Gordon and Li Li are cousins. Gordon lives in Brooklyn, New York and speaks English. Li Li is from Beijing, China and speaks Mandarin. When Li Li visits Gordon for the first time, the cousins must learn to communicate using simple everyday words. Kids read along with Gordon and Li Li, learning basic words and their correct pronunciation. Each page spotlights a single word in English and pinyin along with the Chinese character and the phonetic pronunciation to speak the word in Mandarin.
The durable board book features fun, colorful original illustrations. Words for Everyday is the perfect first-step in getting kids excited to open the door to learning a second language – and future language success.
Michele Wong McSween is a mom, fashion designer, author and a fourth generation Chinese American. She resides in Brooklyn, NY with her husband, three sons, and French Bulldog. McSween holds degrees from University of California at Berkeley and the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. Growing up in Sacramento, CA, she never learned Chinese and wanted to be sure her own boys were confident with Chinese language and culture. After enrolling them in early-learning Mandarin classes, McSween looked for appropriate Mandarin bedtime reading and found that little was available. She created Gordon & Li Li with an appealing, simple and modern design aesthetic that would engage kids and parents alike.