Anba Nan Estasyon an / Down by the Station (Baby Rhyme Time) (Haitian and English Edition)

There’s something magical about children’s books that bridge languages and cultures—they open doors to new worlds while making young readers feel at home. Anba Nan Estasyon an / Down by the Station (Baby Rhyme Time) (Haitian and English Edition) by Creoletrans is one such gem. A vibrant, bilingual adaptation of the classic nursery rhyme, this book doesn’t just entertain; it educates, connects, and celebrates Haitian Creole in a way that feels fresh and inclusive.

Whether you're a parent raising bilingual kids, an educator looking for diverse classroom materials, or simply a lover of children’s literature, this book offers a delightful experience. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive in.

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For those who grew up with the classic Down by the Station rhyme, the structure will feel warmly familiar. The story follows a cheerful journey through a bustling station where various vehicles—trains, buses, and trucks—come to life with rhythmic, repetitive verses.

What sets this version apart is its seamless bilingual presentation. Each page features the English rhyme alongside its Haitian Creole translation (Anba Nan Estasyon an), making it accessible to both English and Creole speakers. The illustrations burst with color and energy, depicting lively scenes that reflect Haitian culture—subtle nods to local landscapes, vibrant markets, and community life.

While the plot is simple (as expected in a board book for toddlers), the cultural richness elevates it beyond a mere translation. It’s a celebration of language, movement, and daily life in Haiti.

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Since this is a rhyming board book, "characters" are primarily the vehicles themselves—each with its own playful personality. The puff-puff train, the beep-beep bus, and the honk-honk truck aren’t just machines; they’re animated, almost anthropomorphized, making them instantly engaging for young readers.

The real standout, though, is the sense of community in the background. The illustrations include diverse, expressive faces—vendors, children, and workers—who bring the station to life. This subtle inclusion makes the book feel more like a story than just a rhyme, offering little ones plenty to point at and discuss.

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The strength of Anba Nan Estasyon an lies in its rhythmic, repetitive structure—perfect for early language development. The English and Creole verses mirror each other closely, making it easy for parents to read aloud in both languages without stumbling.

The translation by Creoletrans is smooth and natural, avoiding the stiltedness that sometimes plagues bilingual books. The Creole flows musically, preserving the rhyme’s playful cadence. For example:

"Down by the station, early in the morning,
See the little puffer trains all in a row..."

"Anba nan estasyon an, bonè nan maten,
Gade ti tren k'ap soufle yo, tout kanpe..."

The pacing is brisk, holding a toddler’s attention while encouraging participation (expect lots of "chugga-chugga" imitations!).

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On the surface, this is a fun, rhythmic book about vehicles. But dig deeper, and it’s also:

• A Language Bridge: Perfect for Haitian families preserving Creole or English speakers exploring a new language.
• A Cultural Snapshot: The illustrations subtly incorporate Haitian life—colorful tap-taps (local buses), tropical flora, and bustling street scenes.
• A Celebration of Routine: The station symbolizes daily rhythms, making it relatable for kids who love repetition.

It’s a small but meaningful way to introduce diversity without overtly "teaching" it—just by existing as it is.

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As a parent raising a bilingual child, I’m always hunting for books that don’t feel like textbooks. This one was an instant hit. My two-year-old loves the bright pictures and the "puff-puff" sounds, and I appreciate that I can read it in both languages without awkward phrasing.

The board book format is sturdy (a must for tiny, grabby hands), and the size is perfect for lap reading. The only downside? We’ve read it so much I can recite it in my sleep!

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Most bilingual children’s books fall into two categories:

1. Direct Translations – Often clunky, losing the original’s rhythm.
2. Cultural Adaptations – Like this one, where the translation feels organic.

Similar standouts include Besos for Baby (English/Spanish) and Mango, Abuela, and Me (which weaves languages into a narrative). Anba Nan Estasyon an holds its own by keeping the simplicity of a nursery rhyme while enriching it culturally.

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✅ Authentic Translation – The Creole flows naturally.
✅ Engaging Illustrations – Bright, lively, and culturally immersive.
✅ Durable Format – Thick pages survive toddler manhandling.
✅ Inclusivity – Represents Haitian Creole speakers often overlooked in children’s lit.

❌ Limited Story Depth – It’s a rhyme, not a plot-driven tale (but that’s expected for the genre).
❌ No Phonetic Guides – Non-Creole speakers might struggle with pronunciation (a small audio guide would’ve been nice).

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• Bilingual Families (English/Haitian Creole)
• Educators teaching diversity or language basics
• Toddlers & Preschoolers who love vehicles and rhymes
• Collectors of multicultural children’s books

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"Hear the station master shout, 'All aboard!'
'Tout moun monte!'"

This line always gets a giggle in our house—especially when I do my best "station master" voice.

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Haitian Creole is spoken by over 10 million people worldwide, yet it’s underrepresented in children’s publishing. Books like this validate Creole-speaking kids and introduce others to a beautiful, rhythmic language. The illustrations also normalize Haitian settings, offering a refreshing break from Eurocentric defaults.

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Anba Nan Estasyon an / Down by the Station is more than a book—it’s an experience. It’s the kind of story that makes kids bounce, clap, and maybe even pick up a new word or two. Whether you’re Haitian, learning Creole, or just want a fun, diverse addition to your shelf, this one’s a winner.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

Discussion Questions for Readers:

• How do you introduce multiple languages to your child?
• What’s your favorite bilingual children’s book?
• Do you think more nursery rhymes should be adapted like this?

Drop your thoughts below—I’d love to hear from fellow book-loving parents and educators!

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