The Singapore Centre for Chinese Language (SCCL) launched a new children's picture book titled "What is Love?" in time for this year's Mother's Day. Through simple daily narratives, this book aims to help preschoolers understand the abstract concept of love and express love through actions. On 2 May 2024, Ms Sun Xueling, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs & Ministry of Social and Family Development, hosted the launching ceremony for the picture book and conducted a storytelling session with the children on the day of the book launch.

       "What is Love?" was written with the objective of helping young children better understand love, especially within the family. Written by Dr Cheng Wan-Ni, Dean of Early Childhood Care and Education, SCCL, and illustrated by local artist, Ang Minjia, the book is part of SCCL's "Singapore Kids' Picture Book Series", a collection of picture books written exclusively for children in Singapore.

       Dr Cheng Wan-Ni, a veteran in the early childhood industry with her vast experience in early childhood curriculum, child development and early childhood teacher training, already has several picture books under her belt. Dr Cheng enjoys giving a fresh pair of eyes to the local setting, often weaving into her books a new perspective through simple storytelling and child-like lines. Dr Cheng believes that this allows children to better understand abstract concepts, and in the case of this new book, the topic of love.

       The local illustrator Ang Minjia opted for watercolour brush strokes for this project to enhance details of the characters. Coupled with Dr Cheng's writing, this book provides a harmonious parent-child reading experience.

       This picture book was sponsored by Mr Kea Chee Tong, the owner of Golden Watch Gold & Jewellery. 1250 complimentary books have been given to Anchor Operators (AOPs), Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC) and National Library Board (NLB). Besides the physical book, parents and preschool educator are welcome to visit our Youtube Channel for an animated video produced by our collaborator, Garoo Creation, featuring storytelling by Soh Bee Lan, a Mediacorp Channel 8 news presenter.

Ms Sun Xueling, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs & Ministry of Social and Family Development, conducted a storytelling session with the children on the day of the book launch

Dr Foo Suan Fong, Executive Director of SCCL (left), presented a token of appreciation to Minister Sun Xueling (second from left), Mr Kea Chee Tong, owner of Golden Watch Gold & Jewellery (third from left), and Ms Lee Kuan Fung, Director of Garoo Creation (right)

A group photo with PCF Sparkletots @ Punggol West Blk 308B