Song birds: The cover of a Collection of Children's Songs by Nguyen Van Hien. — Photo thethaovanhoa.vn

HA NOI (VNS) — The Da Nang Publishing House and Hong An Bookstore have collaborated on a book of children's songs by Nguyen Van Hien to mark International Children's Day on June 1.

The book, titled Collection of Children's Song by Nguyen Van Hien, which includes 150 songs, has enriched the supply of music for the children, which have been in short supply.

The songs were written about children's affection for parents, grandparents, teachers and friends as well as their love for their home towns.

The collection is considered a precious references for music lovers, especially to officials in charge of local Ho Chi Minh Young Pioneer organisations and members of the children's cultural houses throughout the nation.

Among the songs in the collection is Hong Dam Dau (Don't Dare!), which is on the list of the best 50 children's Vietnamese songs in the 20th century.

The song has become so familiar to everyone that its lyric are used in daily conversation.

Songwriter Hien was born on March 6, 1953 in the central province of Binh Dinh. As a graduate from Ho Chi Minh City Conservatory of Music, he focused on writing light music and children's songs.

Hien has been a favourite songwriter for many generations of children, and has been praised in many programmes like Nhac Sy Cua Thieu Nhi and Nhac Sy Cua Chung Em (The Children's Songwriters).

"I have heard many good songs since I was small," Hien said in an interview with Ho Chi Minh Youth Union.

"So I feel the responsibility of writing good songs to the young generations as well. Up to now, I have written about 200 songs for the children". — VNS