Magic in the words

Auntie Owl is Maneephorn Chat-Uthai, the editor-in-chief of “Nitan Puen Rak” (“Friendly Tales”), a series of books that are extremely popular with Thai youngsters. “Friendly Tales” hosted its 10th anniversary celebrations during this month’s Family Book Fair at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.

Launched as a monthly picture book for kindergarten-aged kids in 2001 by Plan for Kids, “Friendly Tales” is designed to promote reading and help little ones develop their language skills and creativity while absorbing moral values.

Every year, Maneephorn reads more than 100 children’s stories from around the world. She makes an initial shortlist of 24, then scales her choices back to 16 before dividing the tales into two categories – kindergarten grade 1-2 (three- to four-year-olds) and kindergarten grade 3 to primary school grade 1 (five to six year-olds). The first “Friendly Tale” book was published in 2002. 

“Over the last decade, the project has faced plenty of obstacles but we’ve managed to soldier on. I don’t think of ‘Friendly Tales’ as a success yet but I do consider myself lucky to have read so many children’s books. I love them all,” she says.

She believes the stories add substance to young lives, pointing out whether its origins are English, French, Belgian, Thai or Iranian, children are impressed by a well-told tale.

“A picture book is easy to understand. The outcome is the same – smiles and happiness.”

To pass muster, a book must to easy to understand. Otherwise, Maneephorn simply relies on her instincts.

She says she may read 100 stories before honing in on one.

“Then I’ll read and re-read it until I’m sure ‘this is it’. Once I choose, I’ll read it again at least three more times.”

She’ll then work on translating her choices – which will have already been translated into English by their original publishers – into Thai. Maneephorn watches over the whole process including choosing the font and designing the layout.

“The illustrations are very important, especially for the cover. They don’t need to be beautiful in pure art terms. One of my favourites is ‘The Story of Elsie’, which is an amusing tale about innocence and good family relationships. The tales must touch children’s hearts and be fun to read,” she says.

“Good learning through tales shouldn’t be expensive,” says Risuan Aramcharoen, managing director of Plan for Kids, adding that “Friendly Tales” is a collaboration between families, schools and the publisher.

Plan for Kids has also been working with Kasetsart University’s education faculty in evaluating how schools can encourage reading by using “Friendly Tales” in the classroom. The publisher offers a teachers’ guide to the series with activities at the back of each book that teachers and parents can use to help children further enjoy reading.

Supanee Sungkasuwan, a Thai Early Years teacher at Concordian International School, says she finds the books useful, especially for developing language skills.

One of her favourites is “Kook Kai has a Stomachache”, which teaches both the Thai alphabet and hygienic eating habits. 

“Apart from language, culture and values, the concentration of children while listening to stories is also key to learning successfully,” says Supanee. 

“Empathy is another value that we get from children’s books,” adds Khunying Kasama Varavarn na Ayudhaya, chairwoman of the Books for Children Foundation and the Second Decade of National Education Reform.

“Children’s books fill a gap in society. Their emotional and moral content help develop empathy, which eventually allows young children to understand differences in their communities.”

The “Friendly Tales” event wrapped up with a storytelling session by Siravich Chittavornkul from Tantawan Traipasa School and Innaree Mingkwan from Ramkhamhaeng University Demonstration School, both aged six.

Afterward, they were asked why children like tales so much.

“Because they’re fun,” the two chirped in unison.

As they continue to grow up with “Friendly Tales”, perhaps they will become as avid readers as Auntie Owl.