すまいる英語 Smile Eigo
I have had the great pleasure to work as part of a team
on the Smile Eigo series of monthly publications
that will be launched in Japan in April, 2019.
Some of you may have already seen the introductory CM
on the television.
https://www.froebel-kan.co.jp/kindersmileeigo/
My role has been mainly as the Japanese to English
translator (everything is written in Japanese first
and then translated) and as a language and culture
advisor.
Smile Eigo is published by Froebel-Kan Co., Ltd
which is actually a Japanese publishing company
with a history of over 100 years.
The books are for young children to enjoy English
at home and cover themes that children are interested in,
such as food, nature (e.g. creatures in their surroundings
and growing fruit) and show interesting facts with
clear and attractive pictures. In each issue there is a
picture story, conversation page (with funny characters),
a counting page and an experience page where children
can actually try making something simple connected to
the main theme of the issue.
There is a "speaking pen" that children can use to hear
the words on the page.
These are a couple of photos showing the front cover of
the first issue and the list of contents.
It's a great publication which gives children the opportunity
to learn English naturally at home and become familiar
with vocabulary connected to their immediate surroundings.