Recommended Reads

Title: Philatelic rambling in history: Singapore 1819-2019

Authors: Tan Wee Kiat,

NIE Associate Professor (Retired)

Advisors: Ruth Wong Y. L., Mabel Wee

No. of pages: 72

Call No.: HE6185.S55 TanP

A considerable amount of research has obviously gone into this book, which depicts the history and progress of Singapore through stamps. The author includes stamps displaying pre-1819 artefacts such as a Majapahit bracelet and reminds readers that Singapore has a very long history stretching back to the 13th century. Remarkably, there seem to be stamps for every important period in Singapore history, including the devastating years of Japanese occupation from 1942-1945.

This book is highly recommended for its wealth of information presented from an unusual angle, a philatelic perspective.

Title: 50 best kept secrets of the Istana : flora and fauna

Author: Sharon Cheah

No. of pages: 77

Call No.: DS609.3 IstC

This is one of a very informative 3-book series on the Istana, published in 2019 to coincide with Singapore’s bicentennial year.

The sprawling grounds of the Istana are practically like a mini nature reserve in their own right. This guide captures in loving detail the plants, from showy shrubs to towering trees, and fauna such as birds are specially well-documented, from the tiny scarlet-backed flowerpecker to larger birds of prey such as the Brahminy Kite.

Highly recommended as a local natural history nugget and guide!

Title: Get curious!: The official interactive family guide to the National Museum of Singapore

Authors: James McLean, Kate Manson and Stephanie Yeo

No. of pages: 115

Call No.: DS608.8 Mcl

This book is aimed primarily at younger schoolchildren and hence has a very pictorial and visual emphasis as well as an interactive element which includes lift-the-flap and even a smell-the-flowers feature.

There is a section at the back with more information for parents and grown-ups, as well as a handy map showing the different sections of the Museum.

For parents with young children, this guide should enable them to plan an activity-packed time of discovery at Singapore’s oldest museum.

#Nov2019