Hi aaz,
Following is a list I have compiled for you, progressing from the most
appropriate items to some that may be of interest.
1) New Practical Chinese Reader Series:
"This completely new edition takes the student from an absolute
beginner to an intermediate level, approximately 3 years of
higher-level classroom instruction. The text follows the story of Ding
Libo (the son of Gubo and Ding Yun from the first edition) and other
international students as they live in China, learning about Chinese
culture and society as they learn contemporary Mandarin. The entire
series will include textbooks, student workbooks, instructor' manuals,
audiocassettes, and CD-ROMs."
http://www.chinabooks.bz/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=00NPCR1&Category_Code=20000
Search at http://www.abebooks.com for used copies of the older
edition.
2) Elementary Chinese Readers (1 2 3 4 & Aural Cassettes):
"The first set of Chinese language textbooks distributed abroad since
the eighties. The four books of Elementary Chinese Readers have been
published in English, French, German, and Spanish versions. Teaching
aids available to accompany the textbooks include cassette tapes in
standard putonghua Chinese. This program has been used in many
colleges and institutes as well as by self-taught learners. These
books are accompanied with tutorial audiotapes."
http://www.abc-chinese.com/b0072.html
3) Chinese Character Tutor: Includes:
Elementary Chinese Readers (books 1 - 4)
Practical Chinese Readers (books 1 and 2)
http://www.bridgetochina.com/benefits.asp?sroom=2
4) Learn Chinese - For English Speaking Children
http://www.bestchinashop.com/learn_chinese_children/
5) Practical Chinese Reader (I II III IV V VI & Aural Cassettes):
"Practical Chinese Reader was prepared by the Beijing Languages
Institute for use by non-Chinese speakers in a course of modern
Chinese at universities or secondary schools."
http://www.abc-chinese.com/reader.html
6) Stories of Chinese Culture - A Chinese-English Series:
"Made up of three parts: a Chinese version of the passage, a
corresponding English version, and a list of keywords and expressions
with corresponding English explanations. This series of books can
serve as readers on the Chinese language and Chinese culture for
non-native speakers: Chinese Fables and Cultural Stories, Places of
Historical and Cultural Interest in China, Highlights of Chinese
Culture and History."
http://www.abc-chinese.com/chineseculture.html
7) 300 Tang Poems:
"Has been used for centuries since to teach elementary students to
read and write, and also in cultivating character because it
represented the best works by the most prominent Tang poets. Nearly
every Chinese household owns a copy of Tang Shi and poems from it are
still included in textbooks and to be memorized by students. 300 Tang
Poems is a complete English translation with Chinese original text."
http://www.abc-chinese.com/b00tangs.html
8) Chinese Primer : GR Edition (Set)
http://dogbert.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=208533664
9) Chinese Classics
http://www.china-guide.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=C&Category_Code=CC
10) Stories of 10 Well-Known Works of Classical Literature
http://www.abc-chinese.com/10cd.htm
11) Tang Song Ci San Bai Shou (Chinese Reader)
http://www.abc-chinese.com/ci.html
12) Yuan Qu San Bai Shou (Chinese Reader)
http://www.abc-chinese.com/b00yu1.html
13) Chinese Reader:
"Chinese reader for western students with English equivalents of key
Chinese words/phrases at the end of each chapter."
http://dogbert.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=61583515
I hope you find enough here to satisfy your request. If I've
misunderstood your question or if you have any questions, please post
a clarification request before rating my answer. Also, you can do a
search for "elementary chinese readers" or "practical chinese readers"
or "chinese readers" at the following used books search sites for
comparison shopping:
http://www.abebooks.com
http://www.tomfolio.com -A co-op of independent booksellers
http://www.bookfinder.com -Searches several sites but often doesn't
show all results.
http://used.addall.com/ -Also searches several sites but often doesn't
show all results.
http://www.zshops.com
http://www.bibliophile.net
http://www.bookavenue.com
Thank you,
hummer
Google Terms Used:
chinese readers language series
"elementary chinese readers" |
Request for Answer Clarification by
aaz-ga
on
20 Jun 2003 09:54 PDT
I forgot to mention that I need these books for a girl of 8 years.
Which of these books are appropriate for her age?
If you feel that my Request is out of scope of the orginal question,
please say so. You deserve 5-star and I will give you 5-star anyway.
|
Clarification of Answer by
hummer-ga
on
20 Jun 2003 10:14 PDT
Hi aaz,
It is important to me that you find something appropriate, so I'm glad
you wrote. Please tell me more - a girl of eight, has she some skills
in the language? Are you looking for something designed to actually
teach the language or just reading for pleasure? What type of books
does she like in English? Anything else you can think of would be
great - I'll look forward to hearing from you. hummer
|
Request for Answer Clarification by
aaz-ga
on
20 Jun 2003 10:35 PDT
You are very kind. Here is the info:
She has a Cantonese (Chinese dialect of Hong Kong Canton/ Guangdong)
speaking mother and English speaking father. She speaks Cantonese and
English fluently. She studies Mandarin in Grade 2/ Primary 2 in a top
Singapore school. She knows about 600 Chinese characters and therefore
can read simple story books.
If she reads for pleasure, that will build up her Chinese competence.
The free voluntary reading (FVR) plays a big role in building language
competence. Without pleasure, the reading will not be voluntary.
(Stephen Krashen of USC has written a book called, Power of Reading).
She built her English competence in such way. Her English competence
is equivalent to Grade 5. But for Mandarin (neither of the parents
speak) so she is average in the class. The aim is to make her
bi-literate, not merely bi-lingual.
In English she loves most Enid Blyton, Roald Dahl, Magic Tree House
Series.
(And if it is relevant, she is intelligent. She finished her Grade 2/
Primary 2 Math (full year's) in 2 weeks in summer vacation right after
Grade 1/ Primary 1.)
|
Clarification of Answer by
hummer-ga
on
20 Jun 2003 10:59 PDT
Hello again aaz,
Perhaps you misunderstood me. I agree, reading something that you
enjoy is paramount for learning. However, there are also books written
for the express purpose of teaching which are designed to be enjoyable
too. I was just wondering if you are looking for a series designed for
the purpose of teaching the language in an enjoyable way or would, for
example, the Enid Blyton series in Cantonese hit the spot? hummer
|
Clarification of Answer by
hummer-ga
on
20 Jun 2003 13:49 PDT
Hello aaz,
To answer your clarification question, the following would probably be
the pick from my list (# 4) for you - it is for ages 8 to 14:
Elementary Chinese Readers - II
"Revised edition of one of the most widely used textbooks (second only
to the popular Practical Chinese Reader series). Include 21 lessons in
Volume One. With pinyin, simplified characters, and a vocabulary
list."
http://www.bestchinashop.com/learn_chinese_children/elementary_chinese_readers_2.htm
I found a very nice site that I think you will enjoy browsing through.
Go to http://www.afk.com/index.tpl?cart=105613554917560 and click on
"Search Catalog" and pick "Chinese" in the drop-down menu. Below are
seven examples of what I found there. It's a little slow going as you
have to browse book by book to see if the age level is right, but I'm
sure you can find something on this website that is suitable. When you
do find something of interest, do a search on Abebooks (or
Bookfinder.com) to see if a used copy is available.
1) LAO LAO OF DRAGON MOUNTAIN
Bateson-Hill, Margaret, Illustrated by Francesca Pelizzoli & Sha-Liu
Qu
ISBN# 1840890118
Lao Lao is known all over Dragon Mountain for her simple yet beautiful
paper cuts. But when she is locked away by a greedy Emperor, her
strong spirit and help from the nearby Ice Dragon are the only things
that can save her! Includes background information and instructions on
paper cutting. 8 1/2" x 11 1/2". 32 pp. Ages 7 & up. 1996. In English
and Chinese."
http://www.afk.com/catalog/Detail.tpl?command=search&db=AFKstore.db&eqSKUdata=AK336W&cart=105613554917560
For sale on Abebooks, for example:
http://dogbert.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=186205886
2) A THOUSAND PEAKS: Poems from China
Protopopescu, Orel O.; Liu, Siyu (translator), Liu, Siyu (illustrator)
ISBN # 1881896242
Description: A Thousand Peaks introduces young readers to the art of
Chinese poetry with 35 Chinese poems spanning 19 centuries that are
accessible to children and offer insight into the history and culture
of China. 52 pp, hardcover, full color throughout, for ages 10 and up.
http://www.afk.com/catalog/Detail.tpl?command=search&db=AFKstore.db&eqSKUdata=CY201W&cart=105613554917560
For sale on Abebooks, for example:
http://dogbert.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=199383016
3) CHINESE FOR YOUTH:
"Three audiocassettes for a Basic Mandarin Chinese language program
designed for students in a regular school, after school or weekend
program, summer students, and self-study at home. Focuses on
communicative skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing
Chinese. Level 1 takes beginners without any background or with some
oral background. Uses rhymes, illustrations, cultural topics,
conversational exercises, and activities to reinforce language
learning. Traditional Chinese characters with pinyin. 8.5" x 11". Ages
8-16."
http://www.afk.com/catalog/Detail.tpl?command=search&db=AFKstore.db&eqSKUdata=CL504W&cart=105613554917560
4) THE DRAGON LOVER and other Chinese Proverbs
Yong-Sheng Xuan
"Five telling proverbs are woven into a tapestry of traditional
paper-cut illustrations making this the perfect combination of Chinese
art and folklore. They are true gems of wisdom brought out in stories
with lessons to be shared -- valuing our elders' wisdom, managing
fear, and others. Young and old, readers and listeners, Chinese and
non-Chinese alike will be mesmerized by these universal messages. 32
pp. 9.5" x 11". All ages. ©1999."
http://www.afk.com/catalog/Detail.tpl?command=search&db=AFKstore.db&eqSKUdata=CY104W&cart=105613554917560
For sale on Abebooks, for example:
http://dogbert.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=38622325
5) DANCE, MICE, DANCE
http://www.afk.com/catalog/Detail.tpl?command=search&db=AFKstore.db&eqSKUdata=CB127W&cart=105613554917560
6) JANE EYRE (perhaps in a year or two?)
http://www.afk.com/catalog/Detail.tpl?command=search&db=AFKstore.db&eqSKUdata=EC612W&cart=105613554917560
7) LADY WHITE SNAKE
Aaron Shepard
"In this popular Chinese tale, a snake takes on a human form and falls
in love. Lavishly illustrated as befits a favorite of Chinese opera. 8
x 11. 32pp, Ages 7-12."
http://www.afk.com/catalog/Detail.tpl?command=search&db=AFKstore.db&eqSKUdata=CB301W&cart=105613554917560
If she hasn't read it yet, I would like to recommend "Charlotte's Web"
by E B White. It is readily available in english on all of the book
sites and you should be able to find a copy for less than $2.00. Trust
me, it is worth every penny - but have a box of tissues handy - you'll
need them (for both of you!).
"The Borrowers" by Mary Norton is a fun series.
Anyway, I'd best be going. Your little girl sounds very lucky.
Sincerely,
hummer
|
Request for Answer Clarification by
aaz-ga
on
20 Jun 2003 17:54 PDT
Thanks but my original question was for GRADED Reader SERIES in
SIMPLIFIED Chinese characters. These are the key words. I don't want
textbooks.
(China, Singapore use simplified characters; Hong Kong, Taiwan use
complex characters. Chinese for Youth is in traditional characters.)
I gave three English examples (important to understand my need) of
Graded Reader Series in my question. The examples (and the original
question) should still tell what I need.
I live in Singapore, so if I get the names of few GRADED SERIES, I can
order from the internet. A single book's overseas shipping costs a
lot.
I say it again, I want GRADED Reader SERIES in SIMPLIFIED Chinese.
|
Clarification of Answer by
hummer-ga
on
21 Jun 2003 04:32 PDT
Dear aaz,
I must admit, I'm a bit confused. In response to my original answer,
you wrote "You deserve 5-star". Therefore, I had assumed you were
happy with the items I had found for you but just needed to know which
one suited you the best. I responded with the Elementary Chinese
Readers - II. I'm sorry to hear that this isn't what you are looking
for but you had made no indication of that in your first
clarification.
The rest of my clarification, the list of books, were just presented
as additional items of interest - they weren't meant as an answer to
your question because I thought that that had already been done to
your satisfaction. I had enjoyed looking through the children's books
and I wanted to share some with you. If I hadn't stopped myself, the
list would've been much longer.
Since my answer has ended up to be so inappropriate, I have asked
Google to remove it. Please be patient for their response. Perhaps
another researcher will be able to help you - this will be at no
additional cost to you.
Sincerely,
hummer
|
Request for Answer Clarification by
aaz-ga
on
21 Jun 2003 07:10 PDT
I was overwhelmed by the quantity in your first answer and impressed
by your efforts - for a non-Chinese (like me), it is very difficult to
find what I am looking for. I did not check the links before my first
response. When I did check I found there were no GRADED READER SERIES
in SIMPLIFIED Chinese. I was wrong in responding before looking at the
links.
I appreciate the efforts made by you. I suggest if it is still
possible, do not get the answer removed. Allow me to pay. I will
accept the answer and not rate it.
|
Clarification of Answer by
hummer-ga
on
21 Jun 2003 14:37 PDT
Dear aaz,
Thank you for the explanation and your offer of a fair compromise - it
is very good of you and I appreciate it. I did, though, already ask
Google (last night) to remove my answer. Since they haven't done it
yet, I think we can assume that they are going to leave it stand as
is, as long as you feel ok with it. I really am sorry that I didn't
find what you are looking for and I promise to have another look as
time allows.
I'm sorry for the delay in getting back to you but we were out for the
day (do you have "garage sales" in Singapore??). I'll be back in touch
if I turn up anything that could be described as "a GRADED Reader
SERIES in SIMPLIFIED Chinese" for an eight you old girl.
Sincerely,
hummer
|
Request for Answer Clarification by
aaz-ga
on
21 Jun 2003 18:44 PDT
Actually as long as I could get the (near) equivalent of the English
graded readers (see examples I gave in my first question), the 8 year
target age was not important because a series targets to span over
several years (after all it is a series) of 'language age' (as opposed
to 'chronological age').
Perhaps a better way of finding the series is to physically browse the
shops in China.
Thanks for considering my suggestion fair. Get back to me if you find
something relevant; else, I think you have earned your money. Warm
regards
|
Clarification of Answer by
hummer-ga
on
22 Jun 2003 12:21 PDT
Dear aaz,
Have a look at YesOutlet.com - with a little luck, you'll find something.
Children Language Studies
http://us.yesasia.com/en/brPrdDept.aspx/did-3759/code-c/section-cbooks/
Story and Intelligence Series
http://us.yesasia.com/en/brPrdDept.aspx/did-3750/code-c/section-cbooks/
Initial Teaching
http://us.yesasia.com/en/brPrdDept.aspx/did-3761/code-c/section-cbooks/
Literature Guide
http://us.yesasia.com/en/brPrdDept.aspx/did-3768/code-c/section-cbooks/
hummer
|
Request for Answer Clarification by
aaz-ga
on
23 Jun 2003 04:00 PDT
The books on YesOutlet.com are in traditional Chinese characters. I
want books in SIMPLIFIED characters as mentioned in the first line of
my question. Regards
|
Clarification of Answer by
hummer-ga
on
23 Jun 2003 13:35 PDT
Hello aaz,
Just a note to let you know that it doesn't look very hopeful that I
am going to find exactly what you are looking for. In addition to
asking at local bookstores, perhaps you could go to a large library
and ask there. They will have access to databases that I do not and
may be able to find out exactly what has been published.
Good luck,
hummer
|
