Latest news with #Starchild
The Star
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Starchild: Why cookies are every Malaysian kid's sweetest craving
Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, 10 Who doesn't love cookies? These sweet, yummy treats come in different shapes, sizes and flavours. Some are round, some are square, and some are shaped like animals or cartoon characters! Cookies can be soft and chewy or crispy and crunchy. One of the most popular cookie flavours is chocolate chip. But did you know there are many other flavours and types too? You can find peanut butter cookies, butter cookies and even colourful rainbow cookies. In Malaysia, some cookies are made for special occasions. Nor Aina Harris, 12 For Hari Raya, families bake kuih raya like cornflakes cookies and chocolate almond cookies. Chinese New Year is not complete without dragon biscuits and peanut cookies. Even Deepavali has its own tasty treats like murukku and coconut biscuits. Every celebration has its own special cookie to be enjoyed and shared. Cookies are great to eat with a glass of milk, share with your friends or give as gifts. They remind us of fun times in the kitchen, happy moments with family and the joy of sharing something sweet. Here are the letters from Starchild readers on the topic, Cookies. 'Being a cookie fan, my cookie invention will come in a variety of flavours. On the menu will be delicious quadruple chocolate cookies, fruity filling cookies, and even vegetable cookies; there will be a type of cookie suitable for everyone, young and old,' writes Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, 10. Younger sibling Asher Wang Qi Chuen, seven, says: 'I would like to come up with a type of Pokemon series cookies since many children and adults like Pokemon. The cookie will be colourful and it's in a secret rainbow flavour that you need to try to know how it tastes.' Asher Wang Qi Chuen, 7 'I love cookies – especially chocolate chip ones. Sometimes, my mum and I bake them together on weekends. I get to mix the dough and add lots of chocolate chips. The best part is smelling the cookies while they are baking in the oven,' writes Nor Aina Harris, 12. ITEM: Imagine if you had a superpower, like talking to animals or being in charge of the weather. What would you do to make the world happier? Maybe you'd chat with playful monkeys or make the sun shine every day so flowers bloom and butterflies dance. What if you could build a magical home just for animals? A cosy forest with ripe, sweet fruits and sparkling streams where every animal feels safe and free. You might even throw the biggest, happiest animal party ever! Email your contributions to lifestyle@ by June 13. Please put 'STARCHILD: The Magic of Nature' in the subject line of your email. Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200dpi. Your contributions must carry your full name, age (open to children aged 12 and below only), gender, phone contact and address. Instead of handwritten letters, please type out your letters.
The Star
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Starchild: Why Malaysian kids are learning with love — thanks to great teachers
Where would we be today without our teachers? They help us discover new things, answer our big (and small) questions, and show us how to be our best selves. Teachers are like gardeners. Every day, they help us grow – by teaching us letters and numbers, fun facts about space or animals, and how to work together with friends. They give us the tools we need to bloom, in school and in life. But teachers don't just teach subjects. They also teach kindness, patience and courage. If we are feeling nervous, they cheer us on. If we make a mistake, they help us try again. If we are stuck, they find new ways to help us understand. Lai Zhi Lin, 6 That's why Teachers Day is so special. It is our chance to say thank you for all the time, care and effort they give us. Here are the second batch of letters from Starchild readers on the topic, Teachers Day. Lai Zhi Lin, six, thinks her teachers are special and kind. 'I love my teacher because she plays with me.' Angeline Chin Zi Ying, 6 Angeline Chin Zi Ying, six, enjoys active playtime with her teacher. 'You let us play with you. We get to throw balls around!' Choong Vin Son, 6 Choong Vin Son, six, has grown to love arts and crafts, thanks to his teachers. 'We always have arts and crafts lessons together,' he says. Lim Shan Ni, 6 'You teach me right from wrong. You play cards and reward me,' writes Lim Shan Ni, six. ITEM: Fathers Day is a time to celebrate the special men in our lives – our dads, grandpas, uncles and anyone who cares for us like a father. Colour me Do you enjoy going on adventures with your dad? Maybe he makes you laugh at his jokes or helps you with your schoolwork. Tell us why your father or father figure is special. You can write a short letter, draw a picture of you doing something fun together or share a happy memory! Email your contributions to lifestyle@ by June 6. Please put 'STARCHILD: Happy Fathers Day' in the subject line of your email. Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200dpi. Your contributions must carry your full name, age (open to children aged 12 and below only), gender, phone contact, and address. Instead of handwritten letters, please type out your letters.
The Star
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Starchild: Malaysian children celebrate teachers with love and gratitude
It is Teachers Day today and Starchild would like to thank our teachers for all their hard work in helping students learn and grow. Whether it is reading, writing or counting, our teachers guide us every step of the way. Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, 10 Teachers don't just teach from books – they also teach us how to be good friends, solve problems and believe in ourselves. They cheer us on when we try something new and encourage us when we feel like giving up. That is what makes them so special. On Teachers Day, many students write thank-you cards, sing songs, or give small gifts like flowers, bookmarks or handmade crafts. It is not about how big the gift is – it is the thought that counts. Just saying, 'Thank you, teacher,' can make their day. You can also show appreciation by being a good student. Listen in class, try your best, and be respectful. That's one of the best gifts you can give your teacher every day. This Teachers Day, think about how your teacher has helped you. Did they help you read your first storybook? Teach you how to add and subtract? Or maybe they helped you make a new friend when you were shy? Here are the letters from Starchild readers on the topic, Teachers Day. Starchild will run the second batch of letters next week. 'My class teacher Ms Gong is petite and very strict. She encourages us to be brave to try new activities and not shy away from participating in school events. 'In class she often tells us stories, including some stories about her childhood. She cares very much about cleanliness; we are required to clean our classroom, keep our desk tidy and trim our nails, which she checks with weekly spot checks. Ms Gong is a dedicated teacher. I wish her and all my school teachers a Happy Teachers Day,' says Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, 10. Angely Sekar, 6 Six-year-old Angely Sekar enjoys learning, thanks to the fun and caring approach of her kindergarten teachers. 'You play games (with us) to help me read.' Jeff Chong Yi Fan, 6 'My teacher teaches and plays with me everyday,' writes Jeff Chong Yi Fan, six. Egan Liau Minson, 6 Egan Liau Minson, six, looks up to his teacher for making learning exciting and inspiring. 'You help me grow up. I love to learn science with you.' Daniel Harraz, 6 'My teacher loves me,' says Amber Ng Enn Yu, six. For six-year-old Daniel Harraz, learning doesn't just happen in the classroom – it continues outdoors. 'We play and learn on the playground. We have races and they are fun.' ITEM: Recently, a very sad thing happened on a highway in Perak. A baby elephant was knocked down by a lorry while trying to cross the road. The mother elephant's desperate attempts to save her calf included trying to push the lorry off the calf's body. Many people who saw the video were heartbroken. This incident made many Malaysians realise that we need to make our roads safer for wild animals like elephants, tapirs and tigers – especially roads that go through forests. Wildlife crossings (like special bridges or tunnels for animals), speed bumps, and clear signboards can help save animals' lives. We want to hear your ideas. Imagine you are an engineer, artist or inventor. How would you make Malaysian roads safer for animals? Maybe you can design a tunnel just for elephants, colourful signboards with animal pictures to warn drivers, or even animal traffic lights. Find the hidden words! Be creative and show us how we can share our roads with wildlife in a safe way. Let's work together to protect our precious animals. Your drawings might inspire real changes! Email your contributions to lifestyle@ by May 30. Please put 'STARCHILD: Protecting Wildlife on Our Roads' in the subject line of your email. Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200dpi. Your contributions must carry your full name, age (open to children aged 12 and below only), gender, phone contact, and address. Instead of handwritten letters, please type out your letters.
The Star
10-05-2025
- General
- The Star
Starchild: How Malaysian children celebrate Easter with egg hunts
Clayra Bungan Yeoh Hui Qing, 8 Easter, which is celebrated on Sunday (April 20), is a special day for many Christians around the world. It is a time to remember the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Lisa Ong, 8 In Malaysia, Easter is not a public holiday, but most churches hold special services on Easter Sunday. Families may attend church together and enjoy a meal at home after that. Some children take part in fun activities like Easter egg hunts, where they look for colourful eggs hidden in the house or garden. Easter eggs are a popular symbol of the holiday. They represent new life and new beginnings. In many places around the world, people decorate eggs with bright colours and give them as gifts. Sometimes, the eggs are made of chocolate. Yummy! Children especially enjoy getting chocolate eggs and bunnies as Easter treats. Another symbol of Easter is the Easter bunny. This cheerful character is said to bring eggs and hide them for children to find. While it is more common in Western countries, some children in Malaysia enjoy stories and cartoons about the Easter bunny too. Easter is also a time to think about hope, love and kindness. It reminds us to be thankful for our family and friends, and to help others whenever we can. Even if your family doesn't celebrate Easter, learning about different festivals and traditions helps us understand and respect each other. That is what makes Malaysia special - a place where many cultures and celebrations come together. Here are the letters from Starchild readers on the topic, Easter. Clayra Bungan Yeoh Hui Qing, eight, says: 'I love Easter because of all the colourful eggs! At my home in Kuching, my siblings and I painted eggs using watercolours and glitter. My mother also told us the story of Easter and why people celebrate it. I think it's a nice time to remember love and kindness.' Jayden Tan Li Sheng, 12 Jayden Tan Li Sheng, 12, writes, 'Easter reminds us to embrace new beginnings with hope, joy and trust in God. My family and I celebrate by attending Easter mass at St Francis Xavier Church in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. We will also spend time with family and friends by inviting them for dinner. For fun, we will have a friendly competition where we decorate eggs using edible pens to show our creativity. To everyone celebrating Easter, I wish you a day filled with new hope, happiness and blessings through God's grace.' Michelle Tan Mei Kuan, 9 Nine-year-old Michelle Tan Mei Kuan plans to celebrate Easter at her cousin's house. 'We will enjoy a special dinner, share meaningful moments and appreciate the joy of being together. In addition, on Easter Sunday, I plan to give chocolate shaped like eggs or rabbits to some of my friends as a small gesture of kindness and to share this festive spirit.' 'Even though we don't really celebrate Easter at home, I read about it in a book. I think the Easter Bunny sounds really cool! I like the idea of hiding chocolate eggs and finding them. If I were the Easter Bunny, I would hide eggs in tricky places like inside shoes or behind books,' says Lisa Ong, eight. 'Happy Easter Day to all Starchild readers!' says Ong Keat Ming, six. ITEM: Mother's Day is celebrated on May 11. It is a time to show how much we love and appreciate our mothers. Do you help your mother with chores, give her hugs, or make her laugh with your jokes? Maybe you'd like to draw a picture of you and your mother spending time together, or write her a special letter to say 'thank you' for all that she does. Tell us why your mother is the best in the world! Email your contributions to lifestyle@ by May 2. Please put 'STARCHILD: Mothers Day' in the subject line of your email. Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200dpi. Your contributions must carry your full name, age (open to children aged 12 and below only), gender, phone contact, and address. Instead of handwritten letters, please type out your letters.
The Star
10-05-2025
- General
- The Star
How Malaysian kids celebrate Mothers Day - with hugs and handmade surprises!
Michelle Tan Mei Kuan, 10 Mothers Day is a special time to show our love and appreciation for the most important woman in our lives – our mothers. On Mothers Day, which will be celebrated on Sunday, many children give cards, flowers or small gifts to their mums. What are your plans for Mummy? Are you planning to help out with chores or cook breakfast to surprise her? Mithrasri Siva Chandran, 8 Mothers are always there for us. They care for us when we are sick, help with our homework and give us hugs when we feel down. They work hard every day – often without rest – just to make sure we are happy, healthy and loved. Ong Keat Ming, 6 There are many ways to make mum feel special on Mothers Day. You could draw her a beautiful picture, write her a letter or just spend time with her doing something she enjoys. A simple 'I love you' and 'Thank you' would mean the world to her! As we celebrate our mothers, we must also remember that not all families are alike. Some children are raised by their grandmothers, aunts, stepmothers, or even fathers who play the role of a mother. This day is also a time to thank them, who take care of us with love and kindness. Happy Mothers Day to all the amazing mothers out there! Here are the letters from Starchild readers on the topic, Mothers Day. Jayden Tan Li Sheng, 12, writes: 'My father, both my sisters and I have planned to take my mother to her favourite restaurant for dinner on Mothers Day. We made a reservation one month in advance for this important day. I also wrote a handwritten letter and gave it to her along with a card. The letter reads: 'Mummy, thank you for always loving me. Your love has been my anchor, my shelter and my guide. I may not say it enough, but I carry your care and support with me every single day. I'm so grateful to be your child. I wish you – and all the mothers in the world – a Happy Mothers Day.' Michelle Tan Mei Kuan, 10 'I am planning to ask my cousin to teach me how to make handmade tulips. I want to give them to my mother as a special gift for Mothers Day. There are so many things I'd love to do for her – like helping with house chores and baking her a delicious cake. I love my mother very much and want to thank her for everything she has done. She means the world to me,' says Michelle Tan Mei Kuan, 10. Joshua Tan, 12 Eight-year-old Mithrasri Siva Chandran writes: 'My mother's name is Aruna Devi. I love spending time with my mother because she always shares her funny jokes with me and makes me giggle. She also guides me with my studies. I love my Amma so much. Happy Mothers Day Amma!' 'This year, I bought a card for Mummy for Mothers Day. This May is extra special because it is also my mother's birthday! I will be bringing my wonderful mother to the movies to celebrate. It's a double celebration filled with love, laughter and family. I wish my mother good health always and endless happiness. Thank you for everything, Mummy. I love you,' says Joshua Tan, 12. ITEM: All aboard! Starchild readers, it is time to get creative. If you could design your very own train, what would it look like? Would it be a colourful toy train, a stylish luxury train or a super-fast bullet train? How many coaches will it have? Would it come with bunk beds, a restaurant or even a special playroom just for kids? Email your contributions to lifestyle@ by May 23. Please put 'STARCHILD: My Dream Train' in the subject line of your email. Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200dpi. Your contributions must carry your full name, age (open to children aged 12 and below only), gender, phone contact, and address. Instead of handwritten letters, please type out your letters.
