Today, many children grow up hearing more than one language every day, whether it is Vietnamese spoken by grandparents at home, English used at school, or a gentle mix of both in daily family conversations, and for children, this experience is usually not confusing or stressful, but instead familiar and comforting. Language is not something they separate in their minds, because for them it is simply part of how they connect with the people they love.
Reading in two languages is one of the easiest and most meaningful ways to support children growing up bilingual, because it helps them understand not only words, but also feelings, relationships, and cultural identity. When stories are written in both Vietnamese and English, children learn that both languages belong to them, and that they never need to choose one over the other.
Love sounds different in Vietnamese and English
Love is expressed differently in different cultures, and children often notice this very early, even if they cannot explain it in words. In English, love is usually spoken clearly, with parents saying “I love you” often and directly, while feelings are talked about openly.
In Vietnamese culture, however, love is more often shown through actions, such as cooking a meal, reminding a child to stay warm, or simply being present nearby, and these actions carry deep care even when no words are spoken. This way of loving is often described by the word “thương,” which does not only mean love, but also care and protection toward someone you cherish.ch does not only mean love, but also care and protection toward someone you cherish.
How pictures translate what words can't
For young children, pictures are just as important as words, and often even more helpful, because illustrations show feelings in a way that language sometimes cannot. A hug, a smile, a shared meal, or a cozy moment between family members can be understood immediately by a child, no matter which language the text is written in.
In bilingual books, pictures help connect the two languages in a natural way, because even if a child does not understand every word on the page, they can still understand what is happening in the story. A child may not know the word “comfort” in English or “an ủi” in Vietnamese yet, but when they see a picture of a character being hugged after feeling sad, they understand the feeling immediately.
Pictures also help children recognize culture through everyday details. A drawing of a family sitting on the floor sharing a meal, a bowl of soup placed in the middle, or shoes left neatly by the door can teach children about daily life without needing explanation. When children see these kinds of images again and again, they become familiar with their culture and feel connected to it in the most natural way.
Why bilingual books support emotional growth
Reading in both English and Vietnamese also creates a unique connection, especially when Vietnamese is the language spoken at home by parents or grandparents. A child begins to understand that their family’s way of speaking holds just as much meaning and beauty as the English they hear at school or outside. This validates their entire emotional world, showing them that their Vietnamese heritage and the feelings tied to it are valued and worth preserving.
There is also something powerful about seeing familiar emotions described in both languages. When a child reads about love, sadness, or joy in Vietnamese and then in English, they start to notice the feeling itself rather than just the word. They begin to understand that emotions are universal, even when the words change. This builds empathy and helps them recognize feelings in others, even when those feelings are expressed differently than they are used to.
Teaching values through language
When you read bilingual books with your child, you are not just pointing to words and their translations, but also showing them how language carries the beliefs, traditions, and emotional wisdom of their culture.
Certain Vietnamese words and phrases carry values that English cannot fully capture. Words like “thương,” “hiếu,” or “nghĩa” hold layers of meaning that go beyond direct translation. When you try to explain these words to your child, you are teaching them language and cultural values at the same time. You are showing them that their heritage language has a particular way of expressing love, duty, gratitude, and connection that reflects what Vietnamese culture holds important.
Teaching language and values together also means letting your child see you live those values while speaking Vietnamese. When they hear you use respectful terms with their grandparents, when they see you express gratitude in Vietnamese, or when they notice how you talk about responsibilities, they are learning that language and values are inseparable. The way you speak reflects what you believe, and what you believe shapes how you use language.
Advice for parents reading bilingual books
Reading bilingual books with your child works best when you approach it naturally, without worrying too much about perfect pronunciation or translation. The goal is not to become a language teacher, but to share a meaningful experience together where both English and Vietnamese feel equally important and valued.
Start by deciding which language feels most comfortable for you to read aloud. If you are more confident in Vietnamese, begin there and let your child follow along with the English text if they want. If English comes more naturally, start with that and invite your child to help you with the Vietnamese words. This approach takes pressure off both of you and makes the reading feel more like a conversation than a lesson.
Let your child ask questions about both languages without shutting them down. If they want to know why a character’s name sounds different in Vietnamese, or why a certain phrase is longer in one language than the other, take the time to explore it together. These curiosities are signs that they are thinking carefully about how language works and how it connects to their own identity.
If your Vietnamese is not perfect, that is completely okay. Your child is not looking for perfection, but for connection. Reading together in Vietnamese, even imperfectly, shows them that their heritage language matters enough for you to try. It also models something important, which is that learning and growing with language is a lifelong process, not something that ends in childhood.
A few bilingual picks from our collection
If you are looking for ways to support your child’s bilingual journey, here are a few simple and family friendly choices from our collection. Children who enjoy learning through play often love the Bilingual Vietnamese Cuisine Memory Match Game, which helps them learn Vietnamese and English words through matching pictures of familiar foods while spending relaxed time together as a family.
For babies and toddlers who are just starting to learn words, the First Words Vietnamese English Board Book Set uses real images and clear labels to support early language development and confidence. Families who enjoy short and comforting stories often choose the Combo 10 Ehon Bilingual Vietnamese English Books, which introduce emotions, daily routines, and kindness through simple stories that are easy for young children to understand.
If your kids enjoy picture books with meaningful messages, Kho tàng của bố Loving Eyes and Nhat’s First Trip to Vietnam help children explore culture, travel, and belonging through the eyes of a young child discovering his roots.
Each of these books and activities supports bilingual learning in a different way, but they all share the same goal, which is to help children grow up feeling confident, connected, and loved in both languages they call home.