I’ve been trying to speak to Noah in Chinese a little more recently, as he definitely needs more exposure to the language. We’ve also been reading more Chinese books, and were delighted to receive the ‘My Home’ Picture and Activity Books, which are bilingual books, set in the local context. I was especially pleased to see that it came with hanyu pinyin as well, as that’s something that I really need!
The ‘My Home’ Picture Book uses simple vocabulary, and the lift-the-flap panels add an interactive element, making it more attractive to young children.
‘My Home’ Picture Book
Noah was really excited when I first gave him the ‘My Home’ Picture Book, and kept asking me to read it to him. I chose to read only the Chinese parts to him, and he tried to repeat some of the words I read. He also really enjoyed lifting the flaps, and asking me, “What’s that?”
I’m a little embarrassed to admit that I had difficulties reading some of the Chinese words, but thank goodness for the hanyu pinyin provided! I usually have to do some “homework” before reading a Chinese book with Noah, by going through it and looking up the hanyu pinyin of the words that I’m unfamiliar with, so I’m extra thankful that I didn’t have to do so for this book.
Imitating the boy on the cover
Examining the colourful cover
The cute and colourful pictures helped to keep Noah interested in the book, while the lift-the-flaps kept him engaged. He would spend some time looking at the page after I’ve finished reading it, and even sat quietly to flip through the entire book on his own after I read it once to him. That’s how I knew he really liked the book! That, and his repeated requests for me to “read it again”, of course.
Lifting the flaps
The ‘My Home’ Activity Book, is supposed to be suitable for children aged two to six, but personally, I feel that children aged four and above will probably be better able to appreciate it. They can improve their vocabulary through the fun exercises and games in the activity book, which has stickers, DIY activities and revision exercises based on the contents of the picture book. I’m keeping this book away from Noah at the moment, and will only give it to him when I feel that he’s ready to learn more, so that it can be used properly.
‘My Home’ Activity Book
Keen to get the ‘My Home’ set for your child? The books are available at MPH, Times, Booktique, Union, and Maha Yuyi, and will soon be on the shelves at Kinokuniya and Popular as well.
Alternatively, you can shop online at Wild Crane Press! They have a storewide 10% discount from now till mid-November on their online store, and they’ve got some really interesting books for children of various ages, so do check it out soon. You can also sign up as a member, and receive 15% off off regular-priced items. Free local shipping is available for purchases above SGD50, with the code ‘WILDCRANEPRESS’.
Happy shopping!
SPECIAL GIVEAWAY FOR READERS OF GROWING WITH THE TANS
Wild Crane Press has generously offered to give away THREE sets of the ‘My Home’ books to our readers! All you have to do is to follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter widget below. This giveaway is open to anyone with a Singapore address, and will end on Tuesday, 11 November 2014, at 2359h. Good luck!
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