“I want to start learning French, but which book should I buy?”
“French grammar seems so complicated… is there an easier way to learn it?”
If that sounds like you, then I’ve got the perfect recommendation — “French Step by Step, Made Easy” from Gakken’s popular “Made Easy” series!
When I passed the French Proficiency Test Levels 5 and 4 last year, I remember thinking, “If only I had found this book earlier…”
Even though I started using it after passing the exams, it turned out to be such a great review tool — super clear and simple.
So today, I’ll share why I think this book is a must-have for anyone just starting French. 🇫🇷✨
🌿 Why Beginners Will Love It
🧾 1. Clean Layout That Keeps You Motivated
The book’s layout is chef’s kiss — super beginner-friendly.
Each spread has a clear structure:
- Left page: Illustrated explanations of grammar points
- Right page: Easy exercises (fill-in-the-blanks, rewrites, or “Japanese → French” drills)
You can complete one lesson a day, since each topic fits perfectly on a two-page spread — “Read → Understand → Use” all in one go.
And if you repeat a few rounds, it really sticks.
It’s the classic “simple, clear, and easy to keep up with” style that every beginner needs.
📘 2. Explanations So Simple It Feels Like Magic
Here’s what I love most: no scary grammar jargon.
Even when grammar terms appear, they’re explained gently with examples and cute illustrations.
It’s like the author is holding your hand through the tricky parts.
In the book, the key parts are written in red, pronunciation is shown in katakana, and the page is full of visual cues — it’s honestly one of the easiest French books I’ve ever seen.
🎧 3. Comes with a CD for Speaking & Listening Practice
This book isn’t just for reading — it’s for talking!
The included CD lets you listen to almost every word and sentence, including the practice exercises.
And here’s a great feature: every French word has katakana pronunciation written on it.
That means you can practice reading aloud even without the audio.
It’s perfect for building your listening, pronunciation, and speaking skills all at once — like having your own mini French class at home.
💬 Other Cool Features
- Level: Around French Proficiency Test (仏検) Level 5
- Front pages: Cover the alphabet, pronunciation + spelling rules, greetings — everything a total beginner needs
- Back pages: Super practical! Includes numbers, telling time, euros, days, months, seasons, and verb charts — all with audio
💡 Who Should Try This Book
✔️ You’re learning French for the first time and don’t know where to start
✔️ You’ve tried before but got overwhelmed and gave up
✔️ You want to rebuild your basics, step by step, without stress
🌟 My Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for your first successful experience with French, this is the book.
It’s easy to read, fun to use, and helps you actually say what you learn.
“French Step by Step, Made Easy” truly makes French feel closer — and much less intimidating.
If you’re wondering which book to start with, go with this one.
It might just be the beginning of your French adventure .
📚 Book Details
- Title: French Step by Step, Made Easy(フランス語をひとつひとつわかりやすく。)
- Publisher: Gakken Plus
- Includes: Audio CD
- Level: French Proficiency Test (仏検) Level 5
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