A review of Odonata Graded readers, which area well written series for learning 1200 Chinese characters. The books have a clear layout, large font, and no HYPY, and importantly, will not break the bank (unlike some other famous levelled readers, which are quite an investment). Click above to read more.
Category Archives: Chinese Book reviews
Where to buy excellent Chinese books for children in Singapore?
Singapore is 100% blessed with a plethora of lovely Chinese bookstores, and many of our favourite ones have passionate owners who will be able to curate the perfect books for your family too. As a mother who doesn’t read or speak Chinese, I’m really thankful for the amazing options out there, mainly run by passionate mumsContinue reading “Where to buy excellent Chinese books for children in Singapore?”
Chinese Book Review: Butt Detective Series 屁屁侦探
Butt Detective is a series of kid-friendly mystery detective books, with bright colours, fun plot, and not too much text. The 屁屁侦探 series originates from Japan, and is excellent for a preschool / early primary Chinese reader.
Chinese Bridging Book Review: “New Stars Island” Graded Picture Book Series 《新新岛》分级读本系列 (Set of 36)
This post is about a locally written set of thirty six Simplified Chinese picture books called the “New Star Island” collection, written and printed in Singapore, which are broadly designed to match every year of primary school in Singapore. They’re creatively written, prize winning works, and great for encouraging an older child to read broadly,Continue reading “Chinese Bridging Book Review: “New Stars Island” Graded Picture Book Series 《新新岛》分级读本系列 (Set of 36)”
Chinese Bridging Book Review: I Love Reading Collection (Set of 20)
This post is about a set of twenty Simplified Chinese picture books called the “I Love Reading Collection”, written and printed in Singapore, which are appropriate for lower primary school age readers. They’re mainly fun, and great for learning new vocabulary, aligned to the MOE syllabus. The books are written by the Chou Sing ChuContinue reading “Chinese Bridging Book Review: I Love Reading Collection (Set of 20)”
Book Review: 16 Chinese Picture Books Celebrating Families Ties and Grandparents
16 Chinese picture books on the topic of families and celebrations. The picture books selected in this post teach children about family values and bonds, especially with grandparents.
The secret to find great Chinese picture books in the Singapore library with Luka
List of excellent authors of Chinese picture books, which can be found in the Singapore NLB, and which are all Luka compatible.
Book Review: Crow Bakery 乌鸦面包店 (Set of 5)
This endearing set of 5 books (translated from Japanese) centres around the humble beginnings of a mom-and-pop bakery business, opened by two crows in the Spring Forest. It’s an intriguing story following the progression of the bakery – and various other enterprises around the forest – and how the family go about their daily life, through ups and downs, innovating and being resilient. Click link to read my full review including photos.
Christmas Picture Books (and literary gifts) in Chinese for preschoolers
This post shares six Christmas-themed books to read in Chinese, and a five great bilingual literary toys too. What is a better gift to give than the gift of language? The gift of Christmas surely. But language is a pretty good gift too. Enjoy good literature with your child this Christmas!
Graded Reader Review: Disney I Will Read by Myself series 迪士尼我会自己读第
The Disney “I Will Read By Myself” Learning series 迪士尼我会自己读第 are excellent levelled readers and certainly tick all the boxes of what to look out for in a good Chinese reading set. They engage children using stories and Disney characters which they will be familiar with, and are written in Simplified Chinese, with no pinyin or English translations. The book range covers a good mix of a Disney classics – with less emphasis on Disney Princesses, which makes them good for both boys and girls.