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

This lovely book is one in a series that introduces young children to a foreign language skill. Even though the English alphabet doesn’t accommodate the Korean language, it still frames the rhymes. The illustrations by Aya Padron are well done and display lovely children at play. Many benefits accrue to young children who are exposed to a second language. There are cognitive benefits, such as greater neural activity and denser tissue in the brain area related to memory, attention, and language. These benefits appear to be long term. In addition, books such as this one also introduce culture.

Each page introduces a word through a lovely poem. The back of the book has a word index. The words have been chosen through their cultural significance. The family in the book is highly relatable. I have a feeling that this book will delight and engage young children with the added benefit of bringing cultural sensitivity at a young age.