Larousse Active Dictionary for Beginners: French-English

This unique book-and-CD package offers beginners an enjoyable and effective introduction to basic French and English. The lively and colorful spreads follow familiar themes in a day in the life of a family, while interactive puzzles, quizzes and activities thoughout the book encourage the novice to apply newly learned language skills. The melodic, hip soundtrack CD encourages repetition and reinforces the vocabulary, found in each section. Learning a language has never been so easy and this much fun. Special Features: Pronunciation guide. 40 page thematic dictionary section. 20 page bilingual dictionary section. Completely Bilingual. Includes Activities Poster and song lyrics. Pedagogically sound. 55-Minute Audio CD includes: Over 300 essential words pronounced in French and English. 6 French songs. 6 English songs. Music by former Rolling Stones producer, Steve Lamberg.

This unique book-and-CD package offers beginners an enjoyable and effective introduction to basic French and English. The lively and colorful spreads follow familiar themes in a day in the life of a family, while interactive puzzles, quizzes and activities thoughout the book encourage the novice to apply newly learned language skills. The melodic, hip soundtrack CD encourages repetition and reinforces the vocabulary, found in each section. Learning a language has never been so easy and this much fun. Special Features: Pronunciation guide. 40 page thematic dictionary section. 20 page bilingual dictionary section. Completely Bilingual. Includes Activities Poster and song lyrics. Pedagogically sound. 55-Minute Audio CD includes: Over 300 essential words pronounced in French and English. 6 French songs. 6 English songs. Music by former Rolling Stones producer, Steve Lamberg.

Children's Literature

Even adults attempting to refresh their French skills will have fun with this bright and cheerful interactive approach to the language. Double-page spreads of various scenarios are peppered with common words and phrases. The "Birthday Party" offers des bougies (candles) and un appareil photo (camera); "At the Airport" gives us décoller (to take off) and atterrir (to land); while "At School" teaches us how the French Academy keeps ever-vigilant watch over new words entering the language (a computer is un ordinateur; its keyboard is le clavier). The activity pages and individual questions repeated in both English and French make clear the idiosyncratic flow of French syntax. An index of vocabulary used as well as correct answers to questions are appended to the text--along with a CD pronunciation guide. Alors, buy the book for les enfants--or yourself--immédiatement! 2001, Larousse, $15.95. Ages 7 to 12. Reviewer: Kathleen Karr

The Larousse editorial team includes many language and reference experts based in countries around the world. In this way the linguistic team keeps its finger on the pulse of living languages as spoken by the native-language speakers of these countries.