Families For Life | Make reading shiok again for kids with local books!

Yes, you read right! There are children’s books written by Singaporean authors. From picture books to novels, there’s a variety out there to discover, and it might just be what kick-starts your kids’ reading journey!

Helping your kids develop an interest in reading is important, but it can be tricky, especially with the pull of digital screens. SingLit, or Singapore Literature, offers the advantage of stories set in familiar places and festivals, with characters who speak Singlish. This might encourage your little bookworm-to-be to discover more local stories. Introducing your kids to books written with Singapore’s culture at the forefront also encourages your kids to build self-awareness and foster a deeper connection to their cultural roots.

Ready to fill your kids’ library with SingLit? Let’s explore some must-reads by homegrown authors!

1. The Marvellous Sugee Cake by Quek Hong Shin

Follow the adventures of Simon and his friends as they prepare to celebrate Simon’s seventh birthday. But when Simon sits down to enjoy his treat, things don't go as planned…

2. Just a Little Mynah by Evelyn Sue Wong

This charming series is about a friendly little mynah bird that loves to interact with different Singaporeans of all walks of life. The multilingual picture book series has text in English, Malay, Chinese and Tamil, making it the perfect book to introduce your young ones to the diverse languages and cultures here in Singapore.

3. Goodnight Crescent Moon by Burton Ong

Does the title sound familiar? This charming book by Burton Ong takes inspiration from the original Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown and gives it a uniquely Singaporean twist. Unwind at the end of the day by saying goodnight to familiar landmarks that make up the Singapore night scenery.

4. Karung Guni Boy by Lorraine Tan

Fuel your kids’ imaginations with Ming, a creative boy who loves to make things out of items he collects from his neighbours. Find out how Ming builds his machine using forgotten treasures from his neighbours, and encourage your kids to get their creative juices flowing!

5. The Prophecy Of The Underworld by Low Ping Ying

Great for older kids, this story takes readers along the journey of an unlikely hero and his three friends on a hilarious romp through a parallel world in a quest to save their own from destruction. How will a hero with zero world-saving skills save the day? Your kids will have to read to find out!

6. Becky Bunny's Adventures for Life Series

Looking for more local treasures? Don't miss the delightful Becky Bunny's Adventures for Life Series. These heartwarming tales follow the adventures of Becky Bunny and her family as they navigate everyday situations, teaching valuable lessons about family bonding, kindness, and growing up in Singapore. Download your free copy of Becky Bunny's adventures and start creating precious reading moments with your little ones!

Time to dust off your library cards

With so many amazing local books, making reading shiok for your kids has never been easier. Plus, borrowing them is a breeze with National Library Board’s wide array of borrowing services – reserve books ahead of time, sign up for The Little Book Box subscription service for kids, or download eBooks instantly through the NLB Mobile app. So why wait? Dive into a world of Singaporean stories and watch your child’s imagination soar!