When it comes to children’s literature, the bilingual version of English classics like Are You My Mother?, Alice in Wonderland or The Little Prince are popular among VietCan Books readers. But we also carry a rich treasure trove of fantastic Vietnamese/bilingual books that don’t always get the spotlight they deserve. These underrated books are imaginative, thoughtful, and deeply educational.
Today, I’d like to share 5 underrated gems that deserve a place on every child’s bookshelf.
1. Bí mật chuyện đi ị (The Secret of Pooping)
Help kids understand the entire journey of 💩 in the most hilarious yet informative way.
A favorite from "Sự kỳ diệu của cơ thể" series, this book helps children answer such as
Why do we poop everyday?
How is poop created?
What does “healthy poop” look like, and what does it tell us about our body?
Kids will be laughing from beginning to end while discovering all about poop.
2. Con Được Là Chính Mình - translation of Who Am I? I Am Me!
Breaking down gender norms, opening up conversations about individual preferences and letting kids be who they are.
Frankie loves dress-ups, soccer, pancakes, trains—just everything Frankie loves! This fun picture book reminds us that kids don’t need to fit into “boy” or “girl” roles—kids are simply kids.
With engaging illustrations, interactive questions, and tips for parents, this transcreated book opens up conversations about self-expression, equality, and letting children grow into their true selves. The best gift we can give our kids is the freedom to be who they are.
This is an especially important concept to reinforce among Vietnamese families where gender roles are often rigidly defined.
3. Con trai con gái khác nhau ạ?
Gender education written just for Asian families, covering 2 grossly under-represented topics: twins and breaking down gender stereotypes.
Told through the eyes of twin boy and girl, this book invites young readers (ages 3–8) on a thoughtful and age-appropriate journey through the concept of gender and body awareness. This book helps children understand what makes boys and girls similar—and what makes them different—while gently guiding parents on how to match the explanation to their child's developmental stage.
Again, this book will make caregivers think twice about deeply ingrained gender assignment such as not allowing boys to play with dolls, or assuming girls are less active and energetic in the playground.
4. Bilingual "Can I Have a Little Cat?”
Fun, familiar, full-circle conversation between a child and his mother that we can all relate to. He wants something, mom says no for good reasons which back fire in the end.
Translated from original French title "Je peux avoir un petit chat?" by Céline Claire, the bilingual Vietnamese-English text is simple yet conveys so much hilarity that both kids and parents will enjoy and bond over. If you don't think your Vietnamese is very good, this book is such an easy read for even beginners to freely inject your own personality into.
5. Trong Cái Không Có Gì Không? Translation of Is Nothing Something?
1. Embrace and encourage curious questions in children by exploring this book together with the late Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh
It tackles 64 topics across three meaningful themes:
The World Around Us – From the origins of the universe to why the sun is hot, including the classic question, “Is nothing really something?”
Emotions & Relationships – Touches the heart with questions like: How can I still love Grandpa even though he’s passed away? or Why do I sometimes feel lonely even though I’m loved?
Mindfulness & Spirituality – Makes abstract spiritual ideas accessible for young minds, exploring questions like: Who is the Buddha?, What is mindfulness?, and Why do people ring bells during meditation?
A balance of philosophical, thoughtful and heartwarming, this book is perfect for preschoolers and up, this book balances warmth and wisdom—making it an ideal pick for children who question everything (and for adults who love those moments).
Browse our entire collection by Thích Nhất Hạnh and fun introductions to mindful breathing and walking—great tools for cultivating calm and being present.
Which book(s) grabbed your attention? Do you have your own list of favorite books you feel are underrated? Please share with us!
Happy Reading!
Tam Nguyen