I use quite a lot of Asian spices in my cooking and Dana enjoyed the holiday camp on Spices at Kids Gallery early this year so when we first discovered this children’s book devoted entirely to Asian Spices, I thought it was an ingenious initiative – what a great way to introduce a part of our Asian heritage to the younger ones.
Star Anise Superstar is the first title in the bilingual Asian Spice Kids series written by Linn Shekinah targeted at children ages 4-8. Sponsored by the Ministry of Education’s Lee Kuan Yew Bilingualism Fund, the series aims to promote Asian Values through stories which young children can relate to. In the book, Star Anise dreams of being a star but feels neglected in Spice Town. She then sets off in search of ‘stardom’, bring the children along on a journey of self-discovery to find out what it really means to be a ‘star’. We asked Dana to write a short review of the book and this is her contribution:
“I like this book because I learnt that a star is not supposed to be popular, talented or famous. A star is supposed to be caring to her friends.” Dana Joy, 6
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A fun and easy read! |
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Full colour illustrations of a heartwarming story |
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Interesting extension activities in both English and Chinese |
We love the beautiful illustrations and the creative characterization of the Asian Spices. The bilingual storyline provided bonding moments as we took turns to read the story aloud in Chinese and I too, picked up some Chinese names of the Asian Spices in the process. Dana enjoyed the exclusive 4-page language-based extension activities that came with the book. For us, any well-written story that imparts a moral value is a winner.
With 4 more fun titles (Chilli, Sharp and Spicy! Cinnamon, Swift and Smart! Clove, Bold and Brave! Shallot, Strong and Steady!) to be launched, the Asian Spice Kids series is a gem. We are waiting to read them all! Star Anise Superstar is available at Flip for Joy bookstore for S$16.50.
SPECIAL GIVEAWAY!
We have 2 copies of Star Anise, Superstar for two lucky PrincessDanaDiaries readers. To enter the giveaway, simply follow the steps:
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Picture Credit |
This giveaway ends 30 May, 2014. Winners will be notified by email. All the best!
Inspired by the book, I’m sharing a favourite recipe with Star Anise as one of the ‘Star’ ingredients. This is a comfort ‘one-pot’ dish in many Chinese households. Try it!
Braised Pork Belly in Soy Sauce
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Credit: NoobCook Click here to go to recipe |

jingxian
j_xian@hotmail.com
clover
Jaime Chan
Chueimei@gmail.com
star anise
Evelyn Hu
xuelyn@yahoo.com
Cinnamon
Gan Say Bin
sybngan@yahoo.com
Star anise
Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
Cheers
Janette
tanmcjanette@gmail.com
Chilli
Evangelyn
Evangelyncsh@gmail.com
Red hot Chilli
JingRong
lohjingrong@yahoo.com.sg
Favourite spice in the home will be shallot. Shallot make the dish tastier!
Serene Leow
liaoserene@hotmail.com
Five Spice Powder is my favourite!
Chilli
Adeline koo
Adaline21@hotmail.com
Cinnamon!
Thanks for hosting the giveaway!
Waiwai
mami(at)peipeihaohao(dot)com
shallot
Cynthia Lau
edenie98@yahoo.com
My favorite spice has to be the chilli! 无辣不欢! Hurhurhur….
Shirley Yong
shirley@yong.sg
Chilli
Krystne Ter
vybe09@gmail.com
Thanks for hosting the giveaway.
Winnie
lamwinnie@gmail.com
Cinnamon
Angie
simplymommie@gmail.com
Clove
Star Anise
Amie Chen
amycpj@gmail.com
Star anise
micheleckp@gmail.com
pepper
Lilium
walk_of_life(at)live(dot)com
Chili is my favourite.
Robert Sim
robertsim1977@gmail.com
I love cinnamon.
Carol Lim
cmeilim@gmail.com
My favourite spice is Star Anise
Linda
wfclinda@yahoo.com
I love cinnamon.
Jenny Chua
Jennychua12@gmail.com
Mummy Edlyn
mailmummyed(a)gmail.com
I think cinnamon!
BTW now I think I need to get me some tau you bak!!