Now that the public libraries are reopened to all, parents who are seeking to scour book titles for their kids can finally do so!
Here, we have compiled a selection of the best Singapore Children’s books that are written and illustrated by local Singaporeans, suitable for kids aged 3 years and above.
These stories delve into Singapore’s history, close-to-the-heart issues like dyslexia and bullying that parents are concerned about to friendship and celebrating one’s independence and individuality, among others. Coupled with beautiful illustrations, it will be the perfect bedtime read.
Note: Some of them are also available electronically, via the National Library Board app, here.
Best Singapore Children’s Books to Borrow Right Now
1) Stacey Goes to the National Museum
By: Lianne Ong, James Tan (illustration)
Recommended Age: 3 to 8 years
Visiting the National Museum is the first thing on Stacey’s list when the holidays start. She’s in for a surprise treat—a special tour. This book features actual exhibits in the National Museum of Singapore, allowing young kids to explore Singapore’s less commonly known history in a fascinating way.
Available only in library. Ebook not available.
Like to own your own copy? Buy here.
2) Where’s Grandma?
By: Edmund Lim W.K, Tan Zi Xi (illustration)
Recommended Age: 3 and above
A poignant story that centres around a boy, Luke and his beloved grandma whom he deems as his best friend. They do everything together—until grandma suffers a fall one day. While coping with losing grandma to Alzheimer’s disease, he discovers something more powerful in the process.
Available in ebook and library.
Like to own your own copy? Buy here.
3) Dad’s Dyslexic Too (book 4) – Emma and Ginger Series
By: Lily Kong and Jeanette Yap (illustration)
Recommended Age: 3 and above
Emma and Ginger, a 4-book series, follows 6-year-old Emma’s adventures with her parents and her cat, Ginger. In ‘Dad’s Dyslexic Too’ (book 4), Emma are certain of two things: she’s lost Ginger and the doctor diagnoses her with “dyslexia”. How will her parents react? Will she find Ginger, ever?
Available in ebook only.
Like to own your own copy? Buy here.
4) Jack Is Curious: Can I Hit Back at a Bully? (Book 3)
By: Linda Locke and Chloe Chang (illustration)
Recommended Age: 3 and above
The book highlights one of the pressing issues in society: bullying. Is there such as the right thing or right response in face of a bully? What is a child to do? A perfect bedtime story to discuss and get personal with your child.
e-book not available. Available in the library.
Like to own your own copy? Buy here.
5) The Phantom of Oxley Castle
By: Liana Gurung and Chloe Tong, Ann Gee Neo (illustration)
Recommended Age: 3 and above
A light-hearted and humourous read, the vibrant characters in Oxley Castle will engross young readers. From the bookish and rational Prince Hector to the rebellious Prince Humphrey, and daring and brash Princess Harriet, they work together to investigate after hearing a strange ghostly noise from the dungeon.
Only available in library.
Like to own your own copy? Buy here.
6) X and O are BFFs!
By: Lynette Teo, Xinnie Ng (illustration)
Recommended Age: 3 and above
Friends come and go but best friends stick together till the end, just like X and O who are BFFs. Readers will discover the tight knit friendship between X and O and how they have a role in the language of love, music and play. The book also comes in such bright and fun colours that’s a definite mood-lifter.
Only available in library.
Like to own your own copy? Buy here.
7) The Rock and the Bird
By: Chew Chia Shao Wei, Anngee Neo (Illustration)
Recommended Age: 3 and above
Sometimes, it takes something or someone to change another’s life forever. Such is the story of the rock and the bird, who formed an unlikely friendship that stood the test of time. It teaches us to cherish those around us and to also learn how to move forward.
Available in both ebook and library.
Copies are currently out of stock in various sellers, you may check back on Epigram or LocalBooks.
8) Little Mole’s Awesome Star
By: Emily Lim-Leh, John Lim (illustration)
Recommended Age: 4 to 7 years
Little Mole goes in search of his star after being told by Big Mole that it would point him to awesome things—and he finds it in the most unexpected place. A heartwarming story about taking one’s first steps towards independence.
Available in ebook and library.
Like to own your own copy? Buy here.
9) Extraordinary Eloise
By: Charlene Chua, Paula Pang (illustration)
Recommended Age: 4 t0 7 years
Extraordinary Eloise is a lyrical celebration of a child’s unique individuality. The story will tickle the funny bones of little ones and inspire them to quit trying to be like others, and to start being more like themselves.
Available in both ebook and library.
Like to own your own copy? Buy here.
10) The Lonely Boy and the Ugly Dog
By: Eliza Teoh, John Lim (illustration)
Recommended Age: 4 to 12 years
This beautifully illustrated book will hook readers with its captivating graphics and heartfelt storyline. It also seeks to remind readers—both kids and adults—that beauty is more than skin deep, and that friendships can go a long way.
Only available in library.
Like to own your own copy? Buy here.
11) Timmy & Tammy Series (Level 3): Taking a Plane Ride
By: Ruth Wan-Lau, Eliz Ong (illustration)
Recommended Age: 5 to 9 years
A great book to help children ease the jitters in taking airplanes—if any. Otherwise, it is the perfect material to learn more about airplanes. Little ones can also practise reading skills and engage with the activity at the back of the book.
Ebook not available, only in library.
Like to own your own copy? Buy here.
12) Hello, Goodbye Little Island
By: Leila Boukarim, Barbara Moxham (illustration)
Recommended Age: 5 and above
Goodbye Little Island is a story about the difficulties of relocation, saying goodbye and learning to form new and meaningful relationships. A “look-and-find” activity on every page will also engage readers and help them discover more about the little island.
Available in both ebook and library.
Like to own your own copy? Buy here.
13) Turtle Trouble – Ellie Belly Series
By: Eliza Teoh, Wolfe and Durrah Qistina KA (illustration)
Recommended Age: 6 to 9 years
Books from the Ellie Belly series are infused with fun animal and nature facts, and touches on elementary school math concepts to vocabulary. It appeals to reluctant readers with its immersive storytelling that follows Ellie Belly, a witty 7-year-old girl who speaks to animals but has an inability to put up with homework.
Available in ebook. Available at selected libraries.
Like to own your own copy from the series? Buy here.
14) The Adventures of Mooty
By: Jessie Wee, Kwan Shan Mei (illustration)
Recommended Age: 7 to 12 years
A collection of 10 stories published in the 1980s, The Adventures of Mooty brings an insightful look into a Singaporean kampong home. Readers will join Mooty the mouse alongside its adventures with humans and community of animals, birds and insects who coexist within the shared space.
Available in both ebook and library.
Like to own your own copy? Buy here.
15) The Blur Sotong – Ang Ku Kueh Girl & Friends series
By: Wang Shijia, Han Qing Ping (illustration)
Recommended Age: 7 and above
This book that features super adorable illustrations will take readers on an inspiring journey to combat fear. Battle alongside Ang Ku Kueh Girl, Ang Ku Kueh Boy and Red Egg as they help unfreeze the Dragon to free him from the Blur Sotong.
Available in ebook and library.
Like to own your own copy? Buy here.
16) Tea In Pajamas
By: Rachel Tey
Recommended Age: 6 and above
Let imagination take flight with this engaging read that takes readers into Belzerac, a strange new world of talking animals and a glittering blue forest.
Available in both ebook and library.
Like to own your own copy? Buy here.
17) I’m a Girl. See what I can be!
By: Eunice Olsen, various illustrators
Recommended Age: 6 to 13 years
Written by the creator and executive producer of the International Emmy® Nominated series WomenTalk, Eunice Olsen, this book comprises a collection of poems featuring stories of 10 strong and courageous Asian women from Singapore, The Philippines, Nepal and Thailand. It seeks to encourage girls—and women—that they can be who they want to be and to never give up. A good read, even for the boys.
Ebook not available. Available in library.
Like to own your own copy? Buy here.
18) Secrets of Singapore series
Best Singapore Children’s Books: This is definitely a must-read to uncover the lesser-known facts of Singapore.
By: Lesley-Anne Tan and Monica Lim, James Tan (illustration)
Recommended Age: 9 and above
Which animals have escaped from the Singapore Zoo? How long was the very first MRT ride? Where can you see a tiger car? (And what on earth is a tiger car??) Join Danger Dan and Gadget Girl in their adventures as they unearth fascinating facts from Singapore’s past—from the time of Sang Nila Utama in 1299 to independence in 1965.
From history to politics to transport, education and food, it covers all things Singaporean and perhaps some facts that even true blue Singaporean might not know of!
Available in library.
Like to own your own copies from the series? Buy here.
The book covers from this list of Best Singapore Children’s Books are the copyright of the respective publishing companies.
If you’ve enjoyed this list of Best Singapore Children’s Books, ALSO READ:
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