Early Reader Books
‘Who’s Afraid of the Light’ by Anna McGregor
A humorous and educational picture book exploring the deep-sea ‘midnight zone’ through the adventures of Fergus, a creature afraid of light.
Who’s Afraid of the Light? is a narrative nonfiction picture book by award-winning author and illustrator, Anna McGregor. It is a story that follows Fergus, a mysterious deep-sea creature who lives in the darkest depths of the ocean and is scared of light. As he navigates the ocean’s midnight zone, he encounters a variety of fascinating sea creatures who use bioluminescence to illuminate their surroundings.
Fergus appears to hide from the glowing sea creatures, but there is a surprise twist in the tale. The story introduces children to the wonders of the deep ocean, highlighting the unique adaptations of the animals who live there as well as the concept of bioluminescence.
‘I Like Tomatoes More Than Anything Else in the World’ by Thanatchaporn Chuengyaempin
This bilingual picture book – in Thai and English – tells the story about a child who loves tomatoes more than anything else in the World. Using short text and playful illustrations full of humour, the story invites readers to enter the world of a young child who is full of endless imagination and creativity. No matter where you look, you can see tomatoes all over the house, including food and the surroundings everywhere. In the story, the little boy transforms himself into a tomato and suddenly everything around him becomes what his brilliant imagination wants it to be. What if there was a yellow shirt to wear? What would he transform into then?
‘Be Careful, Xiao Xin!’ by Alice Pung
Xiao Xin believes he is a fearless Red Fire Warrior, but his family is always telling him to be careful – he’s too little to be a warrior! They believe the world is a dangerous place. But they don’t understand what Xiao Xin can be!
They don’t understand what I can do!
They don’t understand what I can be!
Can Xiao Xin show his family that he is capable of more than they believe, and inspire his little sister to be brave, too?
Renowned storytellers Alice Pung and Sher Rill Ng bring to life a beautiful and tender story told in both English and Chinese about learning to conquer your own fears – as a child and as an adult.
‘Night Market Rescue’ by Charlotte Cheng
“Night Market Rescue” by Charlotte Cheng is a heartwarming picture book that tells the story of GoGo, a stray dog who stumbles upon a vibrant night market in Taipei and ultimately upon the gift of friendship – and maybe even the promise of home.
While resting on a stoop, Gogo smells something sweet and spicy on the breeze. It leads him to a place he’s never been – a bustling night market where vendors sell delicious treats. As he wanders, sniffing for scraps, GoGo discovers something else as well: a little girl who has gotten separated from her parents. He knows he can help and guides her through the market … to where her worried parents wait for her – with open arms for their daughter and GoGo, their new pet!
‘Rats to the Rescue’ by Scott Riley with Sambat Meas
Heroes come in all shapes, sizes, and species!
Growing up in Cambodia, Malen knew that dangers from a long-ago war lay hidden underground. Buried explosives forced her and many others to live, farm and play in fear. As she got older, Malen learned how to use a metal detector to find and safely dispose of these landmines.
Five thousand miles away, in Tanzania, Magawa was also learning how to find landmines. But he didn’t need a metal detector – he had his nose. Magawa was a rat, and his smelling superpower and light weight helped him safely sniff out dangerous explosives.
After completing his training, Magawa joined Malen in Cambodia, and together they cleared more than a hundred landmines from fields all over the country.
‘Hank Goes Honk’ by Maudie Powell-Tuck
Hank is a super loud, super rude goose and his friends are fed up! Can he learn to be less honk and more heart?
Hank is one rude goose. He doesn’t see anything wrong with interrupting others when they’re speaking. He helps himself to the cherries on the top of other people’s cupcakes. He makes loud noises in the library and movie theatre … and he’s upsetting everyone!
But being rude, loud, and obnoxious can’t always be fun – in fact, it can be downright lonely. Will Hank find a way to be more considerate of his friends? Children will love Hank’s hilarious antics and silly noises, brought to life with vibrant, whimsical illustrations that pop off the page. Grown-ups will appreciate the lessons of friendship, recognising others’ feelings, and being considerate of those around us.