My First Book of Hindi Words: An ABC Rhyming Book of Hindi Language and Indian Culture

by Rina Singh, Rina Singh

My First Book of Hindi Words is a beautifully illustrated book that introduces young children to Hindi language and Indian culture through everyday words.

Organized as an ABC rhyming book, My First Book of Hindi Words incorporates common Hindi words into charming English-language rhymes, beginning "A is for Akash . A sky so blue where little birds fly and big planes, too," and on through "Z is for Zukhaam . Achoo! I sneeze. I must have a cold. Mama, hug me please!" Winsome, full-color pictures illustrate each word and allow even very young readers to make their first foray into India's official language. A helpful glossary at the end makes it easy for readers—including parents and teachers—to review what they've learned!

With the help of this book, we hope more children (and adults) will soon be a part of the 300 million people worldwide that speak Hindi!

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, Language, Childrens, The World, Asia

32 pages, Hardcover

First published August 2, 2016

About the author

RINA SINGH was born in India and immigrated to Canada in 1980. She has an MFA in Creative Writing from Concordia University and a teaching degree from McGill University. Before moving from Montreal to Toronto, she taught creative writing to gifted children. She has since written several critically acclaimed books for children. Her book A Forest of Stories has been translated into several languages, her poems and short stories have appeared in several Canadian literary journals, and she has exhibited photography in many Toronto galleries. Rina Singh teaches art and drama in Toronto, where she lives with her restaurateur husband and their two children.

Reviews

[Joanne Roberts]

Cute and vibrant. A to Z of Hindi words which try to show some of the culture of India along with the language. A mix of useful and playful words. Fun. Wish it had pronunciation guide.

[Becky B]

An introduction to Hindi vocabulary and Indian culture through 26 words, a through z. The words are shared in Hindi, an English transliteration, and a short rhyme that defines the word (and includes the English equivalent in bold).

A great intro to Hindi and Indian culture. The rhymes are done very well. I really appreciate that the English equivalent word is used in each rhyme to help clarify the definition. The illustrations are bright, colorful and fit Indian culture. There is no pronunciation guide, the only thing I think would make this better.

[Maeve]

This book will be great for Kaira to introduce Hindi to her friends. It is an English language book which introduces 26 Hindi words using the roman alphabet's ABCs. I would have preferred it to introduce the words using the 30+ Devanagari alphabet letters but I guess that's what Hindi language books are for!

[Ashley Adams]

Beautiful illustrations in this alphabet book intended to introduce children to the Hindi language and Indian culture.

[Nadia L. Hohn]

I had the pleasure of hearing Rina Singh read this book at FOLD Kids Book Fest 2019. It is written in Hindi and English but what makes it extra special is that the book is written in rhyme. I also learned new words in Hindi like Bai and ulta pulta.

[Ritu]

bought this for my very young nieces. (both less than 2 years old) serves its purpose for that.

[Margaux]

Cute alphabet book that introduces Hindi words to native English speakers.

[Lindsay]

Nice introduction, but I would have liked it to have a pronunciation guide at the end for us grown-ups.

[Noreen Farooqui]

This is a cute introduction to Hindi. Great for children, adults will enjoy it too!

[Angela De Groot]

A fun read. Vibrant arts and rhyming text introduces readers to an ABC of Hindi, and a peek into Indian culture.

[Helen]

I really enjoyed this introduction to Hindi words and Indian culture! It had nice illustrations and interesting poetry.

[Suzie]

My 8 year old enjoyed reading this to learn words that his friend at school knows!