1 . Four Best Books in 2021

Now I will recommend four best books to you.

Eyes That Kiss in the Corners

by Joanna Ho

This wonderful picture book tells a story about learning to love and celebrate your Asianshaped eyes. A young Asian girl notices that her eyes look different from her friends’. They have big, round eyes. They have eyes that are filled with stories of the past and hope for the future. This book will resonate with readers about 5 years old.

Hardcover: $19.8

Second-hand: $10

Amari and the Night Brothers

by B. B. Alston

Amari Peters has never stopped believing her missing brother, Quinton, is alive. When she finds a ticking briefcase in his closet, she’s certain that a secret organization holds the key to locating Quinton. In order to find him, now she must know about magic. This book will attract teens aged about 18 years old.

Hardcover: $21.7

Second-hand: $9

Dog Man

by Dav Pilkey

The world is losing out of control as new villains flood into town. Everything seems dark and full of disappointment. But hope is not lost. Can the incredible power of love save the day? Dog Man series explores love, kindness and the importance of doing good. Readers about 5 years old will like to read it.

Hardcover: $33.1

Second-hand: $13

Starfish

by Lisa Fipps

Ever since Ellie wore a whale swimsuit and made a big splash at her fifth birthday party, she’s been teased for her weight, she tries to live by the Fat Girl Rules — like “no making waves” “avoid eating in public” and “don’t move so fast”. And she’s found her safe space — her swimming pool — where she feels weightless in a fat-obsessed world. It suits readers about 5 years old.

Hardcover: $35.6

Second-hand: $11

1. What is special about Amari and the Night Brothers?

A．It is intended for teenagers.	B．It teaches readers how to love.
C．It is the cheapest among the four.	D．It features colorful pictures.

2. What can readers learn by reading Dog Man?

A．The way of overcoming difficulty.	B．The necessity of losing weight.
C．The ability to train a dog.	D．The importance of doing good.

3. Which book saves you most if you buy a used one?

A．Eyes That Kiss in the Corners.	B．Amari and the Night Brothers.
C．Dog Man.	D．Starfish.

2 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

A new English version of a modern classic Chinese book for children, I Want To Be Good by Huang Beijia, a well-known     1     (write) in China, was published in January     2     (eventual) by UK-based New Classic Press.

The book, which was translated by Nicky Harman, a UK-based prize-winning literary translator, had been picked     3     a “Top Children’s Book in Translation” by the International Committee of the Children’s Literature Association.

As     4     matter of fact, it became a classic when it was first published in 1996 by the Chinese publisher and     5     (sell) over 5 million copies in China since then. It has also been adapted for cinema, television and stage, and translated into nine     6     (language) including English, French, Korean, Vietnamese and Arabic.

The book tells the story of a 10-year-old girl     7     is under pressure to do better and pass important school exams. The author said the story was inspired by her personal life,     8     (indicate) “the complicated relationship between mother and daughter” and challenging “the traditional thought of being a Tiger Mother in the     9     (compete) learning environment in China.”

The book has been much loved in China as it has encouraged a generation of young readers     10     (achieve) their dreams, and most importantly, to be themselves.

3 . 4 Books that Work Better on Audio

Strained eyes from staring at a screen all day? Give your eyes a break and dive into these audiobooks instead. Listening to an audiobook stimulates the same parts of the brain as reading does, and it is also helpful if you’re feeling anxious or depressed. Here are a few examples:

A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson

Bryson’s genius lies in his ability to write about hard subjects—from Shakespeare to the human body—while making them seem so easy. Listening to it will teach you about everything from the Big Bang to particle physics, without ever feeling like a lesson.

The Best of Me by David Sedaris

Now, for the first time, David Sedaris reads his autobiographical stories on Radio 4, bringing us his funniest and most memorable work. It opens our eyes to what is at absurd and moving about our daily existence, which is almost impossible to read without laughing.

Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien

There’s no shortage of LOTR audiobooks knocking around on Audible, as they have broad appeal across all age groups, being an ideal company for family car journeys. These are complete and clock in at a full 22 hours and 38 minutes, perfect for those looking to get their money’s worth.

Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders

This tale of Abraham Lincoln mourning his son in a graveyard full of ghosts is the winner of the 2017 Booker prize. The book has no less than 166 different narrators—the result being that some readers complained of getting lost. But the audio one makes easy work of distinguishing between varied characters with their distinctive voices.

1. Which is not an advantage of an audiobook?

A．Reduction in anxiety.	B．Easy access without pay.
C．Protection for eyes.	D．Activation of the brain.

2. Which audiobook best suits people who prefer humorous content?

A．A Short History of Nearly Everything.	B．The Best of Me.
C．Lord of the Rings.	D．Lincoln in the Bardo.

3. What’s special about the audio version of Lincoln in the Bardo?

A．It makes the story more attractive.	B．It suits people of all ages.
C．It tells the characters apart.	D．It helps the author win a prize.

4 . Like so many young bookish kids I wrote poems and stories and filled pages of journals with dreams. But even though I adored writing, I still knew that being a real-life writer was a dream both great and impossible.

At different times I harboured the possibility that it might work. When I was seventeen, I wrote a story that was published in a collection. At college, I entered local writing competitions and had success. A couple of times, I wanted to register for a creating writing degree offered by Harvard University, but each time, the fear of failure held me back. Then I understood the dream was indeed impossible and I gave up writing setting out on the path to become a teacher.

Years later, after my daughter was born and deep in the intense world of a newborn, I felt urged to scribble (草草写下) madly. Then, two years later, late at night as I fed my second daughter. I read a book written by one of my teachers and it lit me up. I was hungry to make a reader feel something as intensely as she had made me feel.

I got in touch with my old teacher and with her encouragement, I finally registered for a creative writing degree and got actively involved in the writing events. At a literary event, I listened to a panel of writers and publishers talk about the need to be brave and take chances. At the end of the event, I took one of those chances, handing my as-yet-unfinished manuscript (手稿) to one of the panelists, who told me to send her the first three chapters via e-mail.

Six months later, I had my first publishing contract and felt like I’d won the lottery (彩票). There are a thousand different paths to publication, most of them with some rocky patches before the thrilling moment you hold your book in your hands.

1. Why did the author quit the idea of being a writer?

A．She had applied for a degree.	B．She lacked sufficient courage.
C．she became known for a story.	D．She wished to make a teacher.

2. What did the author decide to do after she read her teacher's book?

A．Realize the dream of being a writer.	B．Make readers interested in the book.
C．Tell us her feeling about the teacher.	D．Write about caring for young children.

3. What did the literary event bring to the author?

A．A certificate in writing.	B．A talk with good friends.
C．A platform for manuscripts.	D．A chance of publishing a book.

4. What can be a suitable title for the text?

A．My Path to Publication.	B．My Views on Dreams.
C．My Talents for Writing.	D．My Conversation with Panelists.

5 . A common theme running in fiction and mythology is the idea of orphan (孤儿) heroes and superheroes. Fairytales introduce us to children of absent fathers and cruel caretakers, like Cinderella and Snow White. Fiction makes much of the parentage of David Copperfield and Jane Eyre. Comic books offer orphaned heroes like Batman, Spiderman, or you’ll notice characters in more modern fiction from films and books like Harry Potter and Leia Skywalker.

Why are so many heroes and superheroes orphans?

Lacking parents, orphan heroes and superheroes are considered “children of the world”. Having raised themselves, and having been freed from much of the complex relationship of child to parent, ophan heroes and superheroes are at much greater liberty to interact with the world, and they may look at the world as parent and all its inhabitants as family.

Some orphans seek only a home and a family. David Copperfield finds this with his aunt. Cinderella and Snow White escape evil stepmothers by marrying. Others, especially of the superhero “cast” are never really given family in the traditional sense. In fact, though they may have strong bonds with friends, or with caretakers, they are constantly attempting to prove worthiness to the world, and are desperate to save the people they do care about.

You can also evaluate orphan heroes and superheroes as a means by which anxiety, loneliness, and independence are emphasized. The comic book type superhero is usually one who suffers always, or at least most of the time. Loss of even one parent can be intensely upsetting and forever change a child’s life, and superheroes may do all in their power to prevent this fate for other children. Empathy for suffering and a desire to end or prevent it for others are increased.

It’s a good idea to consider why we see this theme expressed so commonly. Perhaps we ⅵew these orphans or poorly parented children as ultimately our own. They may not just be children of the world, but may belong to each reader.

1. Why does the author mention some famous characters in Paragraph 1?

A．To clarify the writing purpose.	B．To advertise classic fiction.
C．To support a statement.	D．To make an overall outline.

2. Which of the following drives some orphans to become superheroes?

A．Intention to escape a family.	B．Desire to prove their value to the world.
C．Strong bonds with their family.	D．Wishes for freedom to explore the world.

3. Which word best describes the comic book type superhero?

A．Childish.

B．Dependent.

C．Cheerful.

D．Sympathetic.

4. What may make the theme of orphan superheroes so common?

A．Ophans’ ultimte fate is pitiful

B．Readers have a preference for tragedies.

C．Orphan characters are reflections of the readers.

D．Readers may regard orphan characters as their own kids.

6 . Stories are loved by people of all ages. Stories for kids play a major role in shaping their personalities. Below is a list of some of the best short stories for kids that we’re sure that your child would enjoy reading:

Panchatantra Stories in English

Most children stories significantly focus on teaching morals to kids. Panchatantra stories for kids are designed with the same motive. These are the oldest short moral stories for kids. These amazing small stories for kids in English from Panchatantra have reached an audience worldwide. To attract your kids with exciting stories, we provide you with our versions of some of the most famous and loved Panchatantra Stories for kids.

Fairy Tales Stories

Fairy Tales stories are loved by kids. The world of fantasy attracts everyone. These children stories give them a chance to leap into a world full of possibilities and imagination as well as moral lessons. They build their own versions of the fairies. Thus, such short stories for kids in English can build better creativity in children.

Moral Stories for Kids in English

Moral stories for children are those stories that convey moral values, which are crucial during their upbringing. Usually, moral stories for kids convey principles such as love, respect, honesty, virtues, etc. to their readers. Short moral stories for kids fill kids with a better understanding of what is considered good and what is termed as bad.

Akbar Birbal Stories

For generations, Akbar Birbal Stories have been enjoyed thoroughly by every kid. Akbar and Birbal Stories are a great combination of fun, wit, humour and moral values. These English stories for kids entertain, bring smiles and teach life lessons in effortless ways.

1. Who is the text intended for?

A．Kids.

B．Teachers.

C．Parents.

D．Storywriters.

2. Which stories can encourage children’s innovative thinking?

A．Fairy Tales Stories.

B．Akbar Birbal Stories.

C．Panchatantra Stories in English.

D．Moral Stories for Kids in English.

3. What do these stories have in common?

A．They convey moral values.

B．They are humorous and amusing.

C．Some versions are written by kids.

D．They are stories for people of all ages.

7 . Here come four new books with great poetry, from which the novices are to get inspired by the imaginative and celebratory poems when they start to take an eager look at this new and unknown field.

Cloud Soup

Bake a weird cake, pay a visit to the deep and take a closer look at the clouds in this fun collection of poems by Kate Wakeling, with unusual illustrations by Elina Braslina. Their previous collection, Moon Juice, won the CLiPPA Best Children’s Poetry Award, and this sequel is just as funny and imaginative.

Shaping the World: 40 Historical Heroes in Verse

This collection, chosen by Liz Brownlee, brings together 40 brilliant “shape poems” inspired by some of the remarkable people who have shaped our world. Inside, you’ll find poems about Greta Thunberg, Rosa Parks and Albert Einstein—each with a biography, a quote and a fascinating fact.

Take Off Your Brave

Be surprised and inspired by this book of poems written by four-year-old Nadim, with artwork by Yasmeen Ismall. Taking you inside a child’s world of glitter, magic boxes and rainbows, this book proves that poetry is for everyone and might inspire you to try writing some poems yourself!

My Sneezes Are Perfect

This thought- provoking collection of poems was written by Rakhshan RizWan with Yusuf Samee, a mother-and-son team and illustrated by Benjamin Philips. Bringing together observations, meditations and memories, it explores sorts of things, including animals, family, food and what it’s like moving to a new country.

1. Who has ever won a prize for writing poetry?

A．Kate Wakeling.	B．Liz Brownlee.
C．Nadim.	D．Rakhshan RizWan.

2. What is covered in My Sneezes Are Perfect?

A．The life of celebrities.	B．The making of a great poet.
C．The migration to a new country.	D．The exploration to the deep ocean.

3. Who might be the target readers of the four books?

A．Poetry beginners.	B．Ambitious parents.
C．History lovers.	D．School teachers.

8 . Beverly Cleary, the celebrated children’s author whose memories of her Oregon childhood were shared with millions through the likes of Ramona and Beezus Quimby and Henry Huggins, has died. She was 104.

Trained as a librarian, Cleary didn’t start writing books until her early 30s, when she wrote Henry Huggins, published in 1950. Children worldwide came to love the adventures of Huggins and his neighbours Ellen Tebbits, Otis Spofford, Beezus Quimby and her younger sister, Ramona. They live in a real street in Portland, Oregon, the city where Cleary spent much of her youth.

Ramona, perhaps her best-known character, first appeared in Henry Huggins with only a brief mention. “All the children appeared to be only children, so I threw in a little sister and she didn’t go away. She kept appearing in other books,” Cleary said.

Cleary herself was an only child and said the character wasn’t a mirror. “I was a well-behaved little girl, not that I wanted to be,” she said. “At the age of Ramona, in those days, children played outside. We played hopscotch(跳房子) and jump rope and I loved them and always had wounded knees.”

Cleary stopped writing recently, because she said she felt it was important for writers to know when to quit. “I even got rid of my typewriter. It was a nice one but I hate to type. When I started writing I found that I was thinking more about my typing than what I was going to say,” she said in 2016. Although she put away her pen, Cleary re-released three of her most treasured books with three famous fans writing forewords for the new editions.

Cleary’s books have been translated into more than a dozen languages and inspired many programmes, such as a 10-part PBS series, Ramona and the 2010 film Ramona and Beezus. Cleary was asked once what her favourite character was. “Does your mother have a favourite child?” she responded.

1. What do we know about Cleary?

A．She was a late starter as an author.

B．She wrote true stories in her books.

C．She published her first book in the 1930s.

D．She drew writing inspiration from her neighbours.

2. What can be learned about Ramona in Cleary’s books?

A．She was a well-behaved little girl.	B．She was an only child of her family.
C．She had an impressive first appearance.	D．She played an increasingly bigger role.

3. Which of the following best describes Cleary as a child?

A．Clever.

B．Active.

C．Lonely.

D．Quiet.

4. What did Cleary do after quitting writing?

A．She added her fans’ words to her books.

B．She learned to type quickly and correctly.

C．She translated her books into other languages.

D．She made TV programmes based on her books.

9 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

China is gaining greater attention of Egyptians. Egyptian book lovers treated     1     ( them ) with hundreds of titles on China during the 53rd Cairo International Book Fair, a major cultural event in the Egyptian capital     2     ran from Jan. 26 to Feb. 7.

More than 600 Arabic (阿拉伯语) books     3     ( translate ) from Chinese were on display in the pavilions of Bayt Al-Hekma Cultural Group, a local publishing house mainly devoted to the Arabic translation of Chinese books.

“Our main goal is     4     ( be ) a cultural bridge between the Arab and the Chinese cultures,” said Ahmed al-Saeed, CEO of Bayt Al-Hekma, during     5     two-week cultural feast.

Featured publications included books on China’ s history, literature, culture, geography and economy, and     6     ( dictionary ), as well as best-seller Chinese children’s books     7     Arabic. The language books     8    ( publish ) by Egypt’ s Bayt AI-Hekma Cultural Group with its Chinese partner Peking University Press.

The     9     ( rise ) number of Egyptian students of the Chinese language and the close political,     10     ( society ), and economic ties between Egypt and China are behind the growing attention to China among local readers.

10 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

Shu Lin’s Grand pa, a children’s picture book     1    (illustrate) by British-Chinese artist Yu Rong, was on show at the London Book Fair on Tuesday, sparking heated discussions about how to better tell Chinese     2    (story) to international readers.

This book tells a story about Shu Lin, a Chinese immigrant (侨民) girl,     3     finds it hard to gain acceptance in her new school, until her grandfather saves the day. The book creates a painting style that is both classical     4     modern.

Shu Lin’s Grand pa, published in     5    (China) and in English, was listed for the Kate Greenaway Medal this year.

Nowadays, many across the world     6    (be) eager to learn about China through stories about Chinese civilization and contemporary China. At the London Book Fair on Tuesday, Chinese children’s bestsellers staged a brainstorming event on how to bring Chinese-themed books     7     the world audience.

“The rich illustrations combined with the celebration of Chinese culture which Shu Lin’s Grand pa represents made for a thought-provoking read: It has     8    (real) given me the desire to visit China, in particular to explore the     9    (tradition) ink artwork,” said Marianne Simon, an MA (文学硕士) student     10    (major) in publishing and creative writing at Kingston University.