Willy the Wimp by Anthony Browne

This is one of my favorite stories written by Anthony Browne. This story makes a huge connection with me as I always say "oh, I am sorry" to people , just like Willy. From my culture, saying sorry to people is an expression for being humble. However, after studying abroad, I learnt that we should not abuse to say "I am sorry". As some local Americans asked me why I always feel sorry and apologize to them, that time I was not able to answer (speechless). For example, my host mum asked me why I didn't finish the meal. I immediately said sorry to her. Actually, I didn't like the food at all, so I felt sorry for her and the dish. Sometimes, I just want to say sorry in order to end the conversation with those English-speakers. Haha! Just stop asking me why! It is interesting to see that foreigners love to know the reasons and ask why why why? For this case, I like our Asian high context culture because we understand each other without saying any words, but sometimes it is confusing! Oops! Off topic! This story is about a little tiny boy wants to build stronger in order to be a masculine man who can avoid being bullied and called "Willy the Wimp". However, he always like to say sorry no matter it is his fault. It is fun to read with friends! I did it with Sarah and Lo Lo in a book store sitting on the floor (but later were kicked out by those book store staff)! XXOO

KaKa's Storytime Youtube: http://youtu.be/ntecrIhuRR8

Amy and Louis by Libby Gleenson and Freya Blackwood

Amy and Louis are best friends living next door. They play with each other and do everything together until Amy moves long long away... ... Then Louis finds a way to rebuild their special bond by shouting to the sky and calling Amy across the yard, the room and out of the town. Magically, Amy dreams about Louis that night. They are still friends in their hearts. 

What a loving and goose-bumping story? Please seize your friends tightly in your arms, even though it's just five seconds. That feeling should be like striking directly at the heart. I am going to hold all my best friends like hardly breathe and take a selfie. XXOO 

Wait for me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Woa06dkCntE

Best Bedtime Stories by Peter Carnarvas

This story shows us how children make friends, but it has a profound  meaning in depth. Have you ever thought HOW to make friends? By saying hello, sharing some snakes, helping them out, offering a free lunch, or just BEING YOURSELF.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRbjxp2_j6g&feature=youtu.be

Absence of a father is always hard for children to understand, but in this story the boy tries to remember the presence of his dad by wearing his shoes, playing his music, looking his photo, etc. Father is always not that close to children because of an excuse of being at work. I complained and even cried for my dad, "Please don't work and just stay with me", but actually do we understand how to love our dad and really try to understand him. Maybe he is lonely too... ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icJfXISrCVk

Last one would be a story for my best friend, Sarah. Sarah: the reason I pick this book for you is that we all grew up in a crowded city with high buildings and people. We crave for more trees and flowers blossoming in our beautiful city, Hong Kong. When I read this book, I immediately think of you, my unforgettable friend. Hope you enjoy my storytelling later. XXOO

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JayQXcLzXx4&feature=youtu.be

The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch

Book Description 

The Paper Bag Princess is a feminist fairly tale which tells how a brave and intelligent princess saves her prince. However, the prince judges her appearance and dress afterwards. She is disappointed how the prince treats her without respect and appreciation, and she decides not to marry such a fool.

Evaluation 

I agree with this princess that she leaves the prince, even though she loves him so much. The princess rescues her lover from the dragon no matter how dangerous it is, which she might die for him. 

This fairy tale tells me that being a princess doesn't have to be Cinderella or Snow White, who wait for some handsome princes to save their lives. There is no big deal to take care of a man as men and women are equal. We should develop a correct mind set, which men and women are supportive to each other in their lives. 

Women allow men to help while men accept women's offers. We are not living in ancient age when men were dominant or on top of women' sheads. There is no such thing in my world. 

We respect and love each other. If I get hurt by someone, I would leave and move on silently.  It is my moral my attitude, my value and my life.

Good night. XXOO

S. 

TELL ME HOW MUCH YOU LOVE ME

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvS_rJVHOUA&list=HL1399776928&feature=mh_lolz

Book Description

Guess How Much I Love You, is a story book about love between a father and his son. They show their love by comparing what they can display. It has a sweet ending, which father says to his son that his love is infinitive, 

Evaluation 

How can we show our love to others? Is it by saying sweet words, drawing a card, giving a hug or sending followers? As a Asian, I understand showing love is never mentioned on the table. We try to keep it in our hearts. Contractually, western people tend to explicitly display their admiration and affection because they want to make sure their messages are clear enough to the others.

After studying aboard over years, I am still figuring out how to merge these two cultures together and find the balance point. However, it turns out sometimes I am very passive and considerate or all in sudden become very proactive and romantic. To conclude, I have a double personalities which drive myself crazy and even my friends think I am ridiculous. However, I embrace myself and even more to love others who are really mean to me. If you are reading this blog, you are so precious to me as you taking your valued time! Thank you from my sincere heart. 

Please respect LOVE and do not abuse this beautiful thing. Cannot imagine people living in the world without love! I hate people seeing LOVE as a normal or causal thing. It becomes very rare and priceless in these days. 

Piggybook by Anthony Browne

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ek7Ji0MjqMo

Book description

It is a very sad story that Mrs. Piggott has a piggy husband and sons. Mrs Piggott needs to cook the meal, wash the dishes, make the beds, iron the clothes and other chores. Mrs Piggott cannot stand anymore because she works for the family as a servant. She decides to find a way to tell them that she cannot take this anymore. Being a mother is never easy. 

Evaluation

When we talk about family structure, it is always complicated. Who should take care of the family? How to divide the chore? How to run a family effectively? There are heaps of questions. One thing makes me baffle is that family is not a company; family is not a factory. It is a bit odd to set the rules, duty lists, supervisor or hierarchy terms. We all expect our mother takes care of all the family issues because this is a social norm. 

Therefore, our fathers can focus on the work and make a living. In this modern century, can our well-educated and financially independent women accept this norm? In this story, Mrs Piggott decides to walk away from home when she is exhausted to do all the housework. 


I agree women nowadays can speak for themselves more easily than before. We become stronger to express our wants and needs. We call for gender equality. We ask for respect at workplaces and everywhere. However, from my childhood, I was not taught in this way. It takes time for me to learn this: how to be a woman; how to act out a better woman for this society. 


Sometimes I question can we have a family with two mums or two dads? It will lead to my another book sharing. Right now, I am still thinking and preparing for my perspective family, which have to be perfect.  

Remember Me by Margaret Wild & Dee Huxley

Book description

A touching story between a grandma and granddaughter describes the grandma is getting older and her memory is failing. She begins forgetting her house, handbag, key, milk and other things. When she gazes at her lovely granddaughter, she is afraid of not knowing who she is. 

Evaluation

This story tells us that when people get older, they will gradually forget small things and  unimportant things. It seems very normal to old people, and young people might not be aware of their feeling. We might think old people are always nagging and irritating and repeating the same thing, but how many of us understand them why they are doing that? 

I know it is too early to talk about getting old, but I fear to see my wrinkles on my face, my teeth are torn,  what else?? and my body skin and muscles are not firm (touch my hands and the skin is very dry now). When I think at that point, I would rather DIE. 

BUT, I am learning to accept this fact and try to think it positively. I decided to enrich my life experience, and I could share my different stories with my next generation by the time I am "old". And they will be PROUD of myself. I want a granddaughter just like in the story.