As a former bilingual teacher and lifelong lover of language, I’m always on the lookout for books that introduce children to multicultural storytelling in a fun and natural way. Lapin is Cold by Tania and Olivier Czajka is exactly that—a warm, whimsical winter tale that makes bilingual learning feel like second nature.
Growing up in a bilingual home in Montreal, I know firsthand the magic of stories that blend languages seamlessly. Like many kids raised between cultures, I was always flipping between French and English, sometimes mid-sentence! Lapin is Cold captures this beautiful intersection of language and storytelling, making it a fantastic resource for young learners and a nostalgic delight for language lovers like myself.
A Cozy Adventure Through Language and Friendship
The story follows Lapin, an adorable rabbit who just can’t seem to warm up on a chilly winter day. He visits his garden friends—Oiseau, Escargot, and Monsieur Fermier—hoping to find a solution, and eventually, he learns the ultimate French winter remedy: hot chocolate!
What I love most about Lapin is Cold is the way it introduces French words naturally within the English text, making it accessible even for children who are just starting to learn the language. There’s no pressure to “translate”—the words are woven into the story effortlessly, just like how bilingual kids pick up language in real life.
Illustrations That Speak Their Own Language
Olivier Czajka’s illustrations are as charming as the story itself. Each page is soft, expressive, and inviting, bringing a cozy, storybook France to life. The snow-dusted garden, the warmth of the farm, and Lapin’s expressive face all help children connect emotionally to the story—because learning a language should always be about feeling as much as understanding.
Why Lapin is Cold Stands Out for Me
✅ A Natural Approach to Bilingualism – The mix of English and French feels organic, making it a great introduction to language learning without intimidation.
✅ Themes of Friendship & Problem-Solving – Lapin’s journey is more than just about keeping warm—it’s about community, creativity, and the simple joys of sharing.
✅ Perfect for Read-Alouds – As a former teacher, I can see this book lighting up a classroom. The rhythmic storytelling, relatable themes, and visual cues make it ideal for storytime or bedtime.
✅ A Fun Musical Twist – The book ends with a French-English song set to “Frère Jacques”, reinforcing language learning through music—a method I often used in my own classroom!
Final Thoughts
As someone who has navigated the beauty of bilingualism both personally and professionally, Lapin is Cold feels like a love letter to language learning. It reminds me of the joy I felt as a child switching between French and English, and it’s exactly the kind of book I wish I had growing up.
For parents, educators, and anyone raising bilingual kids, this book is a must-have. And for kids just starting their French journey, Lapin is Cold is the perfect, cozy first step into a world where languages blend as naturally as a cup of chocolat chaud on a snowy day.
⭐ Highly recommended for young readers, bilingual families, and educators looking to make language learning magical!
📖 Available through calec.org and other retailers.
– Avery Moreau
(Bilingual writer, former teacher, and lifelong lover of words)
