Terrific local reads for kids
Feel like you might spontaneously combust if you read Where is the Green Sheep one more time? Invigorate story time in your house by picking up a local title to love. We have the inside scoop on new kids book releases in Singapore, by Singapore-based children’s authors. Read on for inspiration…
Find and Seek Singapore – written and illustrated by Sally Roydhouse
Find and Seek Singapore is the triumphant first book from talented graphic designer and mum Sally Roydhouse, and a must-read for all savvy kids. The concept of the book was born out of Sally’s desire to create a keepsake of her time spent in Singapore with her family.
What we LOVE about this bespoke picture book is that it is essentially a ‘travel’ book for modern kids. It is also a vibrant and engaging tale of adventure. When a small boy steps out of his ordinary world and arrives in Singapore, he discovers the sights, sounds and tastes of an intriguing city. He is wide-eyed with wonder as he excitedly explores the foreign environment he suddenly finds himself in.
The reader is taken on an insider’s journey around Singapore, far from the typical tourist path. From hawker stalls to Marina Barrage, from Chinatown temples to the zoo, and other quintessentially Singapore spots in between, the tour is colourful and adventurous. Think elegant East Coast Park fan ladies and loud bright Chinese New Year Dragons. There’s even a nod to the constant construction in this rapidly developing city, and the ever-present risk of being caught in torrential rain.
The look and feel of the book will certainly impress both big and small readers. We’re talking thick matte paper, design-driven illustrations and a vermillion fabric spine that sets this book apart from others on the bookshelf.
Whether you’re an expat searching for a memento of your child’s early life in Singapore, a traveler passing through, or a local Singaporean wanting a book to celebrate your country and culture, you can’t go past this awesome tome. It’s the first in a series of books focusing on individual cities around the world, so watch out for the next instalment
Check out this fab film Sally shot in Singapore, cool kids indeed!
Available at: Kinokuniya 391 Orchard Road #04-20/20B/20C Ngee Ann City Takashimaya Shopping Centre, Sun-Fri 10am – 9.30pm & Sat 10am – 10pm
Woods in the Books No.3 Yong Siak Street, Singapore 168642, Open Tues-Sat 11am – 8pm, Sun & Public hols 11am – 6pm
Tango Mango, 163 Tanglin Road, Tanglin Mall, Singapore 247933 Mon – Sat 10am – 9pm, Sun 10am – 8pm
Cost: $25
Paw Prints and the Itchy Spots – written by Sarah Mounsey, illustrated by Jade Fang
Itchy Spots is the third book in the Purple Paw Prints series written by Australian born primary school teacher, Sarah Mounsey. Sarah has lived in London and now resides in Singapore with her hubby and three sons. Along with illustrator Jade Fang, Sarah won a bronze medal in the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards in the category for best picture book series.
The first iinstalmentof Purple Paw Prints introduced mischievous Eddie and his playful dog Oscar. Eddie had a grand old time painting his loveable pooch only realising the error of his ways when chasing his paw-tastic purple trail to clean up! In the second book, Paw Prints on the Magic Sofa, we were taken on an enchanting journey around the world with Eddie and his animal pals.
In Itchy Spots, Eddie finds himself coated with some rather bothersome itchy red spots. Luckily his faithful dog Oscar, and cheeky buddy William, join him on a quest to discover the source and salve for the spots. The storyline is testament to the fact that kids often start with a simple idea, but lack of foresight combined with big imagination often results in an epic mess. The kind of disaster only a team of firefighters with a giant hose can fix!
The book provides a nice entry point to help your child deal with contracting chicken pox or a similar scary illness. You’ll find yourself laughing along as inquisitive Eddie attempts to solve his own dilemma, and cuddling your little one when mummy comes to the rescue and makes it all better.
We love Sarah’s instantly captivating, fun writing style and self-described ‘ridiculous reality’ subject matter. Thank goodness our kids are not quite as good at attracting trouble as Eddie is.
Apart from the obvious plus of activating your little reader’s mind, it’s nice to know a portion of book proceeds are donated to charity.
Available at: Bookaburra Forum the Shopping Mall, #02-03/04 583 Orchard Road Singapore 238884, Open 9.30am – 8pm daily
Closetful of Books, Kinokuniya, MPH, Playdate Books, Woods in the Books and Tango Mango.
Cost: $13.90
The Gobbler written by James Whatmore and illustrated by Amanda Watts
The Gobbler is not only a delightful read for younger kids, but the story behind the story is inspiring! The author, James Whatmore, was just three years old when he conjured up the tale on a walk to preschool one day. James’ mum thought he was onto something with his tall tale and so she fostered James’ talent to help him realise his vision in this delightful children’s book.
As the name suggests, The Gobbler is a ravenously hungry, very greedy green monster from the moors. He happens upon his loving red Gobbler cousin one day, who enjoys baking, recycling and sharing, and spies a fresh batch of cupcakes. Rather than asking, the green Gobbler greedily devours an entire batch of the red gobbler’s cupcakes. Trouble is afoot and lessons are to be learned!
This book helps children in distinguishing the difference between right and wrong, learn how to offer friendship and forgiveness, and to discover the rewards of good behaviour. We just love the scene at the end of the book where the two monsters swing side by side and share a laugh and a jar of cookies. Sweet.
James’ vivid imagination has been brought to life with gorgeous bold, bright illustrations by Amanda Watts. Originally heralding from Sydney, Amanda is now resides in Singapore with her husband and three busy boys. Amanda honed her drawing skills as a child with a love for Derwent watercolour pencils. The collaboration works wonderfully.
Available at: Amazon, or Barnes and Noble
Cost: $20.50.