Bilingual Somali-English books
Shimbirtii Dahabka Ahayd – The Golden Bird
The classic fairy tale from the Brothers Grimm, The Golden Goose is adapted and retold in Somali in this charming bilingual Somali-English edition. When a kind young woodcutter shares his lunch with an old man, he is rewarded with a magical golden bird.
The sixth book in the Classic Children’s Stories in Somali series, it is ideal for independent readers or for reading aloud at bedtime.
A glossary and fun activities at the back help build vocabulary and support comprehension.
Bisadii Yarayd ee Luntay – The Lost Kitten
Basra the little kitten goes for a walk to see the animals in the forest. Before long she finds herself lost. While trying to find her way home she meets different animal mothers and their babies. Join her on her journey back to the village and her mother.
A simple reader for beginners learning to read Somali, or for reading as a bedtime story to your toddler.
Xarfaha Af-Soomaaliga – The Somali Alphabet
Discover Somali Together! Introduce your child to the beauty of the Somali language with this bilingual Somali–English early learning activity book. Designed for young learners, it combines fun vocabulary activities with hands-on writing practice of the Somali alphabet.
Packed with bright, colorful illustrations that capture children’s attention and make learning enjoyable.
Maalintii Xanaan – Hanan’s Day
Join Hanan as she shares her daily routine from waking up in the morning to going to sleep in the night. Written in simple language, this bilingual Somali-English book for beginners in Somali language reading is suitable for independent readers or for reading to younger children. The book has an activities section at the back which is intended to help consolidate comprehension and learning of everyday language vocabulary.
Qoyskayga Waan Jeclahay – I Love My Family
Amira loves her family very much. In this bilingual Somali-English book she talks about each member of her close family and explains the reason she loves them the most. A simple reader for beginners in Somali language learning, which teaches vocabulary for relationships in Somali.
Dharkii Cusbaa ee Boqorka – The King’s New Clothes
Hans Christian Anderson’s tale of the vain king who was tricked by two dishonest tailors adapted and retold in Somali. This bilingual Somali-English book is the fifth title in the series ‘Classic Children’s Stories in Somali’. Easy reading for independent readers and perfect for reading aloud to younger children. A glossary and engaging activities at the back help check comprehension and build vocabulary. Try the other books in the series if you haven’t already.
The Illustrated Somali Language Learner’s Dictionary
The Somali Language Learner’s Dictionary is full of hundreds of pictures to aid understanding. It is an essential bilingual Somali-English resource for learners of any age beginning their journey in Somali language learning. The words are listed in Somali alphabetical order and there is a useful English-Somali reference section at the end of the book in English alphabetical order as well as a list of common verbs and useful basic Somali conversational phrases.
A useful companion in your Somali language learning journey.
Shimbirtii Beedka Dahabka Ah Dhashay – The Bird That Laid Golden Eggs
Aesop’s tale of the bird that laid golden eggs and it’s greedy owner adapted and retold in Somali. This bilingual Somali-English book is easy for independent readers and perfect for reading aloud to younger children. A glossary and engaging activities at the back help check comprehension and build vocabulary. If you have enjoyed this book try the others in the series ‘Classic Children’s Stories in Somali.’
Dacawadii iyo Canabkii – The Fox and the Grapes
The classic tale of the hungry fox attempting to get the delicious grapes that were out of reach. A story with a moral. The second in the series Classic Children’s stories adapted and translated into Somali by Asha Ali Noor. Easy reader for young learners and perfect for reading aloud to younger children. A glossary and engaging activities at the back help check comprehension and build vocabulary.
Qudhaanjadii iyo Jirriqaagi – The Ant and the Grasshopper
Aesop’s tale of the hardworking ant and the lazy grasshopper adapted and retold in Somali. This bilingual Somali-English book is easy for independent readers and perfect for reading aloud to younger children. Engaging activities at the back help check comprehension and build vocabulary.
Digaagadii Fariida Ahayd – The Clever Chicken
A clever chicken tries to persuade her friends to help her grow some wheat. Read about how she gets on. This bilingual Somali/English story based on a traditional tale has a moral. An easy reader – great for reading to younger children or for independent reading by older readers. Check your child’s understanding with the comprehension questions at the end of the book.
Xijaab-Cas iyo Waraabahii – Red-Hijab and the Hyena
A bilingual Somali-English story based on a well loved children’s story. A little girl with a red hijab meets a hyena in the woods on her way to her grandmother’s house. Great for shared reading at bedtime. Get your children interested in reading Somali, improving their vocabulary and becoming independent learners.
Tirada Baro Book 1
Ninkii Dhagax Maraq Ka Sameeyay
When a stranger arrives at a small village he offers to make the villagers stone soup. The villagers don’t believe it. A tale with a message about how by working together people can achieve something good. This dual language Somali/English book is full of colourful illustrations and has an activity section at the back. Ideal for learners new to the Somali language especially those living in the diaspora.
“I would like to cook stone soup and give some to the villagers,” the man said.
Whoever heard of making soup from a stone?
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