How to Build a Bilingual Library | Tips for Finding Foreign Language Children's Books

[@Mac_an_Mheiriceanaigh]

Thank you so much for the level of detail, Stephanie!! The DC Public Library also has a lot of books for French, if you live anywhere nearby. One thing they have is the giant Oxford Bilingual Picture Dictionary - similar to yours!! One thing I will also add about public libraries is they are often happy to purchase more books, especially children's books, if you have recommendations for them. If your library already has a collection in French, it means they probably want to serve a local community that speaks French, so they are probably willing to buy more!

[@LyzJGV]

Thanks a lot for your great videos. Really loved them. One thing we did was get loads of books from a secondhand library when we went to the US. We got home with over 40 books for a really great price. Now that’s cannot travel anymore I regret not getting more

[@LiveYourLanguage]

Thank you for watching my video :). I'm glad you enjoyed it! That's exactly what I'd like to do whenever I go back to France or Canada. Books in French are really hard to find here!

[@dinebot]

For French books try Canadian Amazon! If you're in the states the shipping shouldn't be too much. Use ".ca" :)

[@LiveYourLanguage]

Thanks so much for this great tip! I can't believe I've never thought to try this!

[@jaggededges]

Hi Stefanie, this is extremely helpful and informative. You're an inspiration!

[@LiveYourLanguage]

Happy to have inspired you!

[@donaldvincent5861]

Very informative. Thank you.

[@LiveYourLanguage]

I'm glad you thought so!

[@dinebot]

Also check out Usborne's first 1000 words in French, fabulous book that comes in multiple languages. My toddler LOVES it

[@LiveYourLanguage]

I'm adding this to my wish list! It's perfect. Thanks!

[@TitaAguirreGarcia]

Thank you so much for the ideas! Another could be using current english books and getting a LabelMaker and translating them on your own

[@LiveYourLanguage]

Thank you so much! I really love that idea. I even have a few books in mind that would be perfect for this! I feel like translating on the go results in inconsistent translations. This would really solve things! Thanks again, and thanks for watching!

[@joelturnbull4038]

Did you end up finding the file for that book you made? I was thinking of making a German equivalent for my son, but would rather not start from scratch.

[@LiveYourLanguage]

Hi Josh! Thanks for watching! I only found the file I used to make my version in French but I'm happy to send it to you! If you shoot me an email at [e-mail], I'll email it to you.

[@dorinad.2674]

@@LiveYourLanguage Dear Stefanie, I am currently binge-watching your videos, I am so inspired by your journey. Thank you very much for sharing your experiences with us. I was wondering if you still have the file that you mentioned in the video. It would be extremely helpful for me as well when I will have a little one. :) Can you also mail it to me if I send a mail to your mail address? I would be really thankful. Thank you very much in advance.

[@LiveYourLanguage]

@@dorinad.2674 Dorina, first of all thank you for watching! I'm so glad they are helpful to you! I have the version I adapted into French (mistakes and all haha!). Would you like me to send that one to you? If so, please send me am email at [e-mail] and I'll send it to you.

[@dorinad.2674]

@@LiveYourLanguage Hi Stefanie, Thank you very much for your reply and your mail address, I have sent you a mail. :)

[@amitkonstabler4627]

@@LiveYourLanguage I just started to watch your videos and they are exactly what I was looking for, thanks! I'm raising my son bilingually as non-native French speaker. I'm going to send you an email in hope you can share with me your customized notebook. Thanks again, really appreciated

[@mayra9834]

Stephanie, would you say that there is a difference in language quality between books originally written in French vs books translated into French?

[@LiveYourLanguage]

Thanks for watching! For our purposes, I'd say that there really is not a difference in quality. As long as the translation is done well and reflects accurate and natural grammar, vocabulary, and syntax, I'm happy with it. I assume (perhaps naïvely) that anything that has made it through the rigorous process of being published and printed fits that criteria. Has this been your experience? If we wanted to discuss the merits of the book as a work of literature, I might feel differently. Good question !🙂