Woods in the Books Blog — Elf Reads

Hold it! The fate of the Merlion is at stake! In this superhero-inspired adventure from Lesley-Anne and Monica Tan, authors of the first four books in the Secrets of Singapore series, time travellers Danny ‘Danger Dan’ and Melody ‘Gadget Girl’ blast to Singapore of 1964 to halt a dangerous time warp that could change the course of history as we know it. Danger Dan Confronts the Merlion Mastermind is packed with action, science fiction gadgets like the tiny flying Fly Cam and the Forever Kool aircon jacket, and plenty of situational slapstick humour. But it is also filled with meticulously...

Ever been out in public with a child and had to answer a myriad of questions about the history of the National Gallery or the Esplanade? Out & About in Singapore has the answers for you! Illustrated in full colour, this sturdy, full-sized hardcover is a child-friendly guide to the sights and attractions of the Lion City. Chock full of trivia and historical facts, this book covers Singapore’s attractions both well-known —including Gardens by the Bay and the Esplanade — as well as sights to see off the beaten track, such as Kusu Island and Peranakan cultural enclave in Joo...

One summer two boys and a girl went to a foster home to live together. With strong character voices and a truckload of pithy one-liners, Newbery Award winner Betsy Byars’ The Pinballs tackles heavy topics including neglect, abuse, and loss with a deft hand and wry humour that will strike a chord with readers. Originally published in 1977 as a contemporary novel, the timelessness of The Pinballs’ themes ring true even today. The strength of The Pinballs begins with its characters. The dialogue alone is zippy and entertaining, and that focus draws attention when characters act contrary to their speech,...

In Harbor Me, Ms Laverne leads a group of six 12 year-olds into a repurposed art room or the ARTT room — A Room to Talk. Away from the eyes and ears of schoolmates and adults, this class of ‘special’ students make space for one another, learning and growing from the things they talk about. Written by Newbery Honor-winning author Jacqueline Woodson, this lyrical story tackles difficult subjects with a sure and steady hand. At its core, the action in Harbor Me revolves largely around six kids talking to one another. While conversation does at times veer towards superheroes and...