Read in Polish

Books in Polish for children learning Polish as a foreign language

In our online bookstore in the UK, you will find a unique selection of Polish and bilingual (Polish-English) books, carefully curated for children learning Polish as a second language. 

Children for whom Polish is a minority language have entirely different reading needs compared to their peers living in Poland. That is why we regularly collaborate with teachers and polonijna parents to provide proven books for bilingual children that effectively support their language development.

How to encourage a bilingual child to read in Polish?

Reading in Polish often presents many challenges for children living abroad. Digraphs, soft consonants, and specific phonetics can become barriers – even for children who read fluently and eagerly in English. The key to success is regularly reaching for Polish books and reading daily for pleasure.

The parent's role in this process is crucial. The more children read at home for relaxation, the easier their subsequent independent education becomes. The best results are achieved through shared aloud reading in Polish for a minimum of 20 minutes every day.

Proven book categories supporting speech development

Interactive board books for toddlers

For little ones taking their first steps in the world of the Polish language, board book series like Akademia mądrego dziecka, Kicia Kocia, or Pucio are ideal. Equipped with moving or die-cut elements, they engage children's fine motor skills and prompt them to repeat their first words and sounds.

Traditional fairy tales and stories for reading aloud

Shared evening reading is an excellent way to build a rich vocabulary. Our offer includes classic fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm, stories by Hans Christian Andersen, and other popular tales. Listening to text read by a parent allows a bilingual child to become familiar with correct sentence structure and the melody of the Polish language.

Classic Polish literature and poetry for children

It is hard to imagine language learning without the works of authors like Julian Tuwim or Jan Brzechwa. Polish poems, rhymes, and songs help polonijna children absorb challenging phrases through rhythm, rhyme, and repetition. Additionally, it serves as a wonderful bridge to discovering Polish culture and traditions.

What to read to bilingual children? 4 effective solutions

Based on the experiences of parents and teachers from Polish Saturday Schools in the United Kingdom, we have gathered the methods that best help "tame" the Polish language:

• Leveled reading (Step-by-step method):

Always match the text level to the child's language skills, rather than their chronological age. The "Czytam sobie" series works exceptionally well here (Level 1 features short sentences, large fonts, and omits digraphs or soft consonants). The included stickers and diploma motivate them to finish subsequent volumes.

• Bilingual books and Polish translations:

hildren in the UK eagerly reach for Polish versions of hits they already know from English schools and libraries. Translated titles such as "Diary of a Wimpy Kid", "Mr. Men and Little Miss", "The Gruffalo", or "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" effectively break down resistance to Polish text.

• Reading for pleasure and free choice:

Let your child independently choose book topics that align with their passions. Whether they are interested in dinosaurs, space, princesses, or the Smurfs – the most important thing is that reading is associated with entertainment.

• Active engagement and the parent's role:

Encourage your child to keep a reading log, rate books with stars, or draw reviews. However, the most important factor is leading by example – a parent who reads for pleasure instead of spending time in front of a screen naturally instils a healthy reading habit in the child.