New book of poems for children launched

HA NOI — “It’s storming outside/but no matter what it’s like/our family love will last forever/wall of love nothing can sever.”

The Wall of Love is one of the poems in a bilingual book that was released in HCM City on Thursday.

Titled Good Morning, Mornings, the book is a collection of 30 poems written in Vietnamese and English narrating stories of ordinary life and family love as well as containing moral lessons for children.

The poems describe the simple things in life, such as children going to school in the morning, colourful cakes that children love to eat, tears on plump cheeks when children are sad and a smiling face when a little kid has a nice dream.

This is Nguyen Phong Viet’s first attempt at writing poetry for children. The book contains beautiful illustrations by painter Dang Hong Quan (author of comic books including Streetfood in Ha Noi and Streetfood Nationwide).

The book has garnered public attention as both the authors are renowned in their fields of work. 

“The book is a gift for children and parents,” said HCM City-based Viet. “Serene and innocent verses are like whispers about daily stories. Members of the family can read the book together and enhance mutual love and understanding.”

He added that the book was interesting because of the beautiful, humourous and colourful drawings as well as modest words of poetry.

“When I write poems for children, I put myself in their position and think with childlike emotions. I hope the little readers will start their days with some words from this book to have an energetic and cheerful attitude,” Viet said.

The 100-page book is printed by the HCM City Culture, Literature and Arts Publishing House. It’s for sale at VND79,000 (US$3.5). — VNS