Right Reads…

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Good morning! How do you start reading to a baby? Choose the times when both you and Baby are awake and free of any chores. This is quality time spent with your child - choose the best time that suits both of you. All you need is 15 minutes.

For Hubby, it’s usually late afternoons when both of them are alert while I need a nap. He enjoyed entertaining Lucas during this time.

15 minutes before bedtime is best for me. If Lucas’ bedtime is 8.00 pm (about 3-4 months old), I’d bring him to the room at about 7.45 pm. I’d switch off the lights and settle him next to me. His chubby legs are wrapped around a bolster and he’s happily sucking his pacifier, with big eyes turned towards me.

I face him and softly sing 3-4 nursery rhymes or songs. My favourites were “Edelweiss”, “Rock a bye, baby” and “Seek Ye First”. These gentle songs lulled both of us to sleep.

Remember to avoid action songs as it’ll perk Baby up, keep him awake and then, you’ll get Mr. Cranky! Read more »

Tags: babies, preschool, toddlers

The Star That Fell by Karen Hayles and Cliff Wright

This picture book with beautiful life-like water colour illustrations caught my eye at a second-hand bookstore. Published by Ladybird, I was immediately curious to see if the story is as good as it looks.

The story begins with:

“One night a star fell…”

and we are taken on the little star’s adventure in the woods as it meets different animals who do different things with it.

Finally, the star is brought to a little girl named Maddy. After a chat with her father, Maddy makes an incredibly selfless move that leads to a happy ending for all.

Children will learn about animals’ habits and habitats while adults will enjoy reading the book aloud with their kids.

Most importantly, a child will take delight in the animals the bright star meets in its adventure and the little girl’s actions when she finds it.

An excellent “do-the-right-thing” book without sonding preachy.

Knowing that this 1996 book is now out-of-print has made my used copy more precious. I only wish that the previous owner (or the parents) had the sense not to deface the book cover with a crude felt tip pen drawing of a face on the star!

Tags: animals, picture book, preschool