Starting with A, for ai, a word that means "love" in Chinese, this picture book uses the English alphabet as a framework to learn Chinese words.

On a more instructional, but equally enjoyable level, "My First Book of Chinese Words" introduces children to the Chinese character system as well as language.

This book uses the alphabet to introduce Chinese words. There are both simplified and traditional versions of Chinese used, which is good, and colorful pictures on each page showing the words to be learned. There are short rhyming poems on each page and the words are spelled out in pinyin so you know how to say the words. There are also small hints on how to pronounce the words. I liked that this book has lots of colorful hand-drawn pictures.

Provides a basic primer for preschool children who want to learn Chinese, using the familiar ABC structure to present everyday words that hold special meaning to Chinese culture. Each word is presented in Chinese characters and in Romanized form, with easy cultural and language notes accompanying the story of a Chinese family who helps youngsters learn. An accompanying website page helps kids actually listen to the Chinese words in the book.

This was one of my favorite books that we received. You will learn about chopsticks, tea, lanterns, rice and more as you follow a Chinese family through their day.