from cloth books to board books « Pinay in SG

I fell in love with books when I was seven years old. The first ever storybook that I owned was a brown paperback entitled "Stories for the 7-year old" (or was it for 12-year olds? Can't seem to remember now). It contained about 14 short stories based from legends, fairy tales, myths and fables. My favorite stories in that book were The Twelve Dancing Princesses and The Princess and the Pea. This book was given to me by my dad from one of his working trips abroad.

I don't know if I could say the same thing for my siblings, but I grew up knowing that reading A LOT is normal for everyone. My sisters got their love of shoes, clothes and mani-pedis from our mother, while I got my love for reading from her. Magazines and books were always present in our household and I would read them–from MOD to Women's Weekly to Sidney Sheldon and Danielle Steel (which I didn't understand most of the time!). My taste in books evolved from Nancy Drew to Sweet Valley, to Babysitters Club, to Teen Beat, to Sweet Dreams, to Catcher in the Rye, to historical romances, to self-help and inspirationals and the list goes on. But when I started working, well, life got in the way of my reading. I'm no bookworm anymore but I still find myself reading from time to time.

I doubt it though that my mom read bedtime stories and nursery rhymes to me because I don't think she's that type. Now that I'm a mother myself, I am hoping to pass on my love for books to my son. Whether he develops a passion for it or not, that would be up to him. My role is merely to introduce and guide him to the wonderful world of books.

So this week, I realised that Lucas is ready to make that transition from cloth books to board books! We went to the community library last Friday so I can see how he would react to those colourful board books, and I was so glad that they got him hooked!

I let him "read" Kittens by Fiona Watt and Tubby by Leslie Patricelli. He enjoyed the bright colours and the touchy-feely sensation he got from them.

Yesterday, we went back to Marine Parade Public Library to borrow some books. When I came to Singapore in 2004, the first thing that I loved about this country is its public library system. They are well-stocked, well-maintained and convenient. There's always a nearby public library, whether you are in the city or the heartlands. For citizens and permanent residents, membership is free (you only need to pay a minimal deposit-$10.50 for PRs-which is where they will deduct your late penalty fees, if any). Lucas is not yet a permanent resident; he holds a LTSVP status but we can still get a library card for him but there is an annual membership fee. Anyway, I just used hubby's library card to borrow Lucas' books–we are allowed to borrow 6 at a time.

So last night, before his bedtime, we read Ways I Will Love You by Rachel Boehm. I love the concept of the book. It talks about how a mum expresses her love during ordinary moments and activities with her kid. Here are some excerpts:

I'll love you with snuggles and piggback rides, I'll love you with bear hugs and swinging and slides.

I"ll love you with pancakes, I'll love you with snacks, I'll love you with picnics and days to relax.

I'll love you with puzzles, I'll love you with glue, I'll love you with crayons and shape sorters too.

I'll love you with giggles, I'll love you with tears, I'll love you with kisses and calm all your fears.

I'll love you with lullabies, patience and praise, I'll love you your whole life in so many ways.

During the day, Lucas can choose to browse a numbers book, a puppy book, and a cat book. So far, the books keep him calm. And surprisingly, it's his dad's storybook voice that gives him the giggles! When I'm the one reading to him, he's so serious and focused! Maybe he knows that Mum means business when it comes to reading! Haha! Dear Lucas, it's okay, I just want you to have fun reading. No need to be serious for now.

I still have a week to go before my last day at work so I can't make this bedtime reading a routine yet. Hopefully, when I start on my new job, there will be no more late nights so I can tuck him to bed (err, crib) and we can read our stories together.

And what's my own bedtime story this week? Well, I've finished about 4 intense e-book titles this month, so to make things a bit calmer, I am reading one of my favorite children's books, which is…

When I read it last night, I fell into a deep slumber at once! at 9.30pm! On a Saturday! Wow. Share this: