Let's Sing and Learn in French (Book + Audio) [ペーパーバック]

I recently purchased this CD based soley on the Amazon description and customer reviews. Amazon's description claims that this CD contains "20 original songs." That is not true. The CD I received has only a total of twelve songs on it-- only 60% of what its description claimed it would have. Thus I feel both disappointed and gypped. That being said, I don't hate the CD, but neither do I love it. Overall I think it is okay. It has a running time of thirty minutes and some of the songs have fun sound effects. The music is often upbeat, even if the lyrics are not. But had I been able to preview this CD prior to purchase, I would not have bought it.

I much prefer the Family Circus/Complete Lyric Language French CD, which also has some sound effects, and has twenty-one fun, bilingual songs that run seventy minutes. I also like the Universe of Song, French, which is bilingual and runs about an hour

As some have complained, the product description for this book/CD package inexplicably lists 20 songs when there are in fact only 12. It is carelessness on the part of the publisher (McGraw Hill) and perhaps Amazon, too. But I bought it even after having read that complaint, because personally, I did not care about the number of songs, but rather, the quality.

And the songs are fine! Most are original compositions, while some are adaptations of traditional French songs. One of my favorites is "Ma mère m'envoie-t-au marché" described by the author as a traditional folk song from Québec. Overall, the songs are lively, fun, and especially appealing to kids, while also being quite listenable for any adults nearby.

Here are the track titles:

Rock & Roll Frère Jacques
C'est l'Halloween
Le chat angora
Pour voir les animaux
Le printemps
Comment a va?
Comment y aller?
Bonjour Monsieur!
Ma mère m'envoie-t-au marché
Je ne sais pas
Je suis un artiste
Quel miracle

The CD is well-recorded and the 62-page book is well printed, with full music (for piano and/or guitar) for each song, the lyrics in French, with the English translations also provided for each one.

I disagree with the reviewer who prefers the "Family Circus" (Lyric Language) product to this because, on that one, the singers constantly switch between English and French, supposedly as an educational technique. We have that disc also, and although it has its place, it's a different approach to teaching.

Ultimately, I think a child does better just hearing one language throughout each song, as one does with this product, and learning to sing along. It is simply the concept of "immersion" in the foreign language (for 25 minutes at a time) and I believe it tunes the child's ear more successfuly than constant interruptions in English.

Perhaps some folks are less comfortable with it than others, I don't know. But if you're going to learn a second language presumably the goal is reach a point where you do so independently, and can understand it without a translator constantly hovering nearby. In this case, perhaps just read along in English the first few times you play the disc, and I think the meaning will sink in and stick.

One reviewer reports a "noticeable" accent in the French. I did not hear anything like that. Besides, I think it's more important that the diction is clear and that one can make out every word, which is the case. These songs appeal to children, the material is presented in a way that is easy to use for education, and at this price for a CD and book together, it's a very good deal.

Our whole family loves this CD! The music is fun and enjoyable for both adults and children alike. It is simple enough for our young son, but complex enough to be enjoyable for us as well. The book is fantastic, giving full French text and music for each of the songs, and then the English translation for all of them at the back of the book. I highly recommend this product as an early exposure to French language, and simply as an enjoyable listening experience all around.