A little mouse walks into the Lost & Found, but can only speak Italian. How will Mr and Mrs Frog figure out what the mouse is missing…? Aimed at children aged 2-7, the unique ‘Story-powered language learning method’ combines humour, story and emotion to gently and memorably introduce kids to more than forty simple and fun Italian words and phrases. “The kids were so busy laughing they didn’t realise they were learning.” Kyle Buchannan, Dad of two, London. It’s a bilingual Italian English children’s book with a difference, that helps lay the foundations of a love of languages.
Reviews:
“I love that I can introduce my kids to a new language without it feeling like homework.” Zoe Reynolds, UK
“Let’s read it again.” Noah, aged 4.5
"Utterly charming story, making use of children’s natural approach to learning language” Madalena Xanthopoulou, We live Languages.
"A wonderful book to introduce a new language into the classroom." Rohan Plunkett, Deputy Head, Akiva Primary School.
How does the Story Powered Language Learning Method work?
Unlike an Italian picture dictionary, traditional Italian books for kids, dual language bilingual Italian English books, Italian vocabulary book, or other Italian language learning book for kids, the Fabulous Lost and Found uses the ‘Story-powered Language Learning Method’ to teach children Italian by tapping into a child’s natural abilities. There are three steps:
- We create an emotionally engaging and funny story for children and adults to enjoy together, just like any of the other Italian books for toddlers. Studies show that social interaction, like enjoying a book together, is critical in language learning.
- Through the story, we introduce a relatable character who speaks only in the new language. This helps build empathy and a positive attitude towards people who speak different languages. These are both important aspects in laying the foundations for lasting language acquisition in a child’s life.
- As the story in this Italian picture book progresses, the child naturally works with the characters to discover the meanings of a wide range of fun new words and phrases. Strategic use of humour ensures that this subconscious learning is rewarded with laughter; the child feels good and the first seeds of a lifelong love of language are sown.
Message from the Author
Mark Pallis There is a special magic about learning words another language and using them: I truly think it warms the heart. I've learnt jokes or songs in ten languages so far and it's brought me so much joy. This Italian toddler book (Italian books for baby) is first and foremost a really enjoyable story, but it's also my way of helping little learners engage with a new language, empathise with strangers and ultimately build a love of languages. And it happens without them realising. Any parent who has ever tried to smuggle vegetables into pasta sauce will know that you can get a lot of good stuff into things without kids realising. This book is the same! Italian language learning for kids can be fun. I want you all to have fun together and enjoy the story. All the learning is a bonus; the icing on the cake (or the extra veg in the sauce!). The idea that after a few reads, kids will be able to go up to a native speaker and tell them in their own language: 'I've lost my hat' fills me with joy. Imagine how proud the child will feel. And imagine how proud you'll feel too! I hope you have as much fun reading this Italian English book for kids as I had writing it. Learn Italian kids! Mark Italian picture books, italian childrens books, books in italian for kids, books to teach kids italian
A lifelong lover of languages, Mark proudly speaks five languages and can tell jokes in another ten! He is on a mission to help foster that amazing sense of connection that you feel when you speak to someone in their own language. He devised the Story Powered Language Learning Method as a way to help children learn a language without realising it. This unique approach:blends an English language story with over 50 words and phrases in another language so that children can learn without realising. It also builds a child's confidence in engaging with a new language; and cements the foundation of a lifelong love of languages.
Peter Baynton is an animator, director and illustrator based in London. He co-directed the Oscar winning adaptation of The Boy, The Fox, The Horse and the Mole. He was the Animation Director of the UK's Channel 4's 2019 Christmas film, The Tiger Who Came To Tea, adapted from Judith Kerr's classic book. He has been directing short films, music videos and commercials for twelve years, picking up over 25 awards at film festivals around the world along the way. He has also worked as a storyboard artist on the BAFTA winning CBeebies show Sarah & Duck, and in 2017 was the 2D Animation Director for Paddington 2. This year he decided to pursue a long-held desire to illustrate a children's book, and was enchanted by Mark's manuscript for The Fabulous Lost and Found.
