My First Book of Mandarin

Introduce your child (or yourself!) to the incredible language of Mandarin! Featuring over 800 first words with bright, bold illustrations, My First Book of Mandarin provides each word in English and simplified Chinese characters, with a romanization that makes pronunciation a breeze.

$16.99
Plus, earn $3.40 back in Story Coins!
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In stock Bushel & Peck Original Premium
What is a premium book? Premium books are produced with the highest quality materials like heavy art papers and vibrant inks.
Paperback • 144 pages • 6 in x 9 in • Ideal for kids 7-12 years old
Created by
Timothy Tsai

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Plus we'll donate a book to kids in need!

About the book

A brilliant, colorful way to learn your first words in Mandarin!

Introduce your child (or yourself!) to the incredible language of Mandarin! Featuring over 800 first words with bright, bold illustrations, My First Book of Mandarin provides each word in English and simplified Chinese characters, with a romanization that makes pronunciation a breeze. Readers will also find cultural tips, sample sentences, and simple hints on usage and word choice. An index in the back includes a complete list of all words in the book with handy page references. With a special emphasis on the culture and customs you'll find in China itself, My First Book of Mandarin is divided into sections including People, Personal Pronouns, Courtesy, Geography, Family, Transportation, Science, Sports, Holidays and Festivals, Meals, and more.

About the Series

The Little Library of Languages teaches beginners the basics of foreign languages through brightly colored illustrations and simple explanations of grammar, spelling, language systems, pronunciations, counting, and more. The perfect gift for families about to travel abroad or for kids who love learning about other people and places. 

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We know life happens. Permanent marker, potty accidents—books can go through a lot! That's why we guarantee our books for life. If anything happens and you need a replacement copy, just email Nicholle at help@bushelandpeckbooks.com, and she'll get you a new copy pronto!

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Did you know that for every book we sell, we pledge to donate one to kids in need? We call it our Book-for-Book Promise!

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Meet the makers

  • Timothy Tsai

    Timothy Tsai grew up in Provo, Utah. Born as a Chinese American and raised by immigrant parents, Tim learned English at school while learning Chinese at home. Tim was taught by his parents to diligently preserve his family’s Chinese heritage. He has also been fortunate enough to visit family back in China on several occasions to learn more about his ancestors and their traditions, values, and culture.
    Tim has always had a fascination with different languages. Having taken Spanish classes, French classes, Japanese classes, and even some Chinese classes, he has had plenty of experiences as a novice language learner and understands the time and effort it takes to master a language.
    Tim currently resides in Orem, Utah, with his wife and is obtaining a master’s degree to become a marriage and family therapist. When he is not working or studying, he enjoys playing video games, playing basketball, reading books, watching anime, and spending quality time with his wife, family, and friends.

    Timothy Tsai 
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Customer Reviews

Overall rating: 4.5 / 5 from 11 reviews.

Customer photo review of My First Book of Mandarin

If you're looking for an intro to Mandarin written in traditional characters this is not it :-( I'd had this book in my cart for some time and with several other titles I wanted in stock finally decided to purchase. It's beautifully done and wonderfully illustrated but I was looking for a book of Mandarin with traditional characters as that is what my family reads and writes being from Taiwan. The item description states: "My First Book of Mandarin provides each word in English, traditional and simplified Chinese characters, and a romanization that makes pronunciation a breeze" but unfortunately page 9 of the book states "[b]ecause simplified characters are the most widely used type in the Chinese-speaking world, we will use that version of Chinese characters in this book."

Erin B. 2/5

My First Book of Mandarin

Store owner replied: Thank you so much for your thorough review! You're quite right, that was a mistake in our description and we've corrected it :)

I have a dear friend who speaks Mandarin having grown up in China. I gave her the book for her teenage girls who are able to understand much of their mom’s language but want to practice their speaking.

Mary Ellen D. 5/5 Verified

My First Book of Mandarin

This book is actually a gift for my brand new grandson. My son studied the language when he was in high school and I thought it would be a wonderful bonding experience for the two of them. It is a beautiful book I love the feel of it the illustrations in it and my son will love it as well He loves books and he will love to add this one to their collection. Unfortunately I do not have any pictures of them with the book yet I still have it I will give it to them in a couple of weeks when I go to see them.

Dianna M. 5/5 Verified

My First Book of Mandarin

Charming illustrations and easy to follow pronunciation. I’m learning Mandarin since two of my grandchildren are 1/2 Chinese.

Linda E. 5/5 Verified

My First Book of Mandarin

Purchasing your books was easy. I have purchased several over the last year or two. The books are always wonderful, for myself and as gifts. As a teacher, many of these books are great for my ELLs and MLL (multi-lingual learners). I will continue to check out what you post. Kind regards, Jean Hull

Jean H. 5/5 Verified

My First Book of Mandarin

A bright, colorful way to begin learning Mandarin! Thank you!

Mary C. 5/5 Verified

My First Book of Mandarin

What a beautiful book; the illustrations are well done. Thank you!

Linda K. 5/5 Verified

My First Book of Mandarin

These books arrived on time Gorgeous in colors High quality

Verónica R. 5/5 Verified

My First Book of Mandarin

I was wary in putting this pre-order book in the cart back in August 2022 because I cannot stand reading simplified Chinese characters, political reasons aside (simplified is prevalent in mainland china, while traditional is Hong Kong and Taiwan), reading simplified is like reading LOLspeak. The description read: 'My First Book of Mandarin provides each word in English, traditional and simplified Chinese characters' There weren't any photos of the pages available, as there are now. Had I seen it, I would not have purchased this book. While simplified and traditional systems share many of the same characters, I was mislead that they would show both simplified and traditional of the same character, but unfortunately, they do not. Also, expect to have your credit card charged upon purchase, even though the book ships 4+ months later.

Winnie 3/5

My First Book of Mandarin

My First Book of Mandarin
My First Book of Mandarin
$16.99