Little Pim: 3-Pak (French)

The Little Pim series uses immersion and interaction techniques to create an engaging and fun-to-watch language learning experience. Pim, an animated panda, is the series' main character who begins each learning section. Each introductory animated skit is followed by live-action footage of children engaged in everyday activities. Pim narrates these sections, and the French vocabulary words are circled as they are spoken, with a graphic overlay of the word for emphasis. The concepts transition well, with later lessons building on previous ones. The focus is on the first words typically acquired by children (e.g., bed, fork, fruit, I'm tired, etc.). Each DVD teaches more than 60 new words and phrases arranged in five-minute episodes. The narration is clear, crisp, and easy-to-understand; the music is cheerful but not overpowering; and the visuals are colorful and vibrant. The parent guide contains general information on pandas and early language instruction. There are optional English subtitles. An entertaining introduction to very basic French vocabulary for preschoolers. --School Library Journal