When browsing at the local bookstores, I come across titles I've not known before, but still may prove to be a good read. It may be a small local writer, or just some interesting book that hasn't reached our shores yet. It sounds a little insane to lug back {sometimes heavy} books in precious luggage space, but I think it's worth it.
Whenever I'm in Japan, I like to head to book stores like Junkudo, Kinnokuniya, Books 1st, Tsutaya and Book Off. They are very large and have a wide selection of books, mangas and magazines. I usually look out for Japanese children's books for Lil Pumpkin, and books on Japanese recipes, obento, zakka lifestyle, organisation, health and beauty etc. for me. The boy usually looks out for manga, diy and craft books. Even if they are sold in Singapore, Japanese books, mangas or mags usually have their prices marked up over here.
In case you're wondering, Lil Pumpkin doesn't understand Japanese except for very basic words... I tried teaching her before but kinda slacked off {oops}. As it is, we're struggling getting her used to Chinese so don't want to pressure her too much. The Japanese books and activities we do are mainly just to increase her interest and expose her more to the language and culture.
For our recent Japan trip, I brought back these books and magazines for Lil Pumpkin and me :)
2. どうぶつ101- Pictorial book on 101 animals
3. ディズニープリンセス しあわせのおはなし - Disney Princesses "motion" book
4. はじめてのおりがみ - Introduction to origami paper-folding
5. ハローキティの英語で紹介する - Hello Kitty introduces Japan in Japanese & English! {darn cute!}
2. 100円グッズで収納インテリア - organising with 100yen items
3. Soup Stock Japan スープの作り方 - soup recipes from Soup Stock Japan
4. Japanese Cooking Recipes 料理の教科書 - Japanese recipes, tips & techniques
5. 京都らしいものの現在- book on Kyoto-related stuff
As you can see, we've a good pile of books to get through now. I'm looking forward to just relaxing at home {better than being out with the current haze situation!} with one of these good books in my rocking chair and a delicious cup of homemade maccha smoothie by my side. Ahhh bliss!
What books have you bought/ borrowed recently?
8 comments:
Hope you enjoy my kampong days stories.
Can't say I can relate to these japanese books... but I know Jess... and I love her... Fantastic to see her book in another country too :) x
Nothing better than coming home with a whole pile of books. I love our local library and visit every couple of weeks.
I've just read Jess's book too, and loved it!
Visiting from #TeamIBOT xxx
I borrowed Call the Midwife and I loved it.
Thankfully times have changed but it was a great story of the tenacity of women and midwives.
There is something so special about browsing through a book store isn't there?
So glad the book arrived safe and sound. Hope you like it :)
I love books but find I spend so much time on technology these days that I haven't read a book in ages! Must get my priorities back in order I reckon!
Can you recommend or share where I can buy Japanese books for children in Singapore and/or Australia? My son goes to a Japanese kindergarten, and I would like to buy some materials to support his learning as we can't speak Japanese. Thanks.
Tracy: Anyway in SG I reckon the best place would be Kinokuniya to get the books, but they can be a bit expensive. You can try the second-hand book store at Book-Off in Central but selection is limited.
Not sure where you can get Jap books in Aust.. but there are a lot of online resources as well to teach your kiddo Japanese, and of course iPad apps! e.g. http://lingupinguin.elevision-film.com/#
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