Ms Wong Pei Yi (in Santa outfit) presenting the story “Santa Wants to Get Fat” at the book launch

On 17 December 2022, the Singapore Centre for Chinese Language (SCCL) held a book launch at NLB Library@Harbourfront. This was for their new picture book “Santa Wants to Get Fat”. At the launch, Ms Wong Pei Yi of ELFA Preschool @ Hougang, together with Ms Nur Ashikin from Kinderland Curriculum department, presented the witty and humorous story, “Santa Wants to Get Fat”, in both English and Mandarin. They were joined by children from Kinderland and ELFA and members of the public.

“Santa Wants to Get Fat” is written by SCCL’s Dr Cheng Wan-Ni and illustrated by Singapore’s famous children’s book writer and illustrator Patrick Yee. The English version of the story was translated by Dr Carol Loy, Kinderland’s Director of Curriculum and Professional Development. “Santa Wants to Get Fat” narrates the experiences that the Santa Clauses went through during their visit to Singapore. The witty storyline provokes the children’s thinking, initiating them to reflect on career and gender stereotyping in society.

Our young ones interacting joyfully with characters like God of Wealth

The library was filled with hearty laughter that day. The enjoyable ambience allowed the children to experience the joy of using the Chinese language. They also learned to cultivate appreciation for various cultures. We are grateful to work with SCCL for the book launch. Kudos to Dr Cheng, Mr Patrick Yee, and Dr Carol Loy for bringing hope, light and endless new beginnings for Singapore’s bilingual preschool education. Kinderland and ELFA preschool are honoured to be part of this journey!

(Back row left to right) Ms Wong Pei Yi, Santa Claus, Cai Shen Ye and Ms Nur Ashikin together with Kinderland and ELFA children at the book launch.

This is the first time ELFA preschool was invited by SCCL to participate in the Christmas picture book series’ book launch. For Kinderland, it is a third collaboration with SCCL. In 2021, Ms Ashikin, together with Ms Guo Jing and preschoolers from Kinderland Preschool @ Woodlands Mart, participated in the storytelling event for the picture book “Santa’s Red Headscarf”. Earlier in 2019, Kinderland was also part of the book launch for the series’ first title, “Where’s the Chimney?”, where Ms Ashikin and Kinderland Preschool @ Hougang’s Ms Tng Bee Tin, and some preschoolers, presented the story to the audience.

Teachers from ELFA Preschool conducted simple craft activities after the story-telling session