The world of Tzu Chi (Vol.107)

TZU CHI 107 19 The purveyor of stories The President of theAssociation of Children’s Literature in Malaysia, DrWong Sien Biang, visited the KL Tzu-Chi Jing Si Hall with his two children to introduce landmark works of children’s literature, which received encouraging response. By Tan Kim Hion Translated by Choo Suet Fun Photograph by Chia Shin Huan T he President of theAssociation of Children’s Literature in Malaysia, Dr Wong Sien Biang, who is also the driving force behind the storytelling space, visited KL Tzu-Chi Jing Si Hall on December 15 and 16 to share with the audience “SetonAnimal Chronicles”. Dr Wong’s heartfelt wish is to introduce quality reading materials to adults and children and spread the joy of reading at the Year-end Blessing Ceremony. Although there is a pre- conceived notion that children these days are averse to reading and prefer swiping smartphone screens instead, Dr Wong has been actively propagating the reading habit among children, with satisfactory results. “Children like to read, but adults are not adept at their role of introducing quality books to children,” he concluded. Inculcating the reading habit Dr Wong and members of the Association of Children’s Literature in Malaysia have been striving hard to source for child-friendly reading materials, particularly quality children’s literature. Based on years of experience, Dr Wong opined that three conditions are required to inculcate the reading habit in children: firstly, a supply of quality books; secondly, spending time to read with children; and lastly, a conducive reading environment. WongHockHui, aForm6student, presented a story to the audience at the storytelling space with his father, Dr Wong. He revealed himself to be an avid reader, having grown up surrounded by books, thanks to his father’s influence. Reading broadens the horizons of young readers, making selecting quality books for children and reading with them an activity that parents earnestly look forward to. Kok Chuen also commended “The Lake Monster” as exemplary for forgoing elements of sci-fi and brutal violence, and for conveying the essence of humanity and noble aspirations. He was relieved to have finally found the ideal bedtime story for his sons. Dr Wong Sien Biang inaugurated the storytelling space to promote the reading habit among children, and hoped that the storytelling sessions will make for quality reading and bonding time for parents and children. Ushering in the New Year with Wisdom and Harmony