Available on Kindle Unlimited Japan
This book is really quite a lovely story. The pictures not only add to the story but I would argue, are a big part of its success. Although the story is not complex at all, there is quite a lot of text so it is better read by an adult to a child or read by a (young) adult/adult. It is a really important message for children though so please consider reading it together! With its whimsical drawings, children can explore this topic visually as well.
I particularly loved the section that reads:
“The new girl told Jeannette stories- using gestures, and funny faces, and drawing on the ground. Jeannette asked questions- using words, and gestures, and drawing on the ground.”
This is such a beautiful little snippet into the interactions between two people who don’t speak the same language. As language learners, we would do well to understand that this is how we have to start learning, despite the natural uncomfortableness of the situation, and as someone who is interacting with a learner of a language, we would do well to understand how we can help them succeed. Loved this line.
The Refuge by Sandra Le Guen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Transposed Classroom
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