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Helping Kids Learn a Few More Words (讓孩子識多幾隻字)

In the entire world, Chinese characters are perhaps unique in the immense depth and richness they contain. Take a word as simple as "子" (child/zi)—it is actually not simple at all.

• What is "自" (self/zi)? Is it really just an eye "目" with an eyebrow drawn above it?

• Some Chinese characters meant one thing in ancient times but have evolved into something entirely different today; "樹" (tree) and "木" (wood) are prime examples.

• The characters "花" (flower) and "草" (grass) were not originally written the way they are now; their current forms are just simplified reminders. What did their original faces look like?

• What is the connection between "比" (compare) and "北" (north)? How are "本" (root/origin) and "末" (apex/end) linked? What does the "隹" (short-tailed bird) component atop "隻" and "集" represent? And what on earth does the "廾" (two hands holding something) mean in "戒" (guard) and "弄" (play with)?

• Why is the bottom of "步" (step) not the character "少" (less)? Why is the right side of "貌" (appearance) not the character "兒" (child)? Why are "疆" and "彊" (border/strength) different, and what is the distinction between "灸" (moxibustion) and "炙" (roast)?

Written in a lively, accessible style, this book is easy to understand and engaging for primary and secondary school students alike. For parents and teachers looking to guide children through language learning, it is a highly recommended reference book.