Story Time: Books We Read Last Week

Last week was very busy (as usual), but I managed to read three times to my children. Here is the list of books we read last week;

• Tanka Tanka Skunk! By Steve Webb
• Little Beauty by Anthony Browne
• Kisses For Daddy by Frances Watts and David Legge
• My Dad by Anthony Browne
• Sleepyhead by Karma Wilson and John Segal
• The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

Read Aloud at Kinokuniya: The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein (Read on 14th December 2012)

Last week at my workplace, I read aloud one of my favorite picture book which is Shel Silverstein's The Giving Tree. Since it's my last public speaking, I chose this title because it was one of the best picture books I’ve ever read and it’s carried a very strong message about love and giving. I’ve been reading this book over and over again to my children during our story time. There are an opposite opinion between my eldest son and my daughter; my son like the little boy but my daughter prefers the tree. But both of them agreed that even though the story is sad but it’s a wonderful story and they love it very much. I hope my colleagues enjoy my speech, get the message from this book and spread the power of love and giving. ^_^

Story Time: Books We Read Last Week

Last week I'm not feeling well because my back in pain again. As a result, I won't be able to read every night to my children. My daughter keep on begging me to read to them even only one book. So I tried my best and managed to read three nights for them. Here is the list of books we read last week:

• Spells by Emily Gravett
• The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
• The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle
• Reading Grows by Ellen B. Senisi
• How to Hide a Butterfly and Other Insects by Ruth Hellers

Shopping @ BookXcess on 10th December 2011

Yesterday, we went to Amcorp Mall and brought some books at BookXcess. My daughter very happy especially when I brought her one of The Magic Bookshop Bears series. She asked me to buy the other titles in the series if we go to visit BookXcess again. I promise her that I will buy the entire series if she behave nicely. ^_^

Books We Read Over the Weekend

Last weekend I had a great time with my children. I'm off for three days and I spent most of my time with them. I didn't even have time to open my FB, which is fine with me. Basically, I play with them especially with the youngest one and bring them along with me to do the grocery shopping. Do I have time to read to them? Yes, of course I do. Here is the list of books we read last weekend and loved: 

• Qaroon and His Treasures (Quran Stories) 
• The Emperor of Absurdia by Chris Riddell 
• What's the Time Mr. Wolf? by Lucy M George
• Where's My Teddy by Jez Alborough 
• Outside Over There by Maurice Sendak

Interesting Blog: Growing Bookworms

I found another cool blog about children books at www.GrowingBookworms.com. This blog is very informative and useful. It's helps people to encourage children to love books by providing them book reviews, literacy news, and email newsletter. So, wait no more! Check out this blog and I can assure you will love it!:)

Pansing Partner's Day 2011: There Are Cats In This Book by Viviane Schwarz (Read on 22nd November 2011)

This time I only bought one book from Pansing Partner's Day which is Viviane Schwarz's There are Cats In This Book. Previously, I've bought her second book about cats called There Are No Cats In This Book at Bookxcess. My children are in love with Tiny, Moonpie and Andre (the lovely cats in this book). They so excited when I show them this book and they asked me to read to them before dinner. So I did and they enjoyed it. Vivian Schwarz's books are very entertaining and always full of surprises. Read her books, and you will know what I meant. :)

Reading to Our Children is a Joyful Activity

Today I’ve read this cool article from Guardian, where Julia Donaldson shares how picture books can teach our children to understand themselves. And there was a part when she talks about the important to read to children, I agreed with her that reading to our children is a joyful activity. Yes, it is a joyful activity. This is the time when I can cuddle my children and feel close to them. And after reading together, I feel the satisfaction when I see their happy face. That meant they enjoy the stories. And for me, I always think that every time I read to my children is like giving them a gift that will last forever.:)

Story Time: Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers (read on 17th November 2011)

Couple of week ago, I bought Mr. Popper’s Penguin’s DVD starring Jim Carrey. And last Thursday, since school holiday just around the corner, I let my children watch the movie and stay up a bit late. The story is hilarious and Jim Carrey was a great comedian. And the penguins are adorable. We laugh out loud and had a great time watching the movie. After watching the movie, I asked my children if we have picture book about penguins. They look for it and found Oliver Jeffers’s Lost and Found. So, I read to them that book. Lost and Found is a story about the friendship between a lonely penguin and a boy. How this boy tries to return the penguin to where it’s belong. He even set out a journey to the South Pole with the penguin. But after they get there, the boy discovers that the penguin wasn’t lost after all. Oliver Jeffers’ unique tale of friendship is such a delight read aloud book. It’s good to see my children enjoyed it. ^_^

Books Bought @ Carrefour 2

We went to Carrefour for groceries shopping today. And as usual, I will go to the books clearance corner and hunt for book. It's caught me by surprise, because today's bargain is only RM1 per book.I guess Carrefour tries to get rid of the balance stocks. Not many books left, mostly fiction and self enrichment book. I browsed and managed to bought five books. Not bad, not bad at all.:)

Books Bought @ Carrefour

Recently, I always looking forward to do groceries shopping at Carrefour because they have books clearance corner. The price of the book is only RM5,yes only RM5 per book. And most of the books are fiction, young adults, self enrichment and business book.Last month I went there, I bought ten books mostly young adult.So,if you looking for bargain books go to Carrefour and experience it by yourself.

Story Time: Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems

I always delighted to read this book to my children. Over and over again, and I never get bored. This story involves the reader at the start as an active participant in the book. It's started with the bus driver asking the reader to keep an eye on the bus while he is gone. And soon, a pigeon will appears and tries to persuade the reader to let it drive the bus. I enjoyed reading this book to my children because they can participate during the reading sessions. They will giggles from start to the ends of the story.

Interesting Blog: Picturebooksinelt.com

Today, I spotted another cool blog about picture books.This blog is hosted by a freelance English teacher who used picture books as her teaching materials.

Interesting Blog: vintagechildrensbooksmykidloves.com

I come across this wonderful blog about vintage picture books. This blog belong to a mother who loved old picture books and shared it with her children. It’s very interesting and if you loved vintage picture books, you will adore this blog. It’s really cool. Come, and check it out.

Picture Book of the Day: Remembering Crystal by Sebastian Loth

When I was walking at the Children section this morning, I spotted this title. The front cover is very beautiful, so I pick it up and read. It's tell a story about Crystal, an old tortoise and Zelda, a young goose. They are best friends and like to shares things together; swimming, travelling, playing and reading. But, one day Crystal died and Zelda cannot accept the truth. She looks everywhere for Crystal but couldn't find her. Soon, she able to accept that Crystal was gone. Zelda also realizes that even though Crystal not around anymore but she will always be in her heart. This wonderful story introduces big subject to children which is death and friendship.It's really touches my heart.I loved it.

Picture Book of the Day: I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen

A bear has lost his hat and he wants it back. Politely, he asks the animals he comes across, one by one, whether they have seen it. Each animal says no and the bear begins to give up. Suddenly, a deer comes by and asks; what does your hat look like? This simple question sparks the bear’s memory and renews his search. Will the bear find his hat? You have to read this delightful tale which full with mischievous twist.

Big Bad Wolf Sale 7th & 8th Oct 2011

This year BBW was held in Serdang. I'm glad that I managed to go this year. On the first day, I've bought six books because I have no time to browsed at the Children section. But, on the second day when I went with my children, I bought almost twenty books. I'm looking forward for BBW sale next year.

Story time: Stick Man by Julia Donaldson (13th Oct 2011)

Last night, I’ve read Julia Donaldson’s Stick Man to my children. I loved Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler (my children love them too). I collected most of their books and I bought this one from Big Bad Wolf sale the other day. In this book, it’s tells a story about Stick Man who lives in the family tree with his Stick lady and their stick children three. One day, a dog finds him and snatches him for a game of fetch. This is the beginning of a terrible journey which Stick Man tries to get back but is taken farther and farther away from his home. Will he ever get back to the family tree? You definitely have to read this book to find out. It’s really fun to read this book to my children (maybe because I loved repetitive rhymes) and also we enjoyed to see the familiar bright illustrations by Axel Scheffler. My children will explore the books and tries to find familiar character from The Gruffalo or Monkey Puzzle.

Shopping @ Bookxcess

Last Friday, I went to Bookxcess to buy birthday present for my friend. But end up, I bought some books for my children and also for myself. I cannot resist it, especially Percy Jackson Boxed Set edition. My daughter also liked it. ^_^

Children Classics Celebrate Milestones

More anniversary edition will be out this year such as Babar (80 years), Jumanji (30 years), James and the Giant Peach (50 years) and Magic School Bus (25 years). One of my favorite is Babar. I adored Babar and his elephant’s family. The Story of Babar first came out in year 1931. According to the author, Jean de Brunhoff, the story was inspired by a bedtime story created by his mother, Cecile de Brunhoff. And after he dies, his son Laurent continued the Babar’s legacy.This year, in conjunction with the 80th anniversary of Babar, the publisher will be publishing Laurent de Brunhoff's Babar's Celesteville Games. Check out this article from Publishers Weekly where publisher celebrated children’s book anniversaries.

One in six children doesn't read a book a month

According to a new survey by the National Literacy Trust in UK, one in six children do not read a single book per month.The survey polled 18,141 children from across the United Kingdom in November and December 2010. Interesting research. Check out this article from TheBookseller.com.

New "Summer Readings" from Guardian

Claire Armitstead writes about Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien in the Guardian's new "Summer Readings" series, which asks writers "about their most indelible holiday book encounters." It's a lovely article. ^_^

Picture Books we’ve Read During Ramadan So Far

Ramadan Karem is back! As a Muslim, I always look forward to greet Ramadan. Ramadan is a month of fasting where it teach us about patience, spirituality and submissiveness to God. During Ramadan we change our schedule accordingly. How about reading? Yes, we do continue our reading session but not every night. Here is the list of picture books we’ve read so far this month;
♥ My Mom by Anthony Browne
♥Little Mouse's Big Book of Fears by Emily Gravett
♥Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems
♥Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beaty and David Roberts
♥No, David by David Shannon
♥Piggybook by Anthony Browne
♥Baby Brains: The Smartest Baby in the Whole World. by Simon James
♥Dooby Dooby Moo by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin
♥The Spiffiest Giant in Town by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
♥My Dad! by Chae Strathie and Jacqueline East
♥My Dad by Anthony Browne
♥Harriet, You'll Drive Me Wild! by Mem Fox and Marla Frazee
♥Winston the Book Wolf by Marni McGee and Ian Beck
♥Baa Humbug!: A Sheep with a Mind of His Own by Mike Jolley and Susan Anne Reeves

Balik Kampung Mood

Last month, my family went back to Sabah. My children are very excited to experience the kampung environment again. I know my children schedule will be occupied with playing and exploring new things most of the time. But, I just bring along some picture books to read when we have spare time. The entire two weeks, I managed to reads twice to them during their bedtimes. The best thing is we are not alone. My brothers and my nephews join our bedtime’s stories. I have to reads several books requested by them. Luckily I bring along the Backyard Books series which have seven titles. This series introduce children to small and familiar animals such as butterfly, ants, dragonfly, spider and ladybug. My children and my nephew have to choose their favorite insects and I will read to them. But, they have to pretend to be the insect that they choose. It’s such a long night and I’m happy they enjoyed it.

Story Time:Monkey Puzzle by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler

Last night, my daughter wants me to read longer book for her. But I say I can’t, because I have to work tomorrow. She’s understood and picks this one, Monkey Puzzle by Julia Donaldson. Actually, this book is one of our favorite before The Grufallo. I bought this book first and fell in love with Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. It’s tells a story about a little monkey who lost his mum. The kindhearted butterfly tries to help him to find her. But the butterfly misunderstands monkey's descriptions of his mum and leads them to all sorts of unsuitable animals; bat, elephant, spider, snake and so on. It is very funny and clever story which will make our children giggles and definitely ask for more.

Picture Book of the Day: Quiet! There's a Canary in the Library by Don Freeman

Last night, I’ve read this book to my daughter. I bought last week for her since, she like stories related to books and reading. This picture book tells a story about Cary, a little girl who loved book and like to go to library. She pictured herself if she becomes a librarian; she would invite her favorite animals such as elephants, bears, lions, peacocks to the library. But the trouble starts when the animals cannot get along together. Can she solve the problems? You have to read it to find out. ^_^

Dr Seuss New Stories

Yippie!!!! A new book with seven original stories by Dr Seuss (originally published in magazines) will be published for the first time in book form on September 27. It called, The Bippolo Seed and Other Lost Stories. I can’t wait to get hold of this book. I am a big fan of Dr Seuss (My children too!). We collected most of his books. Our favorite is Fox in Socks, One Fish Two Fish, Green Eggs and Ham, and of course The Cat in the Hat.

Picture Book of the Day: No, David! By David Shannon

Children and the word NO are inseparable. They always do things they should not be doing and forced their parent to use the word NO all the time. As a parent, I find this book very enjoyable and described what children really are. I can’t wait to buy a copy and read it to my children. I’m pretty sure, they will enjoy it ^_^

£1 books for World Book Day 2011 are available at Kinokuniya!

It is not too late to talk about World Book Day. This year they are six titles for the £1 Books; one picture book and five flip books. It is very interesting because one of the titles is Dr Seuss on the Loose. I loved Dr Seuss, my children loved them too. All these titles are available at Kinokuniya and the price only RM2. So, come over and collect them all!

Reading Magic by Mem Fox

I’ve read Mem Fox's Reading Magic couple of years ago, when I start reading aloud for my children. I need a sort of guide book to improve my reading so I bump into this book. It’s help me a lot and convinced me how important reading to our child at their very young age. It’s a must-have book for parent who would like to instill a life love of books to their children.