Dim Sum,
Please!
A bilingual English & Cantonese children’s book about a meal made for sharing.
Explore eight dim sum dishes through illustrations, everyday dialogue, and words you can discover together.
Choose your language and format at the retailer. Price and availability may vary.
Pictures to linger over.
Words to try together.
The Cantonese edition pairs English with traditional Chinese characters and Jyutping, a romanization system that represents Cantonese sounds using letters and tone numbers.
- Authors
- Lin Choi and Edwin Choi
- Languages
- English and Cantonese
- Written text
- English and traditional Chinese characters
- Pronunciation
- Jyutping
- Paperback ISBN
- 9798667652083
- Theme
- Dim sum, family, and Chinese food culture
A Cantonese picture book for shared storytime.
Dim Sum, Please! brings English and Cantonese together through a familiar family meal. It is a picture book to read with a child, with traditional Chinese characters and Jyutping alongside English. You can begin with the illustrations, read in English, or invite a Cantonese-speaking relative to share the words they use at home.
What do the letters and numbers mean?
Jyutping is a Cantonese romanization system: letters represent sounds and the number after a syllable marks its tone. It is different from the pinyin used in our Mandarin edition. The Linguistic Society of Hong Kong’s Jyutping guide explains the system.
If you are choosing between Chinese children’s books, check the spoken language as well as the characters. Traditional characters alone do not tell you whether a book supports Cantonese or Mandarin. Our edition comparison puts the two books side by side.
For a relaxed first reading, choose one dish, point out an ingredient, and tell a family food story. Find more bilingual read-aloud ideas.
One shared table.
Different ways to enjoy it.
Check the language and format before ordering. The Cantonese and Mandarin editions are separate books.
The Cantonese edition
English, traditional Chinese characters, and Jyutping pronunciation support. The edition shown in our preview. Paperback ISBN: 9798667652083.
The Mandarin edition
A separate edition for families exploring Mandarin, with English, traditional Chinese characters, and pinyin pronunciation support.
The audiobook
Hear the story read by Lin Choi. Listen together as another way to explore the sounds of Cantonese.
Before you turn the first page.
Who is this book for?
It is designed for children and the adults who read with them, including parents and grandparents. The sample page shows the artwork and text so you can decide whether it suits your reader.
Is Jyutping the same as pinyin?
No. Jyutping represents Cantonese pronunciation; pinyin represents Mandarin pronunciation. Choose the Cantonese edition for Jyutping and the Mandarin edition for pinyin.
Can I see a sample before buying?
Yes. The illustrated egg tart page above is from the Cantonese edition. Tap the image to open it at full size.
Where can I buy the book?
Follow the Amazon link for the Cantonese book, or visit the audiobook listing on Apple Books. Retailers handle payment, shipping, availability, and returns. Check the edition and format on the retailer’s page before purchasing.
Ready to share the story?
Choose your edition on Amazon. Retailers handle payment, shipping, and returns.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy Dim Sum, Please!?
On Amazon in both editions: Cantonese (ASIN B08WZMB3W6) and Mandarin (ASIN B09GJHMZJ9). Use the buy buttons on this page; both carry our affiliate link.
Which edition should I choose, Cantonese or Mandarin?
Match your family’s spoken language. The Cantonese edition pairs traditional characters with Jyutping; the Mandarin edition pairs traditional characters with pinyin. Same story, same illustrations.
Does the Cantonese edition include Jyutping?
Yes, on every page, alongside the traditional characters and English text, so non-fluent parents can read aloud with confidence.
What age is Dim Sum, Please! for?
Roughly ages 2 to 7. Toddlers enjoy the food pictures and pointing; older kids follow the story and try the words themselves.
Can I preview the book before buying?
Yes. The illustrated egg tart sample on this page is from the Cantonese edition; tap it to view at full size.
Is there an audiobook?
Yes, read in Cantonese by Lin Choi. It is useful for hearing the correct tones, especially if you are learning alongside your child.
Still deciding? Ask your AI
Copy this prompt into ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini:
“Should I buy the Cantonese or Mandarin edition of Dim Sum, Please! by Lin and Edwin Choi? My child’s grandparents speak Cantonese and we want Jyutping pronunciation help.”