In Bon Bibi’s Forest

Title of Picture Book: In Bon Bibi’s Forest

Author: Sandhya Rao

Illustrator: Proti Roy

Publisher and Country (may be self-published): Tulika Publishers, India

Publisher’s Blurb: The quiet villages of Sundarban are terrorised by a monster with wild eyes, sharp teeth, striped skin and pointed nails – Dokkhin Rai! Until finally, Bon Bibi, protector of the forests and people asks hi a simple questions: Why do you do this?
The answer to this question is central to the age-old theme of human-animal harmony that has inspired many stories, including this one. Set in a lesser known part of Bengal, the lush and mysterious Sundarban, the textured narrative and dramatic, detailed illustrations evoke a distinct culture of the place – the natural confluence of Hindu and Muslim mythologies, and the rhythm and concerns of everyday life at the edge of the jungle.

Theme (Self, Friends, Family, Places, Celebrations, Nature, Technology, etc): places, values

5 Keywords (other than themes): environment, siblings, legends, nature, not wasting

Brief Review (in under 50 words): An interesting tale.

Where to buy or borrow (if available): National Library Board, Singapore

ISBN Number (if available): 81-8146-925-9

Submitted by (could be your preferred name, including pen name): Moses

Three Stars

Title of Picture Book: Three Stars

Author: Shamini Flint

Illustrator: Craig Smith

Publisher and Country (may be self-published): Sunbear, Publishing, Singapore

Publisher’s Blurb: Mummy decided that if Sasha and Spencer were good, well-behaved children, they would each get a gold star.

Sasha was very excited about the plan!

Spencer was less excited.

Theme (Self, Friends, Family, Places, Celebrations, Nature, Technology, etc): self, family, values

5 Keywords (other than themes): behaviour, reward, helping, siblings, imagination

Brief Review (in under 50 words): Spencer was indeed less excited and very imaginative. Was his tantrums a little rude?

Where to buy or borrow (if available): National Library Board, Singapore

ISBN Number (if available): 978-981-08-2394-8

Submitted by (could be your preferred name, including pen name): Moses

Secret Hoarder

Title of Picture Book: Secret Hoarder

Author: Adeline Foo

Illustrator: Miel

Publisher and Country (may be self-published): Booksmith Productions, Singapore

Publisher’s Blurb: Ben met a little squirrel and had his buried treasures stolen. Was it the squirrel that did it?

Read this book and learn about the charming native squirrel, common in our tropical rainforests. We have ‘flying” squirrels in our forests too. Did you know that?

Theme (Self, Friends, Family, Places, Celebrations, Nature, Technology, etc): family, nature

5 Keywords (other than themes): squirrel, treasures, planting beans, siblings

Brief Review (in under 50 words): Interesting facts about the types of squirrels native to Southeast Asia and also about the Rainforest.

Where to buy or borrow (if available): National Library Board, Singapore

ISBN Number (if available): 978-981-05-8251-7

Submitted by (could be your preferred name, including pen name): Moses

List: The Swing of Things

Title of Picture Book: The Swing of Things

Author: Andy Chen

Illustrator: Ye Ruoshi

Publisher and Country (may be self-published): Straits Time Press, Singapore

Publisher’s Blurb: “There once was a time when the family swing was not this unmoving, unused, unloved thing …”

And so begin this sweet story for children about a swing that was once loved and played on every day by two sisters Faith and Sarah – until they grew up and became too old for swings.

But the swing learns that sad times don’t last forever and that things always change.

Theme (Self, Friends, Family, Places, Celebrations, Nature, Technology, etc): family, nature

5 Keywords (other than themes): play, siblings, growing old, history, marriage

Brief Review (in under 50 words): An interesting book for speaking about the passing of time and what growing up and older means.

Where to buy or borrow (if available): NLB, Singapore

ISBN Number (if available): 978-981-4642-93-4

Submitted by (could be your preferred name, including pen name): Moses

List: Emily the Duckling

Title of Picture Book: Emily the Duckling says “Humph!”

Author: Ka Lim

Illustrator: Ka Lim

Publisher and Country (may be self-published): SNP International

Publisher’s Blurb: Emily is a cheerful duckling and just part of a happy family, but, like the rest of us, she sometimes gets a little frustrated (“Humph!”).

In this simple tale for young children lies a powerful and timeless message for all ages about acceptance and the willingness to take positive action.

5 Keywords (other than themes): complaining, acceptance, positive, mother, siblings

Brief Review (in under 50 words): An interesting way to talk about being grumpy instead of having a cheerful and positive disposition.

Where to buy or borrow (if available): NLB, Singapore

ISBN Number (if available): 978-981-248-134-4

Submitted by (could be your preferred name, including pen name): Moses

List: Writing a Diary with Mum

Title of Picture Book: Timmy and Tammy – Writing a Diary with Mum

Author: Ruth Wan-Lau

Illustrator: Eliz Ong

Publisher and Country (may be self-published): Armour Publishing, Singapore

Publisher’s Blurb: Timmy and Tammy are curious about Mum’s diary. What will they learn and could they start diaries of their own?

Join Timmy and Tammy as they explore and learn. Practice reading skills and celebrate family values at the same time!

5 Keywords (other than themes): writing, biscuits, siblings, mother, reader

Brief Review (in under 50 words): The text is clear and the illustrations colourful. A simple narrative about the children learning about diary keeping from their mother. Heartwarming albeit not a very exciting story.

Where to buy or borrow (if available): NLB Singapore

ISBN Number (if available): 978-981-47-6515-2

Submitted by (could be your preferred name, including pen name): Moses

List: Pittodrie Pirates – What’s a Blue Furry?

Title: Pittodrie Pirates: What’s a Blue Furry? (Book 1)

Author: Lynette Morrison

Illustrator: Lee Kowling

Publisher and Country (may be self-published): Amour Publishing, Singapore

Publisher’s Blurb: The young pirates of Pittodrie love to sing, dance, play and make friends. In the first book of their travels, they sail to the mysterious Glenelg Island and meet the delightful Blue Furry and the ominous Purple Spike. But are these creatures really what they seem? Find out with your children in this new series of courage, friendship and adventure.

Brief Review: This is the 1st book of 4 books where it takes the reader on an fun filled adventure with 5 pirates siblings in the islands near their home. The adventures sparkle imaginative play amongst the children.

5 Key Words: Courage, Pirates, Songs, Siblings, Mission

Where to Buy or Borrow (if available): NLB Singapore

ISBN: 978-981-4413-69-5

Submitted by: Jo Chia