Recommended for ages 0-4
There are a lot of different people speaking different languages, but we all make the same sounds. Yum! Yuck! helps English speakers pronounce words for popular sounds from languages like Farsi, Yiddish, Korean, Chinese and Spanish. Sounds in different languages are presented on a two-page spread, with a lift-the-flap revealing the English version of the sound.
Toddlers and preschoolers will enjoy Yum! Yuck!’s cartoon artwork. The children’s multicultural children’s faces are expressive and the expressions are written in large, bold handwriting font with its language written in an Arial-type font directly underneath. Large lift the flaps will appeal to little hands.
This book also sets the stage for a fun stoytime, whether at home or in the library. Storytime leaders can encourage speakers of other languages to share their expressions and to think of some that didn’t make it into the book – how do you say “Mommy” or “Daddy” in your language?
Fun craft ideas: Create your own “Yum! Yuck!” artwork using your child’s photo next to an expression in another language and color in the background.
Linda Sue Park’s author website offers more extras for older readers, but there are some links and a “Who Am I?” game for their younger children.
Mom Read It 