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When Chicken and Duck Talk: Learning to Swim by Joanna Szeto
Chicken and Duck are best friends even though they speak different languages. Chicken speaks Cantonese and Duck speaks Mandarin, but the two birds have lots of fun together. It is summer and Chicken wants to learn how to swim, so he asks his best friend Duck to teach him. Learn Cantonese and Mandarin with a trilingual picture book written in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English.
Learning to Swim is a sweet, encouraging bilingual children’s book about friendship, communication, and new experiences. Although Chicken speaks Cantonese and Duck speaks Mandarin, their friendship shows that bonds can transcend language.
The story explores courage, patience, and stepping outside your comfort zone in a warm, approachable way. Chicken’s eagerness to learn and Duck’s support create a comforting dynamic that resonates with children on an emotional level.
The blend of Cantonese, Mandarin, and English adds an interactive layer to the reading experience while still keeping the story fun and easy to follow. It works especially well for bilingual families, classrooms, or parents wanting to introduce children to multiple languages in a playful and engaging way.
RaeAnne Lee’s illustrations enhance the story with soft colors, expressive characters, and cheerful pages that make each spread visually inviting.
Adorable, thoughtful, and educational, Learning to Swim makes language learning playful and comforting while sharing a heartfelt story of friendship and encouragement.
Reviewed by: Orsayor
