Berkeley Parents Network: Foreign Language Books

Berkeley Parents Network

Foreign Language Books

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > The Arts, Entertainment, & Media > Foreign Language Books

Portuguese
Spanish
Ukranian
Vietnamese

Portuguese

I am Brazilian and 8 months pregnant of my first child. I would like to find some children's stories written in Portuguese (my native language) to read to my baby and as s/he grows. Any recommendations of bookstores in the Berkeley area and/or catalogs/websites that have these ? thanks ! Meika

It seems several people have been seeking sources for children's books in foreign languages. I would like to recommend bookswithoutborders.com as an excellent resource. I have ordered books in French and Italian and have been pleased with the choices, service and quality. I had to wait some weeks for a few books on back order, but they were worth it. Good luck! -Hilary

Try Gray Wolf Books (Grey?) in San Leandro. Used Books. Good prices. A large children's section and I know they have some kids books in other languages. Mary

Ukranian

Does anyone know where I could find books in Ukrainian for young children? Thanks Fran

There are several bookstores in SF on Geary from 16-25th Avenues that cater to the large Russian population there (they call it little Odessa). You may have some luck there. Or ask someone in the emigre dept. of the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco (don't have the number handy, sorry). Lots of Ukranians in that community and somebody should have a good suggestion. Good luck.

Vietnamese

2001

My husband and I would like to read Vietnamese children's books to our son. Can anyone tell us where we might purchase Vietnamese children's books with pictures? Sandra

Coincidentally, I just happened to notice an English-Vietnamese children's picture book on the lower level of the children's sale cart at Pegasus Book shop on Solano. I don't know whether they have other such books, but as of Tuesday 11/14, they had at least one! I happened to notice the book because I'm always on the lookout for Tibetan language childrens' books, which seem to be nigh unto impossible to find! So if any of you can recommend any good resources, I'd be very grateful! Kristina

It is my understanding that the San Leandro Library (the new, retrofitted main branch closed until its grand reopening in mid-December) has a sizable Vietnamese collection. Patricia

Sorry I can't give you the specifics because all of my catalogs are at school, but there's a good children's book catalog called Shen with Vietnamese books, as well as books in many other languages. They have an 800 phone number. Their web site: http://www.shens.com/home.htm

You didn't mention what age your child is. Books for older kids are probagbly easy to find in Oakland Chinatown, where there are a lot of VN bookstores. You could also ask for info from the Vietnamese-American Community Center which is on 14th Ave in Oakland.. around 22nd St. but I'm not sure where exactly. For younger kids we have found lots and lots of good books for teaching basics from Xuhnasaba, in Saigon. They have the full set of books used in VN curriculum as well as early reading, videos of overly cute kids singing traditional folk songs (a very big hit for my son when he was a bit younger) and coloring books. Also really good looking posters of all kinds with both English and Vietnamese words, for example Fruits, Reptiles, Birds etc. The best would be if you have some family in Saigon or Hanoi, failing that you might see what you can order online at Xuhnansaba (Import-Export Publishing House): http://www.viet-nam.net/hieusach/ Of course if you ever go to Orange County there are lots of bookstores there too. Good luck, Dominic

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