
• Can I write the text myself in my language? Yes, you can write the text and the dedication in whichever language you prefer.

If you have doubts about the language or tone of the text, try the free preview and use the 2 revisions to adjust anything that doesn't sound natural.

In short

Reading aloud in the family's language is a simple, affectionate way to keep a language alive and to create memories. Choose the language, set a short, steady routine and, if you like, add a book in which the child is the main character. Try the free preview and decide after you see the result.