As a publisher of bilingual children’s and young adult books, the publisher Friedrich-Maerker-Verlag specializes in foreign language learning books. In addition to book series such as Mary and the Sweets and David the Little Knight from Hassmersheim, the publisher also publishes short stories such as Juan de Sevilla. The later is a bilingual book intended to improve or deepen foreign language skills with entertaining stories.
Author D.S. Felix with pedagogical expertise
These books contain far more information than just stories; they also encompass culture. Juan de Sevilla is a bilingual, flip-book in Spanish and German. The author D.S. Felix conceived and wrote it to introduce Spanish culture to German readers. The stories can be read individually or as a whole. In addition to the stories, the book contains prompts to actively participate in Spanish culture. Each chapter ends with a list of questions for the reader to reflect on what they have read and the various aspects, and to consider their own culture. These questions develop an understanding of foreign cultures and languages. Bilingualism enables a deeper and cross-border understanding.
Bilingual flip books for young and old
This book is a bilingual reading book in Spanish and German for readers between 12 and 99 years old. The book contains short stories that address topics from everyday Spanish and Andalusian culture. Each story has questions and various activities that encourage readers to get involved and immerse themselves in Spanish culture.
A special feature of the book Juan de Sevilla by D.S. Felix is that it is a flip book, meaning that the reader begins reading the book from one page or the other depending on the language. If the reader starts from the front with Spanish, the German version is on the back of the book. On both sides, the book begins with page 1, and the texts meet in the middle. This allows the reader to read the texts in parallel or to look up the specific page if necessary.
More than just great stories
This flip-book tells the story of everyday Andalusian traditions from Juan’s perspective. Perhaps you’ve already heard of the famous Don Juan, a legend from Seville, a typical Spanish macho. Juan and Macarena, herself a well-known Sevillana, guide readers through the book. Everyday topics are presented, and the style of presentation allows the reader to immerse themselves in the stories and participate in the cultural experience.
The Intention Behind the Bilingual Books
The goal is not only to encourage readers to read in the foreign language, but also to actively engage with the language, the stories, and the culture. The photo collage, as well as the questions, help with this. It’s important to engage all the senses. The bilingual books from Friedrich-Maerker-Verlag are all well-thought-out and crafted with pedagogical expertise and experience in both foreign language acquisition and language teaching. The learning process is boosted by supporting reading material, such as the bilingual reading book Juan de Sevilla presented above.
The book is published by Friedrich-Maerker-Verlag and can be purchased online or in bookstores. Orders can, of course, be placed in any bookstore or directly from the publisher.