Lili and Lola Bilingual Books Review: Farsi-English for Little Ones

Level: A1 | Ages: 2-7 | Cost: ~$15/book | Best for: Bilingual families, Farsi-English parallel reading

What Are Lili and Lola Books?

Lili and Lola is a series of bilingual Farsi-English picture books designed for young children in diaspora families. Each page shows the story in both languages, with colorful illustrations. The books cover everyday topics like going to the park, visiting grandparents, and making friends. Physical books available for purchase at around $15 each.

What Works

The bilingual format is exactly what diaspora parents need. English on one side, Farsi on the other. Parents who aren't confident reading Farsi aloud can use the English as a guide while attempting the Persian. The child sees both scripts naturally, normalizing the idea that their family uses two languages.

The illustrations are appealing and the stories feature situations bilingual kids actually relate to: being the only kid who speaks a different language, visiting family in Iran, celebrating Nowruz. The cultural relevance is a significant step up from generic translated books.

Where It Falls Short

At ~$15 per thin picture book, the cost adds up quickly. A collection of 5-6 books is $75-90. Digital versions would make this more accessible, but the series currently focuses on physical books. The vocabulary covered per book is limited by the picture book format.

Availability can be inconsistent. These aren't stocked at major bookstores. You'll likely need to order online, and shipping times vary. The series is small, so you'll run through available titles faster than a child's interest fades.

Layer 2: Kids Resource Breakdown

Who This Is For

Bilingual Farsi-English families with children ages 2-7. Parents who want physical books that normalize their child's bilingual identity. Gift for Iranian grandparents who want to read with their grandchildren.

The Verdict

Lili and Lola books do something no app can: put a physical bilingual book in a child's hands with stories that reflect their actual life as a diaspora Iranian kid. The cultural authenticity and bilingual format make these special. The price per book is a barrier, but for the right family, these are the kind of books kids ask to read again and again.

Parents learning alongside their kids can use ZabanYar to build their own reading skills at the same time.

Full disclosure. ZabanYar is my own app. I built it, so treat any recommendation of it on this page as an interested one rather than an independent verdict. Everything else here is my honest read, and you are welcome to check it against someone else's.

Get it wrong and the worst that happens is a warm laugh and a story they’ll tell for years. Get it right — refuse the tea twice, accept on the third — and you’ll watch a face open up. You didn’t just speak Persian. You played the game.