Sophie's Growing Library

We started off with a couple of fabric books for Sophie, just to provide her a wider variety of sensory stimulation... I think it was "love at first sight " for her with Elmo... or maybe because he is red (first colour she could actually see). For quite a long while, the silly sounds from the book calmed her down and she could keep herself occupied with the other two books in her her pram.

Then her library began to grow as she received a couple more books as gifts... she obviously could not read... but she seemed drawn to the colours (of course, taste as well).

When Sophie was about 3 months old, I went back to my counselling practicum in NCPS. After talking to my ex-colleagues (school teachers), I realized that they really put in extra effort to kick start their children's reading habit. Apparently, their hard work has worked because their children seem to love reading and books. They are already showing signs that they are avid readers in the making. Struck by "Kiasu-ism" and "Kiasi-ism", I started hunting for board books for Sophie. At first I picked books that appeal to me... like "Fun on the Farm", which is really adorable and it reminds me of my relationship with Sophie.

Then I became more aware of what sort of basic concepts Sophie needs to learn so I went out to get books that allow her to be "touchy" and learn object permanence...

I also came across "Boynton's Greatest Hits" Volume 1 and 2.... must buy! I bought Volume 1 and ordered from Kinokuniya... due to QC problem, I had to wait 2 months for them to arrive. I also bought "Pajama Time!" which makes bedtime a fun routine. So what is so great about the books? Well, they teach basic concepts like animal sounds, alphabets, numbers, colours, opposites and more... quite a good buy, I must say!

Okay, so what else do we need to know... oh yes, emotions and manners! I bought them in Kinokuniya when there was a sale...

Of course, I had to get nursery rhymes.... I bought them at Borders, on sale... GRAB! During Araya's farewell party, she gave Sophie "Magic Mother Goose", quite an interesting book.

And as for this Sesame Beginnings Series... I could not resist.

After all the buying... suddenly I realised that I have not got any Chinese books. So once again, the search went on... until I bought some books on Chinese basic vocabulary, nursery rhymes and finally a set of books that according to the sales representative, teaches 100 basic Chinese characters. Phew! Her Chinese would be better than papa...

The latest set of books I bought are "All ABout ABCs" from Innovative Kids. It consists of 26 books, each with a short story on the featured letter. Pretty good for pre-reader...

I reckon the list would grow some more... doubt papa would be too pleased because he is a firm believer and user of the National Library.