beththebookdragon's review
4.0
Such an adorable concept! I thoroughly enjoyed reading all the endearments, and trying out the pronunciations. Chris Raschka's illustrations are lively, appealing, and original as always. The color scheme is friendly with cozy rather than eye-popping shades of colors.
I'm delighted that the author chose to use the original words in their own alphabet, with Roman-alphabet transliteration), as well as translations to English *and* a simple pronunciation guide. She varied the text for each spread by using "parents," "families," or listing specific family members, as well as slightly different text for referring to the endearments. I waver between finding the variations annoying and thinking they will forestall boredom in readers and listeners.
As a librarian in an area with a high immigrant population, I was delighted to find several of our neighbors' countries of origin (particularly Ethiopia and several Latin American countries) represented.
A sweet book especially good for libraries, preschools, and a baby-shower or similar gift. Particularly good for multicultural communities.
I'm delighted that the author chose to use the original words in their own alphabet, with Roman-alphabet transliteration), as well as translations to English *and* a simple pronunciation guide. She varied the text for each spread by using "parents," "families," or listing specific family members, as well as slightly different text for referring to the endearments. I waver between finding the variations annoying and thinking they will forestall boredom in readers and listeners.
As a librarian in an area with a high immigrant population, I was delighted to find several of our neighbors' countries of origin (particularly Ethiopia and several Latin American countries) represented.
A sweet book especially good for libraries, preschools, and a baby-shower or similar gift. Particularly good for multicultural communities.
middle_name_joy's review
3.0
I found an online preview of Little Treasures while doing research for Arabic endearments, and I really wanted to read the whole book. It did not disappoint. We in America don't think twice of calling our children "pumpkin" or "honey," but it's fascinating to see what other countries use for pet names. I loved the Portuguese's "docinho de coco (little coconut candy)" and the Chinese's "xiao pie dou (little mischevious pea)". Even the ones that made me raise an eyebrow (I'm looking at you Chile with your "gordito (little fatty)"), every one was indeed endearing in its own special way.
maidmarianlib's review
3.0
Offers such a unique approach to language and culture with bold illustrations. More for an older age group would could understand the linguistics offered here.
beecheralyson's review
5.0
For what this book is trying to do...it executes it simply and effectively. It provides the reader with 3 to 5 terms of endearment used by parents all over the world. Words are provided in English and the corresponding language.
mariab's review
5.0
Little Treasures: Endearments from Around the World is exactly what it sounds like-- a book of loving names from countries around the globe. Each page lists the country, several endearments common to that area, written in that country's native language, and with a pronunciation guide where needed. Some, such as beloved, treasure, and dear are predictable. Others, like little coconut candy, little cabbage, and sweet little moon are more unique to the region. But really, a book about loving names for children, illustrated by the oh-so-talented Chris Raschka? You can't go wrong.
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