I am learning Chinese and looking for something in simplified characters that wouldn't "give away" the meaning with pinyin and english on the same page, but would have them easily accessible to check. These fit the bill perfectly. The topics are beginner level (the weather, items in a room, time of day), the stories are short and simple, but with cute twists, the characters are large enough to see... thank you, and there is page by page pinyin and english in the back of the books for easy reference.
The design is contemporary and clean, with clear photos and an overdrawn cartoon dragon (Xiao Long) who inhabits them. I find it good to practice my character recognition, and it is simple enough and attractive enough that my 4 yr old son will sit through me reading several at once.
I also have the orange series, which have just words, instead of phrases and sentences like this level, and they are just as good. Again, cute twists to keep it amusing.
Recommended. Good quality books.
