I was recently asked: What are fun ways to teach kids about different cultures and customs? It is a thoughtful question and one that matters more than ever in a connected world.
One of the simplest ways to spark curiosity is through books. Reading children’s stories written in different languages or translated from other cultures opens a window into how families around the world think, speak, and live. When parents show genuine interest in other cultures, that curiosity becomes contagious.
Travel is another powerful teacher. When children experience different customs firsthand, whether through food, language, music, or everyday interactions, the lessons stay with them far longer than anything learned in a classroom.
Inside Bahla Fort in Nizwa, Oman, my boys learned pottery while hearing the rhythm of Arabic spoken patiently by a local instructor. They practiced new words and gained confidence simply by listening and trying.
Later, in Tbilisi, Georgia, they visited a traditional bakery and learned about the country’s rich bread-making culture. They discovered the Georgian word for bread, puri (პური), ate plenty of khachapuri, and saw how food can reflect history, geography, and identity.
Moments like these teach more than vocabulary. They build respect, humility, and confidence. They remind children that the world is bigger than their immediate surroundings.
Simple steps at home can also nurture cultural awareness:
- Read bilingual or international children’s books
- Play music from different parts of the world
- Prepare meals from other countries
- Teach a few basic foreign words
Experiences like these inspired our effort to publish a children’s book in multiple languages so families can explore language and culture together in an accessible way.
The book is now available in the following language editions:
English | Japanese | Spanish | Italian | Korean | Arabic | Chinese | Thai | Hindi | Russian | Vietnamese | Indonesian | French
Each edition introduces young readers to bilingual storytelling in a simple and engaging format.
Curiosity grows when it is encouraged. Children are the future, and exposure to language and culture helps them grow with openness and understanding.
The Penguin Who Loved Adventures
Bilingual Children’s Book by Ken Reiman
