Into Zech's library

When I was little, I read all (almost!) of Enid Blyton's books. The Famous Five. The Magic Faraway Tree. The Enchanted Wood. Malory Towers. The Secret Seven. My parents rarely bought me books and I could only browse at bookshops. My mum took me to the library every week but I hardly borrowed any of Enid Blyton's books simply because the library did not stock up on these books then. A very kind mummy of my friend and neighbour generously loaned me a big bag of books. That was how I managed to read almost all of Enid Blyton's books. Then I discovered a treasure trove at Serangoon Gardens. An old bookshop run by an Indian man had all my favourite books. I could borrow for a small sum of money, return the books and get a portion of my money back. I had to persuade my dad to take me there.

My boys are more fortunate and more blessed. They have collection of books just because their mummy enjoys collecting children picture books. As Zech outgrew picture books, I introduced him to chapter books and novels. There were times when he read halfway and decided not to continue because the book didn't interest him enough. I allowed him to choose another book from my collection. The following are books I recommend, which Zech really enjoyed and is still enjoying.

1. The Boxcar Children
There are hundreds over books in this series and the plot revolves around 4 orphans who always seem to be solving mysteries. Zech has read a few we borrowed from the library.

2. The Grunts in Trouble
The author has a writing style like Roald Dahl. Filled with humour and wit, the story is funny and engaging so even though the book looks quite thick, Zech could finish the book. This book reminded me of The Twits, another of Zech's favourite.

3. Roald Dahl's books
He must be a star author! Such a great storyteller! Every book he wrote is engaging and interesting to Zech. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The Magic Finger. The Twits. Fantastic Mr Fox. Just to name a few. Any of his books is a sure winner for kids!

4. The Folk of the Faraway Tree
I'm immensely delighted that Zech is enjoying this book. He's reading it now.  I remember reading it when I was 9. I thought it might interest Zech since I love it so much as a child. Was I glad when he told me how much he likes reading this ?

5. Chinese books
Zech isn't reading as many Chinese books as I'd like him to. It's not easy to find Chinese books that interest him. A friend lent me this series of books. They probably strike a chord in the children's hearts because the stories depict their school life and the common problems they face.

Another series I borrowed from the library is also recommended by a friend. The content is interestingly meaningful. One of the books is about how a girl and her friends support the cancer patients. Another book is a beautiful depiction of how pollution creeps into the countryside. I love the way the author weaves realistic and harsh elements of life into such beautiful prose. Books that touch your heart are indeed great books.

You may be wondering why I did not introduce popular series such as the infamous Geromino. Every child seems to be reading it so why not Zech? Well, he was actually given one as a Christmas present when he was 6. I encouraged him to read it. He did not pick it up then. Later on when he was in P1, he realised all his friends were reading Geronimo except him. Oops. He came back telling me he wanted to read Geronimo. And so he did. However, after reading that one book, he went back to reading books from my collection. I've nothing against Geronimo. My only thoughts are the striking
similarity of the text in the book that resembles screen text. The visual aspect is definitely up played in popular series. I'm not sure how much this will impact kids in crossing the bridge from picture books to novels. But the difference in the presentation of text is there.

There are too many books out there in the market and we need to make wise selection for our young kids. Every child is different. Interests will inadvertently influence the selection. Boys are also more naturally inclined to non fiction books. I encourage Zech to read fiction books because I know he will choose non fiction if given a choice. Striking a balance in genres is still of utmost importance.