If your family has moved from mainland China, keeping your child reading in Chinese is often high on the list. You may also worry that English will quickly take over once school starts. The good news is that finding Chinese books for children in Singapore is not hard once you know where to look. Chinese is one of Singapore’s official languages, and it is taught in schools as a Mother Tongue subject. This guide explains where to borrow and buy Chinese children’s books, how to tell whether a book suits your child’s level, and how to keep reading going at home.
How Chinese Reading Works in Singapore
Some background helps you choose the right books.
- Simplified characters and Hanyu Pinyin. Singapore uses simplified Chinese characters and Hanyu Pinyin, the same systems used in mainland China. Books printed in mainland China and Singapore will feel familiar to your child.
- Traditional character books exist too. Books from Taiwan and Hong Kong use traditional characters, and some Taiwanese children’s books use Zhuyin (bopomofo) symbols instead of pinyin. These can be lovely, but may confuse younger readers who are just learning to recognise characters.
- School Chinese. In primary school, most children with a Chinese background take Chinese as their Mother Tongue Language. The school syllabus is set by the Ministry of Education (MOE). Local books are often written with this syllabus in mind and use Singapore settings and vocabulary.
- Local vocabulary. Some everyday words differ between Singapore and mainland usage, such as names for local food or places. Local books help your child pick these up naturally.
Borrow From the Public Library
The National Library Board (NLB) runs Singapore’s public libraries, and they are the easiest place to start. Most public libraries have a children’s section with Chinese books, including picture books, early readers, chapter books and non-fiction.
How to make the most of it:
- Get library membership. Residents can sign up, and children can usually have their own membership. Check the NLB website or app for current eligibility and loan rules.
- Search the catalogue by language. Use the NLB catalogue or app to filter by Chinese language and children’s material, then reserve titles to collect at a branch near you.
- Try eBooks and audiobooks. NLB offers digital resources, including some Chinese titles for children, which you can borrow on a phone or tablet.
- Join library programmes. Libraries often run storytelling sessions and reading activities, including some in Chinese. Look at the NLB events listings.
Borrowing lets your child try many titles before you spend money on the ones they love.
Buy From Bookshops and Online
When you want books to keep, Singapore has several types of sellers.
- Bookshops with Chinese sections. Some larger bookstore chains and specialist Chinese bookshops stock children’s titles from Singapore, mainland China and Taiwan. Ask staff whether a book uses simplified or traditional characters.
- School bookshops and assessment book sections. These carry readers and practice books linked to the MOE syllabus, useful if your child needs support with schoolwork.
- Online shops. Local and overseas online stores sell Chinese children’s books. Check shipping costs, delivery times and which character set the edition uses before ordering.
- Book fairs. Fairs are a good time to browse widely and find bundle offers. Our guide to Chinese book fairs in Singapore explains what to expect.
- Secondhand and swaps. Parent groups and community swaps are a budget-friendly way to pass picture books along.
Comparing Where to Get Chinese Books
| Source | Best for | Cost | Things to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| NLB public libraries | Trying many titles, regular reading | Free to borrow, check NLB for any charges | Loan limits, due dates, reservations |
| NLB eBooks and audiobooks | Reading on the go, listening practice | Free with membership | Device and app set-up, title availability |
| Bookshops with Chinese sections | Favourite titles to keep, gifts | Retail price | Simplified or traditional script, reading level |
| Book fairs | Browsing widely, bundle deals | Varies by fair and seller | Dates, opening hours and what each stall carries |
| Parent groups and swaps | Picture books on a budget | Low or free | Condition and age range of books |
Choosing the Right Level
The hardest part is often matching a book to your child’s ability. A book that is too hard can put children off, while one that is too easy may bore them.
- Toddlers and preschoolers: board books and picture books with few words, rhymes and repeated phrases. Reading aloud matters more than reading alone at this age.
- Lower primary: picture books and early readers with pinyin above the characters. Pinyin helps children read independently while they build character recognition.
- Upper primary: chapter books and graded readers with less pinyin, plus non-fiction on topics they love, such as animals, science or history.
- Use the five-finger check. Ask your child to read a page. If there are more than about five words they cannot read, the book may be better shared aloud for now.
- Follow their interests. Comics, joke books and series can keep a reluctant reader going.
Our general guide on choosing books for your child has more ideas on matching books to age and interest.
Keeping Chinese Reading Going at Home
Once the books are home, a routine makes the difference.
- Read together daily. Even ten minutes of shared reading before bed builds habit and vocabulary.
- Let your child choose. Children read more when they pick their own books at the library.
- Talk about the story in Chinese. Ask simple questions about characters and events instead of quizzing on characters.
- Mix in audio. Audiobooks and read-aloud recordings help with listening and pronunciation.
- Connect with school. Ask your child’s Chinese teacher for reading suggestions that match the class.
- Keep it positive. If your child resists, switch to lighter books for a while. Enjoyment comes first.
A Quick Start Plan for New Families
- Sign up for NLB membership for you and your child.
- Visit your nearest library and explore the Chinese children’s shelves together.
- Borrow a mix of picture books, readers and one non-fiction title.
- Set up the NLB app to reserve books and try eBooks.
- Buy a few favourites to keep from a bookshop or book fair.
- Build a short daily reading routine.
Moving to Singapore does not have to mean losing your child’s Chinese reading. With free library access, local bookshops and plenty of titles in simplified characters, you can build a home library that grows with your child. Library rules, programmes and opening hours can change, so check the latest details with NLB.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should my child learn Chinese with pinyin or without it? Pinyin is a helpful bridge. Lower primary readers often use books with pinyin above the characters, which lets them read independently while they build character recognition. Upper primary books use less of it. Move to pinyin-free books gradually as your child grows more confident.
Can my child read traditional-character books from Taiwan or Hong Kong? They can, but it may confuse younger readers still learning to recognise characters, and some Taiwanese books use Zhuyin rather than pinyin. When you buy, ask whether a book uses simplified or traditional characters. Singapore schools use simplified characters with Hanyu Pinyin.
How do I know if a Chinese book is too hard for my child? Try the five-finger check. Ask your child to read a page, and if there are more than about five words they cannot read, the book may be better shared aloud for now. Following their interests, such as comics or animal books, also keeps them going.
Are there Chinese books for free in Singapore? Yes, through the National Library Board. Public libraries carry Chinese picture books, readers and non-fiction, and NLB also offers some Chinese children’s eBooks and audiobooks. Check NLB’s website or app for membership, loan rules and charges.
What if my child refuses to read in Chinese? Switch to lighter books for a while and let your child choose their own at the library. Ten minutes of shared reading before bed, audiobooks and simple chats about the story in Chinese help more than quizzing. Enjoyment should come first.
Official sources: National Library Board
Further reading: Choosing a Reading Pen for Kids Learning Chinese and English