Secondhand Children's Books

Shiny, glittery lovelies! The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister

2010-05-09T05:06:00.004+08:00

Since I started selling used children's books, I've come across many, many cute books and one of them is "The Rainbow Fish" series by Marcus Pfister, which is about a little fish who learns about friendship and sharing.

I like this series of books because each book comes with shiny, foil paper that just entices kids to get more involved in the act of reading by touching and feeling the pages of the book.

Now that I've started reading to the baby girl, I find that she is also attracted by the shiny, glittery pages :D

Happy Reading!

Why secondhand children's books?

2010-04-23T17:07:00.000+08:00

A new children's book costs between RM20-RM60 but a secondhand book costs only RM6-12!

For RM100, you can buy TEN books (or more) for your child's book collection. Compare that to only 2-3 books from your local bookstore.

Furthermore, I am happy to recommend other books your children will love to read.

Need I say more? :D

Numbears, My Potty Poster Book, Work and Play, Goofy's Color Activity Book

2010-01-26T13:03:00.005+08:00

*Please click on photo for more detail*

RM 6 - 10 each

Note: No stickers in 'Potty Poster Book'

Franklin Wants a Pet, Franklin's Secret Club, Franklin Helps Out and Franklin's Neighbourhood

2010-01-26T12:57:00.005+08:00

I've never head of Franklin the Tortoise but my boy picked these books out at a secondhand children's book sale:

We were really lucky to find this set of 4 books and although he doesn't really read them that often, he wants me to keep them on his bookshelf.

Hmm...do you think he's building up his own little "to be read" (TBR) list? ;-)

Baby Sylvester's Busy Day, William Wegman's 123, Pooh's Sunny Day and Wakey Wakey!

2010-01-26T12:46:00.003+08:00

* Please click on photo for more detail *

Yellow - RM5

Red - RM10

A Very Special Critter by Gina and Mercer Mayer

2009-09-13T23:59:00.008+08:00

One morning, Little Critter's teacher announced that a new critter named Alex will join their class. Alex uses a wheelchair and all the children are not sure how to react. However, Litter Critter's teacher and father explain that Alex is no different from the rest of them.

A delightful book to help children understand children with physical disabilities - one important point is that they can do just about as much as a regular kid can!

If you'd like to introduce a wheelbound child to a new group of children, A Very Special Critter is a good book to read to them first :)

Description: Excellent condition (softcover).

Step into Reading 2: A Pony for a Princess and a Surprise for a Princess

2009-09-13T23:22:00.001+08:00

Is your child starting to read with help? The "Step into Reading" series (by Random House) for preschool-Grade 1 has basic vocabulary, short sentences and simple storylines. Great to give your developing reader a boost of confidence to finish a book all on her own :-)

Synopsis:
a) A Pony for a Princess - How does Belle win a pony's trust? Find out in this sweet story.
b) Surprise for a Princess - The fairies make a mess trying to surprise Briar Rose on her birthday. Will they fix it all in time?

Description: Softcover; one book has previous owner's name inside; tiny bit at the bottom of one book's back cover peeled off off (back cover still intact); inside pages in perfect condition.

Price: RM5 each

Usborne's Touchy Feely Puppies by Fiona Watt and Rachel Wells

2009-09-07T17:21:00.009+08:00

"Young children will love this very special board book. Even babies and toddlers will enjoy turning the pages and touching the different textures."

An Usborne touch-and-feel board book which features puppies sniffing, playing, chasing and finally sleeping! Interesting storyline that emphasizes that NOT all puppies act in the same way. Great book to show your child that he or she is special :-)

DESCRIPTION: Medium sized board book (measures 8.5 in x 8.5 in) which has a slight tear in the spine at the back. Internal pages are perfect.

The Tiny Kite of Eddie Wing - Maxine Trotter and Al Van Mil

2009-08-26T08:07:00.002+08:00

I found this book at either The Big Bookshop, Chowrasta Bazaar (Penang) or at Pay Less Books (KL)...

The Tiny Kite of Eddie Wing is about a young Chinese boy living in the United States (probably San Francisco) who loves kites but cannot afford to buy one.

Incidentally, a rich old man named Old Chan organizes a kite competition each year in his town but Eddie Wing cannot join because he doesn't own a kite.

This year, Old Chan's competition has a different rule...will Eddie Wing be able to join in the competition this time?

I like the storybook because:

a) A child learns that despite being poor and despite facing a lot of challenges in life, he can still win at something,

b) Old Chan is a wise old man who "gives back to the community" in a creative and generous way, which also helps to promote children's activities and Chinese culture and

c) Al van Mil's colourful illustrations are really, really beautiful. However, I wonder if a lot of research is done in the production of this storybook because it looked very much like a "Chinatown" kind of book to me ;-)

DESCRIPTION: Large hardcover; book cover and spine a bit worn but inside full-colour pages are clean and unmarked.

Here's a sample page, which features Old Chan thinking hard about the rules he'll set for the upcoming kite competition

Avatar The Last Airbender (The Lost Scrolls: Water) and Pokemon

2009-08-23T00:06:00.002+08:00

Four chapter books, one "Avatar The Last Waterbender - The Lost Scrolls: Water" and three Pokemon

"#3 - Attack of the Prehistoric Pokemon",
"#4 - Night in the Haunted Tower" and
"#9 - Journey to the Orange Islands".

Personally, I was impressed that chapter books are actually available on this popular Japanese cartoon series! If you have a junior Pokemon, anime or manga fan in the making, I'm sure he or she will enjoying reading about the adventures of these animated characters.

I think my boy will be an anime fan but I don't know if he'll be an Avatar fan. Since the chapter books are still too early for him and the book covers didn't attract his attention, we might check out the movie on DVD first:

Ladybird Pinocchio, The Sorcerer's Apprentice, The Little Mermaid and The Princess and the Frog

2009-08-22T12:45:00.005+08:00

Every child loves a story and what more classic children's stories like Pinocchio (Favourite Tales), Sorcerer's Apprentice (Well Loved Tales), The Little Mermaid (Favourite Tales) and The Princess and the Frog (Favourite Tales)?

Expand your child's book collection (and their vocabulary) with these children's favourites, as cheap as US$0.01 each on Amazon!

"Ladybird's Favourite Tales (and Well Loved Tales) are the timeless, treasured stories that generations of children have grown up with and loved. These easy-to-read retellings, enhanced by exciting, richly colourful illustrations, faithfully capture all the magic of the original stories."

Supermarket! by Charlotte Doyle and Nadine Bernard Westcott

2008-12-28T17:07:00.006+08:00

If you are looking for a picture book to prepare your child for regular trips to the supermarket, Supermarket! is a wonderful choice. I bought this book when my toddler was about 9 months old and he loved flipping through the book while I read out the words.

The first page begins with the Mother entering the sliding doors of the supermarket, with the toddler in the child’s seat.

They move through section by section, with single words highlighting the various items a child would pass by while trundling through a supermarket.

The words and illustrations pick up speed and urgency e.g. from “Cherries.” to “Mop!” as the Mother frantically tries to finish her shopping before the Child does further damage…

Nadine Bernard Westcott's illustrations are simple but vivid enough to attract and hold a young child’s interest. Also, the single words on each page form an exciting storyline, which will engage a young child and arouse his interest and emotions.

The storyline is familiar yet quirky enough for both Mothers and kids to laugh over and enjoy together.

When the baby became a toddler, reading the book again is another joy as he can read out the simple words and feels thrilled that he can now "read" the book. Even with only one word on each page, amounting to ten over words, we still ended up with an exciting and fulfilling story. Highly recommended if you want to introduce familiar concepts to tots in a fun way.

It never ceases to amaze me what a hit this book was (and still is) with my little boy :D

[rating: 5/5]

You *must* buy the book for your child:

Thomas and Friends: Railway Rhymes

2008-05-19T18:04:00.003+08:00

My son received this as a special book from Hubby. Needless to say, it's his FAVOURITE book which I have to tote everywhere we go!

This thick, cased board book (36 pages) has a variety of long and short rhymes, including a haiku, about Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends on the Isle of Sodor. He got to know most of the characters from this book, rather than from the TV, as we don't subscribe to the Cartoon Network etc.

Starting with the names of each train (poem titles), we've progressed to some of the shorter rhymes that this Mum can muster just before bedtime.

Some of the verses rhyme, some of them don't - children learn that the English language is a mix of both poetry and prose.

If you want to know all about Thomas and his friends, "Thomas & Friends: Railway Rhymes" is definitely the book to read. Your toddler or preschooler will LOVE you and the idea of reading the book again and again and again!

The bold and colourful illustrations are very eye-catching and detailed - the book is our reference should I challenge my 20 month old toddler on the name of ANY train in Thomas' town of Sodor!

While the vocabulary centers around the railway and the English countryside, little Thomas fans will also learn useful terms about being on the road, numbers and positive values like being a "really useful" person, teamwork and even gender issues through "Emily"!

His favourite rhyme is "Bertie" because of this poem has short, staccato beats and various onomatopeia (sounds) in it. He's had the poem memorized that whenever I read it, he chimes in with the words that he can pronounce.

A must-have for Thomas' fans! Be warned of the added load on top of the trains you're already carrying around but this book is a money-for-value buy :-)

Buy "Railway Rhymes" and other books for your Thomas fan now:

Just for You by Christine Leeson

2008-05-07T18:01:00.003+08:00

If you're looking for a book for Mother's Day or a mother's birthday, this could be the book for your kids.

"Just for You" is about three little mice on the lookout for Mother's birthday present. It looks like they have found the perfect gift when an unfortunate incident upsets their good intentions.

At their wits' end, the mice each scramble out on their own to look for an alternative present. Somehow...every one of them doesn't seem as right as the first one.

Finally, with a stroke of genius, they figure out the best gift for Mum - who is delighted by their labour of love.

I love the watercolour paintings of the little mice out on their 'shopping spree'. While I'm not a big fan of mice, these mice were so cutely portrayed that you can't help liking them...

The storyline is fast-paced and filled with exciting twists and turns to keep young readers engrossed. Written in the active voice intertwined with bits of dialogue, this book is ideal for a read-aloud session at bedtime.

Children will learn the value of working together, epitomising the proverb "two (or more) heads are better than one" for a creative, win-win solution.

As the story has a happy ending, you can be sure children will go to bed with a smile on their faces! Do check if your child has a fear of mice, just in case...

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

2008-05-04T17:56:00.004+08:00

If book awards are given for value-for-money, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" will certainly win it. I'm not surprised then to know that this American classic published in 1969 has been translated into over 50 languages!

Reading this book, young children will learn:

the metamorphosis/life cycle of an egg --> larva (caterpillar) --> pupa (cocoon) --> butterfly
days of the week
numbers 1-5
different types of fruits and snacks

The richly illustrated book also encourages interaction with holes punched through each page, showing that the caterpillar has eaten its way through the types of food.

Another useful lesson is the stomachache the caterpillar gets after eating too many snacks on Saturday morning!

Buy "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" and other books by Eric Carle:

Amazon.com Widgets

Initially, my son (at about 20 months old) wasn't interested in the book until I asked him

"Where's the caterpillar?"

That jumpstarted an eagerness to trace the caterpillar's path from page to page. After reading each page, I'll ask the above question and he eagerly points out the caterpillar emerging.

To encourage him to speak, I'll prompt:

"Where?"

Sometimes, he's lazy to point to the page and will only lift a little finger. I'll ask in a puzzled voice,

"Where? Where's the caterpillar? Show Mummy..."

He'll say, "There!" and puts his little finger on the page :)

He also loves the Saturday page with all the colourful foods, which is the ONLY page I have cause for complaint as it's got all the tempting, junk food found in American culture: a lollipop, a chocolate cake, cupcakes.

Oh, well, I've taken it as an opportunity to teach him about good nutrition, emphasizing that these are snacks to be eaten once in a while!

And also what happens if you indulge in too many snacks :D

My Dinosaur by Mark Alan Weatherby

2008-05-04T17:51:00.005+08:00

Children who love dinosaurs will LOVE this book!

Mark Alan Weatherby, who paints with "fairy dust", takes us on little Sophi's night ride with her imaginary friend, the dinosaur.

Together, they sail through the night sky, meet forest creatures, play with fishes and reach for the stars!

The next morning, a yawning Sophi has us guessing if her dinosaur is really her imagination. Or not.

The text is more prose than poetry, which does not make for a smooth read-aloud session but the beautiful, vivid and rich colours of Sophi and her dinosaur will keep them engaged.

When I read the book with my son, he participated at the parts where questions were posed:

"Will he come tonight?"

He nodded.

"Is that his tail behind the trees?"

He pointed to the tail. And nodded.

He also pointed out familiar creatures/objects he knew the names to e.g. owl, fox, rabbit, star, girl, spoon, bowl.

Preschoolers and lower primary children will reinforce their grasp of verbs in the present tense as they read through this book. If anything, they'll enjoy this magical ride with a favourite pre-historic friend!

The Star That Fell by Karen Hales and Cliff Wright

2008-03-29T17:42:00.003+08:00

This picture book with beautiful life-like water colour illustrations caught my eye at a second-hand bookstore. Published by Ladybird, I was immediately curious to see if the story is as good as it looks.

The story begins with:

"One night a star fell..."

and we are taken on the little star's adventure in the woods as it meets different animals who do different things with it.

Finally, the star is brought to a little girl named Maddy. After a chat with her father, Maddy makes an incredibly selfless move that leads to a happy ending for all.

Children will learn about animals' habits and habitats while adults will enjoy reading the book aloud with their kids.

Most importantly, a child will take delight in the animals the bright star meets in its adventure and the little girl's actions when she finds it.

An excellent "do-the-right-thing" book without sonding preachy.

Knowing that this 1996 book is now out-of-print has made my used copy more precious. I only wish that the previous owner (or the parents) had the sense not to deface the book cover with a crude felt tip pen drawing of a face on the star!

Farm Animals by Luana Rinaldo and Louisa Sladen

2008-03-25T17:30:00.006+08:00

Synopsis: Come to the farm and meet all sorts of animals: a cow, a pig, a horse, and a rooster. Pull the tab to see their colours magically appear.

I stumbled upon this cased board book for my toddler while browsing for books that will amuse him and hold his attention. Did it do the trick? You bet!

This is a wonderfully creative book that features bold, colour illustrations of a farm backdrop. One by one, the farm animals are introduced until the last page when they gathered together.

The “magical” part of the book is a tab on each page that transforms the individual farm animal from a black-and-white marker pen outline into its unique colours.

For example, you first see a black outline of a cow amidst a farm backdrop – the text reads,

“Here is Cow. Can you guess what colours she is?”

Pull the tab and the monochrome cow assumes a pink jaw and its Jersey appearance. Text above the cow reads,

“Cow is a bold black and white!”

The book delights my son each time I read it with him:
• At 9 months, he’d giggle gleefully when we pull the tab;
• At 1 and a half years, he could point out the individual animals when I named them;
• At 2 years, he could say the names of the animals and pull the tabs himself.

The book is great for introducing farm animals and basic colours to babies and toddlers. I also use it to teach numbers because each progressive page features the animal before the current one. At the end of the book, the child sees all the farm animals in full colour.

Children will also learn about the animals’ homes and I appreciate the fact that the author alternated between “he” and “she” when describing each farm animal.

On the down side, I find the binding flimsy and the book rather poorly constructed to withstand a toddler’s rough handling (ours have been taped all over!).

The colours of the animal on the “magic” tab are also a shade lighter than the illustrations, which causes some arguments between my toddler and I when I read out the accompanying text :)

In any case, this is one of our favourite books!

Amazon.com Widgets

My First Story Reader

2008-02-28T17:20:00.019+08:00

Recommended for ages 6 months to 3 years, this interactive audio reader features 3 sturdy, ring-bound books that fit easily into a battery-operated reader.

As you flip through the book, the accompanying voice reads out each line on every page. The interactive features are:

the 3 large buttons at the front and a 2-function toggle switch.
The "book" icon switches on complementary sounds for the page/book being read.
The "question" icon features questions associated with what's being read.

The reader comes with a set of 3 books: Baby Einstein, Sesame Beginnings and Winnie the Pooh. Other Walt Disney character sets have also been recently launched.

My First Story Reader aims to help in "Your child's first steps to reading".

You will like the sturdy way the Reader's body, buttons and books are made because they can withstand the rough handling common among older babies and toddlers.

The attractive colours caught my toddler's attention immediately, who asked to play with it as soon as he saw it.

The pages of the Baby Einstein books are toddler and preschooler friendly - his little fingers could turn the pages easily.

The Baby Einstein set has 3 themes: "Discover Colors", "Discover Music" and "Discover the Sky". The language of each book is written in rhyme and a chorus of children's voices sing the nursery rhyme at the end of each book.

My toddler loved the nursery rhymes, probably because they are familiar and also because they were sung by children. After some guidance with the interactive buttons, he soon learned to identify the sounds with the corresponding picture on the book.

You will also like the audio feature that "reads aloud" each line of text on the book.

Children who prefer to watch TV or play video games will like to play with My First Story Reader and hopefully, this gadget will encourage them to read.

My First Story Reader will also help slow readers or children with learning disabilities since they can press the buttons again and again to hear the book "read aloud".