The lack of a wide range of reading material in Maltese< for children who have progressed beyond picture books and are looking for independent reading, is felt by many parents. It is a vicious circle at times, in that child-ren need to read more and more in order to familiarise themselves with Maltese, yet the scarcity of readers at their level is an obstacle.
Merlin Publishers are investing resources in order to increase the range and variety of books in this crucial stage of learning. They have just published a new series of six books, across three levels, for independent-reading children.
The first level in the series, aimed at children aged 7+, is Merlin l-Ewwel Pass, and the two books in this level are: Se jkolli ħija żgħir? Le grazzi! and Kosmos Express: Il-Wikkiel tal-Pjaneti.
The second level, aimed at ages 8+, is Merlin Pass Pass, and the books in this level are: Par Widnejn Kbar and It-Tifel Dragun.
The third level, for ages nine and over, is Merlin Pass ta’ Ġgant. The books in this level being: L-Investigazzjonijiet ta’ Arkimeda Lapsi and Merħba fir-Rifuġju ta’ Kobikisa.
The books are appealing to young children because of their vibrant packaging, colourful content including illustrations on every spread, and a large font size especially at the lower levels to make for a comfortable, non-intimidating reading experience.
Originally written in French and already bestsellers in their native country, the books have been adapted into Maltese by Loranne Vella, a familiar name with anyone who enjoys Maltese literature for children.
Se jkolli ħija żgħir? Le grazzi! is the story of Lily, a cute and feisty girl who has just learned that her parents are expecting a new child. And she is definitely not happy about this! Kosmos Express: Il-Wikkiel tal-Pjaneti, is an exciting space adventure, taking us to galaxies far away where a space restaurant is doing a great trade making home deliveries of yummy space food to different planets, until a space monster comes along.
Par Widnejn Kbar is a feel-good story of two girl friends who gang up to buy an eavesdropping kit online, with hilarious consequences. It-Tifel Dragun is a totally different genre, a fantasy tale in a land where man hunts fire-breathing dragons.
Arkimeda Lapsi is about a boy investigator at school who always seems to get it wrong, but also – touchingly – a story about his best friend who is going through chemotherapy. Merħba fir-Rifuġju ta’ Kobikisa is very evocatively set in an African animal wildlife centre, which finds itself under attack by ruthless animal traffickers.
These books are ideal for keeping children entertained in summer, and even children who are not that at ease with Maltese will feel comfortable reading them.
The books in this series are available from all bookshops, or online from www.merlinpublishers.com.