Un Deux Trois: First French Rhymes in English/French

by Opal Dunn, Patrice Aggs (Illustrator)

Simple songs and rhymes are an excellent way to familiarize young children with another language. Un Deux Trois a collection of 25 traditional nursery rhymes, is a delightful way to introduce French. An illustrated vocabulary features simple words and phrases that are easy to learn and that can be used in games or everyday life. Children are encouraged to repeat the phrases and sing along with the rhymes, and the included CD lets them know how both should sound. The lively illustrations and amusing rhymes make learning a new language fun. A guide for parents translates more difficult phrases.

Genres: France, Childrens, Picture Books

23 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1995

Reviews

[Joelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book contains easy songs and rhymes which can help anybody familiarize themself with the French language. This introductory French children's book shows illustrated vocabulary and simple words and phrases that are easy to learn. I like this book for beginning level French speakers because even though it is for children, the words learned can still be used by anyone in everyday life. Here is an example of the popular children's song "Sur le Pont d'Avignon" I think it's a great way to introduce the adverbial pronoun "y."
Chanson enfantine:
Sur le pont d'Avignon
On y danse, on y danse
Sur le pont d'Avignon
On y danse tout en rond

[Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

We bought a secondhand copy of this and just now realised it's meant to come with a cassette! We were just reading it ourselves but people who are less confident reading aloud in French can use YouTube to find a native French speaker. I know it's a bit of a bother but I suggest looking up each rhyme individually, and maybe save a play list, at least until you or the the child are confident reading each rhyme aloud.

The rhymes are grouped by theme. The accompanying pictures not only illustrate what the rhyme is about but also have unobtrusive vocabulary tags. Most helpful is the English explanation of each rhyme at the very back of the book.

The smallest member of the household found it interesting to see how some familiar words are spelled.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for little ones

[Aerin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect for my 4-year-old who's interested in learning other languages; my 6-year-old wasn't interested, and this book did not make him so (which is okay)

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased this book to help get the boys familiar with French. Tommy likes it better than Danny does. I haven't played the CD for them, yet.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great fun!