Children Books' Pick: Hans C. Andersen

I am still tangle with the Terrible-Two and Grouchy-P1-Schooler. Well, it is not new to hear from this space. 

Anyway, in the midst of all the hectic-ness, I am committed to another guest post to talk about one of the best Children Book's Author in the world. Thanks Winnie for having me over there;).

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This is my first book of fairy tales. 

I could not remember when exactly I got it, probably it was during my upper primary schooling years. The book consists of twelve long stories with only one to illustrate for each story. Some even had no pictures. But those powerful words enough to blow my mind as a child. Not all of the stories ended happily ever-after, but I was immersed in the rich, imaginary world of the author to learn about good life value through princes and princesses, the poor and the wealthy classes, sparrows, swallows, ducklings, swans, peas, shoemakers and what not. I read the book so many times that I wonder if the tales were true? Most of the tales begin by saying it was a tale told long ago and retold before it is forgotten, or it was a tale told by the swallow or sparrow, which made the tales so believable, that I hoped I could listen and understand the birds tweeting.  And, some stories were sounded so real that I got aspired and I wish I could visit the museum that displays the pea!

Yes, I am talking about stories written by Hans Christian Andersen.  It was very much later I realised that Hans C. Andersen is one of the world beloved children's authors in the world. Almost everyone would have heard of his famous tales, such as The Ugly Duckling, Princess and the Peas, The Little Mermaid, The Emperor's New Suit and many more. Many of his stories are sophisticated and beautifully written, with tales that provoke my emotions. I took a long time to accept that Little Mermaid didn't get her princess and instead transformed into the cold foam of sea. 

Hans Christian Andersen was the first Danish author and poet, wrote many poems, plays, stories and travelogues, but is best known for his fairy tales. He once said that ideas for his stories 'lie in my mind like seeds and only need the kiss of a sunbeam or a drop of malice to flower'. Andersen's fairy tales of fantasy that are filled with moral values are popular with children and adults all over the world.

Andersen was born on April 2, 1805, in Odense, Denmark. His father was a shoemaker, and his mother earned money washing other people's clothes. His parents spoiled him and encouraged him to develop his imagination. Many say his life is a fairy tales itself, as he came from a poor background and yet became a remarkable storyteller for many decades.

He wrote more than one hundred and fifty fairy tales. He set new ground in both style and content, and employed the idioms and form of spoken language in a way that was new in Danish writing, leading many critics to comment his informal, chatty style. While fairy tales at his time were didactic and meant to convey information, he brought wit, irony and often ambiguity to his tales. Many of these tales teach us moral values that would help in everyday life or warn against something.

To me, he is the greatest story-teller, with an ability to weave the imaginary with reality. Different individual would perceive different message from each and every story of Andersen. For example, The Little Match Girl, spoke out for exploited children sent by their parents to beg in the streets. I was shock to learn that, at the same time, it taught me a lesson that how blessed I was with what I had as a little girl (I thought I was poor, but neh). Whilst, in The Fir Tree, he told a very meaningful story by telling a life of a Fir Tree rejoice in its growth and presence. 

"He now felt glad at having suffered sorrow and trouble, because it enabled him to enjoy so much better all the pleasure and happiness around him; for the great swans swam round the new-comer, and stroked his neck with their beaks, as a welcome."(from 'The Ugly Duckling') 

Over the years, Andersen's tales has “evolved”. Reading his tales again after growing up with abridged and altered versions of his creations can be quiet interesting, especially with a pre-schooler. Many of the stories are simpler and yet still contain amazing appeal to inspire new generation. The first Andersen’s tale I read to my daughter was Thumbelina. It was simple story, and like any other fairy tales with prince and princess, it ended “happily ever-after”.

We went to watch The Ugly Duckling when she was about 4 (or 5). The show presented the story better to the little ones.

Speaking of altered version of Andersen’s tales, my girl first learned about the Little Mermaid through Walt Disney, so much so she refused to accept the ending of the original version. Can't blame her, it's a happy ending compare to Andersen's. Well, I am sure she will learn the real beauty and power of Andersen’s literary  someday.

She was continued with other stories like The Emperor's New Suit. I love this as Andersen used the character of a child to speak the truth and question the moral of deluding oneself. Not every criticism or opinion is worth to be uttered:

"But he has nothing on at all," said a little child at last. "Good heavens! listen to the voice of an innocent child," said the father, and one whispered to the other what the child had said. "But he has nothing on at all," cried at last the whole people. That made a deep impression upon the emperor, for it seemed to him that they were right; but he thought to himself, "Now I must bear up to the end." And the chamberlains walked with still greater dignity, as if they carried train which did not exist." (from 'The Emperor's New Suit,').

Recently my girl got to read The Nightingale in a simpler version via Usborne (part of the school reading program), it was a version without the Death and very much easier for her to read on her own. I took the opportunity to get The Nightingale from library and go through the story with her. Long with many more difficult words and more complicated scene (compare to Usborne's).

While I read, explained along the way, the Death, for the first time, is introduced to her. So she asked, "Who is he?" The book happened to have the illustration of the Death staring at the ill emperor with his cold, hollow eyes and many faces surrounded the room, making the scene fearfully still.

Her other questions included, "Can Death take away the emperor's spirit by judging his good and bad deeds?", "Why do you want to take away the emperor's spirit?" and "Why are there so many faces?"

I pondered, knowing how scaredy-cat she is. "He is someone very powerful who does his work like an emperor to decide whether you can live or dead," I replied.

"How?"

I tried to answer it tactfully. In many story books, Death is more of a loss, intangible, rather than portrayed as a character that comes and judges you at the last moment of your life. I told her that, it is the uniqueness of the story and is meant to remind us that there is nothing to be afraid of, even if it seems fearful in the story. Death is part of life, and in the case of The Nightingale, the emperor was ill and high possibility of his body "stop working", hence the spirit has to leave the body and resulting in the death of the emperor.

"The king seemed on the verge of death until the nightingale who had been banished from the court upon hearing of his illness came to offer comfort and indeed she managed to chase death away. By doing so, she gained her freedom and a promise from the king that he would listen his little bird and be a just and compassionate ruler. In turn, the nightingale would come back and sing for him to fill his heart with joy." (extracted from here)

I wasn't sure, but I reckon it is good to keep her contemplating and come back to me another form of question relates to death.

We'll see.

The story leads to a happy ending after all. The Nightingale showed her appreciation, revisited the ill emperor and chased the evil faces away. By doing that, she earned her freedom and a promise from the emperor.

From top left to right: The Ugly Duckling | The Steadfast Tin Soldier | The Princess and the Pea
From bottom left to right: The Nightingale | The Little Match Girl | The Emperor's New Clothes

There are far too many Andersen's tales I can share here. The books illustrated above are just some I can find from the fairy tale corner of a local library. Perhaps you could find a suitable story for your child(ren) in the list here before you head to the library to borrow the book.

Andersen's tales has been published in numerous collections during his life and many still in print today. Through this exercise of re-reading the tales and researching more about Andersen, I enjoy my self once again in his fabulous stories in English vis-a-vis Chinese version of mine. My first book of fairy tales is somewhat unabridged from the English, not bad, in my opinion. 

[Some other tales in my book include The Red Shoes, The Pea Blossom, The Buckwheat, The Flying Trunk that I opine they are more suitable to older children in upper primary school level.] 

Reblogged from here.

I also blogged about another Children Book's Author: Maurice Sendak

Children Book Picks: Maurice Sendak

We had a playdate the other day.

Layla took out Where the Wild Things are and read-aloud to Jiejie right before our leaving. I was impressed with her able to read the book independently.

The plot of the book is based on the fantasy (and real) consequences of a little boy's mischief. One night Max dresses up in his wolf suit and does all kinds of things he shouldn't, like chasing the dog with a fork. His mother scolds him and calls him a "WILD THING!" Max is so mad he shouts back, "I'LL EAT YOU UP!" As a result, his mother sends him to his bedroom without any supper.

I observed timid Jiejie seemed didn't get frighten by the Wild Things in the book.

So I tried to search for the book in library after that, but could only found the other two of Mr Sendak's classic: In the Night Kitchen and Very Far Away.

Jiejie didn't agree to borrow those 2 books at first looked at the covers.

It looks oldies and oddly bland, especially Very Far Away. She then changed her mind after I finished reading about the little cowboy.

Both feature boys differently; one in his dream adventure in a surreal baker's kitchen, and the other is a boy dressing in cowboy hat and boots running away because of not being listened to. 

It was interesting to read how each and every story brilliantly captures the child's feeling and fantasies. Some of the illustrations are dark, some are being criticised, like The Hungry Readers said about In the Night Kitchen.

But I like how brave Mickey is to tell the bakers that "I'm not the milk and the milk's not me! I'm Mickey!"

I also like the end of the other 2 books when both boys realised they ain't angry anymore and justified them selves to return to their mothers."And then Mama will tell me what refined means and why horses dream and why cats ever sing when they don't know how." Martin ran all the way home. 

It was very much later I found the translated version of Where the Wild Things Are：野兽出没的地方 =).

We are immersed into Maurice Sendak's world, a fantasy world that shows true feelings of a child. At the same time, I learn about dark emotions and fantasies of a child.

Thanks to Mama Evelyn. She seems to have very good pick in classic children books and books based on real people as well as having fun with books.

When the child is unwell, we learn Q for Quilt

Jiejie has not been unwell for the longest time.

It was probably the rain on Saturday triggered her sensitive lungs and caught a cold. Hence started coughing again yesterday morning, feverish in the middle of last night. She burst into tears since then, telling us she was in great pain. I had no choice but to absent at work again, for different reason though.

Anyway, after visited doctor early in the morning and slept through till lunch time. She seems so much better and started to request if she could go back to her class again in the afternoon. How can? Childcare leave counted as 1 full day, no half day, my dear. I then realised that she has no interest to sleep again. Her eyes were wide opened starring at the ceiling. I tried to avoid the television show for her. So I dug out Jann's Phonics' material and flipped. Decided to do the activity for 'Q for Quilt'. 

First, craft work: Paste cloth (alternate pattern) on soft cloth as quilt. 3 X 4 pieces of fabric, contributed by Jann and my limited fabric stash. But I improvised and let Jiejie had a little fun to sew it like a patchwork with the sewing machine. She was very enthusiasm at the beginning but died off half way of sewing. Can't really blame her, she ain't her usual self. I completed the work in the end.  

Second, story time on The Magic Quilt. She was happy and into this: Get ready duck headband, queen's crown and the craft quilt. I read the storyline that was prepared by Jann. Jiejie insisted to be the Queen and so, Little Bomber is the ducky... the one without the noisy quacking. 

• Once upon a time, there was a farmer with a group of duckies (put duck headband on child). 
• But there is one little duck that quack very loud and will lead the other duckies to quack all day long. (Child to quack... and quack...). They were never quiet. 
• One day, the farmer was tired and he needed a Quiet peaceful rest. He yelled, "QUIET! QUIET! STOP QUACKING!" But the duckies continue to quack. (Child to quack... and quack...). 
• While the duckies were noisily quacking away, a Queen (Mummy put on the crown) passed by. She heard the quacking and wanted to help the farmer. 
• The queen took out a Magic Quilt (the craft quilt) and told the farmer that if he raise up the quilt, the duckies would keep quiet. So the queen raised the quilt up and the duckies stopped quacking and were QUIET! (Prompt child by putting fingers on lips) But when she took the quilt down, they started to quack noisily again (Child to quack... and quack...). The queen again raised the quilt up and the duckies kept quiet.
• Finally, the farmer hung the quilt in the farm and the duckies stopped quacking. At last, the farm was quiet again and the farmer can have a good quiet rest so everyone is very happy.

Thirdly, pretend-play: used the craft quilt to cover Jiejie, pat her and sing "Are you sleeping". At the same time, I pat Little Bomber too. I usually don't pat them to sleep, but I reckon this time 1 was just taken the medicine & the other kid was tired, both dozed off at 4 plus in the afternoon.

Her condition was rather like riding on a roller coaster. She became teary after dinner and cranky. "No" was the only word I don't wish to hear more but she kept repeating it. Somehow, when she is ill, it also means both of us on EQ test. It was a busy day on remote desktop connection and 2 kids, thank God that MIL is here to help around. As she's got sensitive lungs, I began her Ventolin and Flixotide puffers to ease her breathing.

Let's hope that she will be better tomorrow.

Side note... I am now game into making a proper quilt like expert Yvette:o)...

I Went for Phonics Class

I understand that, there is more than one way to help young children to read, probably Phonics is one of them. Before I was a mum, I personally see how well phonics helped my young cousins to decode the sounds for each letter, learn and assimilate word. They were able to read out loud on Peter and Jane series at preschool stage. I know nuts about phonics. I struggled in learning English by memorizing hard on each and every new vocabulary. [That explains the standard of language here;)]

On the other hand, the childcare center of Jiejie doesn't offer a structured phonics lesson to kids. I realised that their curriculum is science based and provide a literacy programme to build children's vocabulary in English Language. In a way, Jiejie is kind of taking her own sweet time to learn listening, speaking, reading, spelling and writing, prior to her Primary 1 next year.

So she joined into "I Can Read" programme in the beginning of the year. I have to guide her in doing those weekly homework. It is usually just 2 or 3 pages of identifying and colouring exercise and I just need to do a little help to prompt her on the sound of letter. Often, I fail to differentiate the sound of "A" and "E". I started to pay very serious attention to hear Jolly phonic in youtube, repeatedly, till I wonder, am I too old for phonics?... It was somewhat embarrassing. 

Coincidentally, SL, Jiejie's classmate's mum, shared with me about Phonics by Jann, a course for parents. At the same time, I thought it would be good to learn about fun learning session at home effectively. Not only will it benefit Jiejie, but also to Little Bomber in future.

When I first called Jann, she listened to my background and my daughter's learning pace pretty carefully. She sounded like a doctor and diagnosed "my case" immediately over the phone. I then followed-up with an email on the detail of the course. She managed to slot me in the earlier class she could find for me, knowing that my girl is pretty much behind in term of able to read and write. Anyway, to cut the story short, I signed up and became Jann's student.[reasonable price and distance]

Jann is a SAHM and was a pre-school teacher previously. I reckoned that's why she is able to outline her course in a structured manner, creatively and comprehensively cover the phonics from A to Z. She provides craft material for every letter, and each letter consist of 2 sets of lesson plans. Frankly, I can't imagine how she produced all the material by duplicating, cutting, sorting and packing. On top of that, she emailed us the videos on songs as part of the lesson plan every week, prior to our class with her. There are at least 6 of us for every class I attended. She must be a very well organised person!

In the lesson plan, by combining flashcard, craftwork, story-telling, singing song and a magic bag with objects that starts with the letter, it makes the home-learning truly fun and meaningful. In addition to that, she also shared tips on effective strategies in prompting using phonics, spelling, stages of reading, writing ideas and how to encourage creativity and meaningful ways that lead to children self-learning. To her, age 3 is the appropriate time to start phonics and slowly guide the child at home. Once the child is familiar with the sounds for all letters, mummy should apply phonics sound to prompt child for spelling. If the child is unable to spell out the word after prompting, we are to write down what the child spell so that they can see what they are combining the letters and form the word. What she believes is that, if the child is being taught effectively and knows how to spell many words by 4 or 5 (depending on the child's progress), together with regular reading, it can lead to early writing. Once a child can spell, read and write by 6 years old, the likelihood is that tuition is not needed during P1 and P2. The child will be able to self-learn, perhaps with some help from parents.

Sounds pretty attractive to me! Jann's lesson plan is a great resource to re-start our home-learning. Jiejie likes it! She often ask if there is any craftwork for her to do. However, I can't afford to spend longer than 15 mins with her on one full lesson plan as I tend to run into kitchen, or Little Bomber, or some other chores at home. Fortunately, she is mature enough to do the craftwork independently while I'm 5 or 10 mins away from her.

You can see more on the fun home-learning through Winny's sharing:).

Letter N - Craftwork on colouring macoroni and make necklace.

Seeing that she is enjoying her learning journey, so I have to be consistent with her on the lesson plan provided by Jann. As I always have pockets of time, I alter Jann's lesson plan by doing more on craftwork (skipping the part on letter tracing, flashcard and magic bag) and cultivate the prompting habit on her to assimilate words.  Sometimes she would frown and request me to stop prompting her; other times she guided me through instead. I admit that I need to brush up my skill on phonics prompting. 

At night, we continue our routine on reading too (10-15 mins). Jann advised us to read books with interesting storyline. Interesting storybooks with repeated words or sentences are very helpful for memory reading. The stages of reading from 'Read-To' to 'Read-With' progress will be able to guide the child to learn the pronunciation and visually absorb the words and capture the word as we read to or with them. Eventually, the child will be interested to read on his/her own. 

Scholastic book: This is the Way We Take a Bath.

These days, we try to distract her from iPad to do other activities at home. I reckon several exposures in learning (through childcare, enrichment and home-learning) has build her word bank as well as confidence. She's now attempting to self-read as well as write her own story. Recently, she re-read book 4A and into 5A of Peter and Jane Series. It is heartening to see her progress well.

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The course will be featured in Straits Times soon and I got the chance to be interviewed about the course. But when the journalist asked me (over the phone) why did I take up the course at the very first place. I didn't answer her fully.

If you ask me... I would say, I'm greedy and try to learn as much as I can to inspire my child in learning, similar to my new attempts in sewing and cooking/baking. Life seems more interesting with all sort of learning. I try not to sub-contract the responsibility to all kind of so-called professional tuition and other services in future, which leads to her possibility to rely on others to learn and to explore her curiosity. Also, through the phonics materials given by Jann, I dirty my hands in the mud to deal with her attitude and temper on doing the writing, cutting, pasting and drawing. Sometime, a session of the home-learning does harsh her mellow. Or mine. 

I'll deal with that part slowly. 

If possible, I want to send the message to her that, if I can do it, so can she, in anything that we want to. Of course, you may say that, go do something harder and inspire her!

My Mother's Day

my another Mother's Day. (previous post is here)

Well, for the record, she did her very first card for me. Thanks to the 'force' of school, i guess. When i told her is 'Mother's Day' this Sunday! she asked me, when's Father's Day?

Anyway, We went to a drama workshop this morning(thanks to Hann's mummy kind sharing). The girl went in the workshop without me, but Caitlin. Two little cuties hold hand in hand and walked into the classroom without mamas. whilst, mama Ade and I joined in a storytelling workshop where all parents got to know a lot more about wonderful storytelling to children. One particular book which being highly recommended is Hey, Listen to This, by Jim Trelease. It gives a list of related books to young children & suggestion for reading to engage children into story (i just realised that there are 48 stories in there!).
List of books recommended:
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, by Bill Martin Jr.
Baa Baa Black Sheep, by Iza Trapani
Rosie's walk, by Pat Hutchins.
Hairy Maclary and Zachary Quack, by Lynley Dodd.
Daisy All-sorts, by Pamela Allen
Five Minutes Peace, by Jill Murphy
The Kitchen God, by Adeline Foo (Local)
and others simple charming rhyming stories to hook young children to books.

We shall look forward for a free storytelling session from Storytelling Association, as what the speaker shared today.

After the workshop, on our way to Paragon for lunch, both the kids were trying to express themselves to tell mamas story and showed interests to come back for Uncle Max (the teacher) another drama class... i am studying the possibility now...

credits: DesignerDigitals, Feifei's Stuff, sevdesigns.net 

We snapped our selves in front of the mirror after we cut our hairs together in end March. another simple thing in life to enjoy.

Oh ya, thanks to papa for helping me wash dishes tonight and allow me to blog this:).

kid's wonder

i borrowed 《我爸爸》《我妈妈》 (2 books: My Dad, My Mum by Anthony Browne) from library for little bud.

she was... happy. as if her parents' faces printed in the books.

when we stepped out of library and went ahead for our lunch, she asked to take out the books from our bag and wanted to hold the two big books in her little hands while walking.

we taught her to learn the characters in the restaurant, while waiting.

then she frowned and asked, "where is 《我》?" (the book about "Me") "where is 《恒恒》?"