One of the best habits that you can inculcate in kids from a young age is reading books. It opens a completely new universe for the child and lets them build a world of their own.
This is certainly more beneficial to the little ones who are most likely confined to their homes amidst the pandemic. Travelling to other parts of the world is a strict no-no, while travelling within Singapore also comes with its own set of restrictions.
So, how do you get your child familiarised with their own country? Well, books are here to the rescue and there are plenty to choose from that tell you about the island and its storied past.
There are plenty of short stories that you can choose from that offer a good mix of what Singapore has to offer, its places, locations, culture and more. You can read these stories to your child during bedtime – the perfect way to get them excited when things go back to (new) normal.
In fact, we reckon, the grownups will learn a thing or two about the Lion City with the help of these books.
And to make things easy for you, we’ve compiled 15 children’s books about Singapore that are perfect for bedtime.
15 Children’s Books About Singapore Your Child Will Love
Image Source: Marshall Cavendish International (Asia)
1. Sarah’s Great Adventures by Madeline Beale
Highlighting the multicultural society of Singapore, Sarah’s Great Adventure is part of series of four books and is perfect for kids growing up in multicultural homes.
It’s also a great way to talk about colour and society with kids and its acceptance.
The book is about three-year-old Sarah travelling the world to meet her extended family and the adventures she has along the way.
If you like this one, do check out the other books in this series – Sarah’s Yummiest Food, Sarah’s BFF, and Sarah’s Happy Holidays!
2. My Singapore Alphabet Book by Sarah & Luke Garner
Perfect for the curious kids out there, the picture book is for children up to the age of three years and showcases the sights of Singapore associated with each letter of the alphabet.
That makes this book educational and enjoyable too.
3. Find And Seek Singapore by Sally Roydhouse
This book is about a little boy with a huge spirit of wonder. He’s just arrived in Singapore and discovers the city’s lovely hangout sports, educational verse and many other adventures that make this book great for the whole family.
Image Source: Marshall Cavendish International (Asia)
4. Pura The Cat by Tan Soon Meng
This is a book about your furballs wherein Pura the little cat lives on Boat Quay with her best friends Bhavana, Mei, and Dexter. Life for Pura takes a rollercoaster ride though when they realise that this cat is a rare Singapura breed.
Right from action, adventure, comedy and a heartwarming story of heroism, this book has it all. And a must-read if your little one is a cat lover.
5. Sam, Sebbie and Di-Di-Di Series by David Seow
This book series followed the adventures of Sam, Sebie and Di-Di-Di, who are siblings and have a number of adventures across Singapore. The series comprises of 11 tales and you can go through one every night.
6. Singapore Children’s Favourite Stories by Diana Taylor
Another series comprising of 11 tales, these stories penned by Diana Taylor takes us through a mystical Singapore. Learn about how the island got its name as well as the time a tiger was found under a billiard table at Raffles Hotel.
Are you as excited as the kids? We told you!
7. Mudley Explores Singapore by Arp Raph Broadhead
Another story about travelling the world, this is one of the more exciting children’s books about Singapore you can get your hands on. Join Mudley the bear along with owner Sophia as they go on different adventures.
The book is beautifully illustrated and an ideal addition to your child’s bedtime library.
8. Timmy And Tammy Series By Ruth Wan
Just the right book for preschoolers, the Timmy and Tammy series of books is about going around the island to explore and learn something new.
It’s also a great book for children to practice their reading skills. You also have activities at the back of each book to keep them engaged.
Image Source: Kingfisher books
9. Lost in Singapore by Matthew Cooper
Penned by Mathew Cooper, this book is about a little boy Ben Wong who chases his pet parrot, Sid, across Singapore when he flies away.
This is quite the adventure ride for children and packs in a lovely story with lots of travel. If anything, your child is going nag you a bit more to step outside after reading this one.
10. Understanding Singaporeans series by Edmund Wee
You’ve read your little one a number of books about Singapore and now they have all these questions that you do not have answers to. Well, that’s where this title steps in.
It will answer your child’s queries about the island and also offer useful tips about the country. You can also call it an FAQ about Singapore.
11. Sasha In Singapore Series By Shamini Flint
A collection of short stories, Sasha Singapore is the kind of book that kids will love when they read it back after growing up.
It’s about the little girl Sasha who goes to all the fun places in the city with her family like the Botanic Gardens, Sentosa, the beach and more. You can also look at it as a travel guide for your little one.
12. Playtime With Ye Ye by Pauline Loh
A simple book about a little boy’s relationship with his grandfather, Ye Ye takes place in a living room where the boy and the grandpa play dress-up one afternoon.
The book is all about imagination, while also learning about the grandfather’s great milestones and Singapore’s history. The book reads out like poetry and includes the country’s milestone moments.
It’s a lovely tale to narrate especially when the child’s grandpa does it himself.
13. The Little Singapore Book by Joyceline See Tully & Sim Ee Waun
A book for slightly older kids between five and 10 years, this illustrative book captures Singapore’s rich history and culture. It also includes fun activities and projects that make the journey in the book even more exciting.
Image Source: Epigram Books
14. Jack and Jill at Bukit Timah Hill by Gwen Lee
Remember that nursery rhyme? Well, author Gwen Lee decided to turn that into her children’s book about Singapore. It features so much about the city including Bukit Timah Hill, kueh tutu, and the monsoon.
The book will make your child laugh as they learn about the city and recognise nursery rhymes amidst many local places.
15. Mr Midnight Series by James Lee
Bedtime isn’t the young kids alone. This collection of over 90 books by James Lee is enough to keep your bookworm engaged every night. The stories are in the horror genre but nothing that will keep the little one up at night.
Instead, you can expect them to be curious and ask you for the next one. Do check out titles like My Mad Maid, There’s a Witch in my Watch, as well as My Class Vampire. Fun and scary at the same time, that’s a rare combination and a must for your little one.
Here are our top 15 children’s books about Singapore that you must get your hands on. Rent them from the library or buy them online but make sure you get your little ones reading these.
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