Discover the heartfelt story of XingXing at boarding school!

Learning Mandarin Pinyin can be tricky—especially the letter “x,” which is nothing like the English “x.” In Mandarin, “x” is pronounced like a soft “sh,” but with the tongue placed close to the front of the mouth, just behind the lower front teeth. It’s a gentle, airy sound—almost like the “sh” in “she,” but lighter and with a smile. With this story, you’ll have plenty of chances to learn and practice the “x” sound!

In the gentle glow of starlight and the quiet corridors of boarding school, a journey unfolds—a journey of longing, resilience, and hope. This poem follows XingXing, a young student whose days are filled with the wonders of science, the comfort of distant letters, and the silent companionship of stars. Through changing seasons, moments of laughter, and the ache of waiting, XingXing’s story captures the universal experience of growing up far from home, cherishing small joys, and holding onto the promise of reunion. May these verses bring comfort to anyone who has ever waited for a loved one, and remind us all of the warmth that endures across time and distance.

This playful book follows the story of XingXing, introducing children to Chinese words that use the “x” sound. Through engaging stories and colorful illustrations, kids will have plenty of chances to practice saying “x” the right way—by spreading their lips in a smile, placing the tip of their tongue close to the lower front teeth.

In this audiobook, your child will:

• Hear and repeat the unique “x” sound in Mandarin
• Learn fun new Chinese words
• Build confidence in their pronunciation
• Enjoy a delightful story that makes language learning a joy

Give your child a head start in Mandarin with this special book dedicated to mastering the “x” sound—an essential building block for reading, speaking, and exploring Chinese!

Please Note: This audiobook is in Mandarin Chinese.