Latest news with #Starchild
The Star
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Starchild: Why Malaysian kids love their grandmas so much
Do you know that Gorgeous Grandma Day is celebrated annually on July 23? Tan Mei Jing, 10 It is a special day to celebrate all the grandmothers in the world – especially yours! Grandmas are amazing people. They give the warmest hugs, tell the best stories and always seem to know how to make us feel better when we're sad. Many grandmas cook delicious meals, sew clothes, teach us about tradition or share fun memories from when they were young. They may even spoil us a little, and that's okay too! Some grandmas are quiet and gentle. Others are energetic and love to go on adventures. Some love gardening, while others enjoy watching dramas or playing games. No matter what they do, one thing is certain - grandmas always have a big heart filled with love. Remember, being "gorgeous" isn't just about how someone looks. It is about the kindness, wisdom and love they share. And our grandmas give us plenty of that! Here are the letters from Starchild readers on the topic, Gorgeous Grandma Day. Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, 10 "My gorgeous grandmas were both former teachers. My paternal grandma (Mah Mah) taught primary school and kindergarten children while my maternal grandma (Ah Mah) taught in secondary schools. Mah Mah could sew very well in her younger years. "She sewed me a baby pillow (using rice as filing) when I was born. Nowadays, she keeps her mind sharp by doing sudoku daily. As for my Ah Mah, she is very hardworking; she will bring us a variety of cut fruits regularly. On special days, there will be freshly squeezed orange juice for us. She often encourages us to draw for Starchild. Both my grandmas are uniquely special and I thank God very much for them," says Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, 10. "I love spending time with Grandma, be it for evening walk or cooking up a storm in the kitchen. She is strict but funny and loving at the same time. In my eyes, she is the best grandma and best chef in the world," says Hannah Lee Zhi Yin, nine. "My grandma is super stylish – she wears sunglasses, matching scarves and walks like a movie star! She used to be a teacher, so she's very strict about homework and manners. But she's also the best baker ever. Her pineapple tarts and marble cake are the best. Even though she's fierce, I know she loves us a lot — and I love her too. Happy Gorgeous Grandma Day, Amachi," says Meera Segaran, 11. "My grandma is the kindest person I know. She makes yummy chicken porridge when I'm sick. I love sitting with her while she waters her plants. I love you, Poh Poh,' says Tan Mei Jing, 10. Clayra Bungan Yeoh Hui Qing, 8 Jayden Tan Li Sheng, 12, writes: "My grandma taught me how to cook my favourite noodles. She takes care of me whenever my parents are at work. She used to look after me when I was a baby. She is an excellent cook and her homemade soups are delicious. I always wish my grandma good health. Grandma, Thank you for taking care of me and I love you very much." Jayden Tan Li Sheng, 12 ITEM: Ever peeked into your fridge and found something yummy... or maybe something strange? For this week's Starchild topic, we want to know all about your fridge. Tell us what are some of your favourite things in your fridge right now. And if you could fill your fridge with anything in the world, what would it be? Draw us a picture of your fridge – real or imaginary – and don't forget to label the items. Email your contributions to lifestyle@ by Aug 8. Please put "STARCHILD: My Fridge" 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
18-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
Starchild: Why Malaysian kids have 'egg-citing' thoughts about eggs
Have you ever cracked open an egg and watched it sizzle in a hot pan? Eggs may be small, but they are packed with goodness. Many people in Malaysia eat eggs every day, whether for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Nyon Qian Rou, 6 Eggs are full of important nutrients that help us grow strong and stay healthy. They give us protein, which builds our muscles. They also have vitamin A for good eyesight and vitamin D for strong bones. Some eggs even have Omega-3, which is good for our brain. One egg has about 70 calories and can keep you feeling full for a long time. That's why many people say eggs are a 'superfood'. What's your favourite way to eat eggs? Some children like them scrambled while others love them sunny-side up, which reminds them of a bright yellow sun. There are so many ways to enjoy eggs. You can also make omelettes with onions, chillies or even cheese. In Malaysia, we also enjoy half-boiled eggs with soy sauce and pepper – yummy with kaya toast! Eggs are also used in many dishes and desserts, like kuih, cakes and even fried noodles. Just remember, eggs must be cooked properly and kept in a cool place so they stay fresh. Here are the letters from Starchild readers on the topic, Eggs. 'I eat a hard-boiled egg as a snack in school. It is tasty! Eggs are the best! Eggs are good for my body,' says Pang Yu Xuan, six. Pang Yu Xuan, 6 Seven-year-old Sham Kok Ren loves eating duck eggs. 'Mummy makes sunny-side up eggs for breakfast. The yellow part is like the sun! I eat them with bread. Yummy!' Sham Kok Ren, 7 'Eggs are my favourite food. I eat hard-boiled eggs with soy sauce. I also like egg sandwiches. Eggs give me energy to learn and play,' says Li Xin Yan, six. Nyon Qian Rou, six, says: 'I like chicken eggs. I like them in fried rice. I have tried egg soup as well. My mother puts egg in pasta. It is hot and nice.' Find the hidden words! ITEM: How do you get to school every day? Do you take the school bus or ride in your parents' car? If you take the bus, how many friends ride with you? What time does the bus pick you up, and how long is the journey to school? Do you enjoy chatting with friends on the ride, or is the bus too noisy or crowded? Is your school bus driver friendly and careful? Would you rather carpool or go with your parents? Tell us all about your school ride! Don't forget to include a drawing. Email your contributions to lifestyle@ by Aug 2. Please put 'STARCHILD: My School Ride' 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
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Starchild: Why Malaysian kids can't get enough of the playground
Playgrounds are one of the best places for children to have fun. Kids enjoy going there because there's always something exciting to do. You can climb, swing, slide and run around freely. Is there a playground near your neighbourhood? What do you like best about the playground? Could it be the colourful slides, swings, see-saws and monkey bars? One great thing about the playground is that it lets kids run and play, giving them a chance to move their bodies and stay active. P.L. Melissa Audrey, 12 The playground is also a great place to meet new friends. Some popular games children play at the playground include hide and seek and racing each other down the slide. Spending time at the playground is also healthier than staying indoors, glued to a handphone screen or TV. When we play outside, we get fresh air, sunshine and our much-needed exercise. It also helps us sleep better at night. Best of all, playing at the playground is fun! It makes us happy and helps us forget our worries. We can be silly, laugh loudly with friends and enjoy the moment. Nyon Qian Rou, 6 Starchild received an overwhelming response from our readers on the topic, Playground. We will publish the next sets of drawings next week. Here are this week's letters from our young and active readers. Chong Chen Kai, 6 Six-year-old Chong Chen Kai would create a colourful balance beam that makes him feel like a tightrope walker. "It would help me learn how to balance myself while having fun at the same time." Sham Kok Ren, 7 "In my dream playground, the slides are bright red and blue. I would spend the whole day zooming down them. I love to spend time in my special playground," says Sham Kok Ren, seven. "My seesaw would have a fun, unique design just for me. I'd go up and down with my best friend, laughing all the way," says six-year-old Nyon Qian Rou. Pang Yu Xuan, 6 Pang Yu Xuan, six, says: "My playground will have three merry-go-rounds in red, pink and green. My friends and I will get to twirl and whirl safely." Older sibling Nesha Anne Isitor, 12, writes: "I like the playground because I can play with my younger siblings, Ethan and Kaira. We sometimes play badminton at the park, and I try to hit the shuttlecock really high! Other times, we play basketball and try to score points like our favourite players. It's always so much fun!" "At the playground, I meet lots of friends and we play games like 'police and thief.' I also like the swings because I can go really fast. Playing outside makes me happy and healthy," says Kaira Anne Isitor, 10. Kaira Anne Isitor, 10 "In my dream playground, the adventure starts from the moment you step inside. First, there's a fun zone with trampolines and slides where kids can jump, bounce, and race. Then comes a rock-climbing wall that leads to a Minecraft -inspired maze filled with hidden passages. A wooden bridge with a breathtaking view connects this area to a stone maze. Deep within the maze lies a mineshaft, where sparkling fake diamonds shimmer on the walls, just like in a video game. It is the perfect place to relax," says Yap Si Hsien, 10. Yap Si Hsien, 10 ITEM: Grandmas are full of love, warmth and wonderful stories. They bake our favourite treats, give the best hugs and always know how to make us smile. July 23 is Gorgeous Grandma Day – so let us celebrate them! Write in and tell us what makes your grandma special and why you love her so much. Email your contributions to lifestyle@ by July 11. Please put "STARCHILD: My Gorgeous Grandma" 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
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Starchild: What makes Malaysian dads so special
Fathers Day was celebrated on June 15, and many Starchild readers made it a special day for their dads. Ngeoh Yue Qi, 7 It was the perfect time to say 'thank you' to our fathers for all that they do - from helping with schoolwork to fixing things around the house and giving us the best hugs when we need them the most. Some children surprised their fathers with handmade cards, while others wrote heartfelt messages or drew pictures to show their love. A few lucky dads even got breakfast in bed, prepared with help from mum, of course! Whether it was toast with jam, eggs or dad's favourite cup of coffee, the small gestures meant a lot. Here is the second batch of letters from Starchild readers on the topic, Happy Fathers Day. 'My dad is the strongest, kindest and most helpful man. He makes me laugh each time we talk. I love you, Daddy! Happy Fathers Day,' says Ngeoh Yue Qi, seven. Carlyn Chieng Xin Qing, 6 Six-year-old Carlyn Chieng Xin Qing writes: 'Papa, thank you for always taking care of me. I love going on walks with you and hearing your stories. You are the best papa in the world!' Michelle Tan Mei Kuan, 10 Michelle Tan Mei Kuan, 10, writes, 'I want to thank my father for always being by my side whenever I need help and guidance. I feel so happy and grateful knowing he is healthy and happy too. I love my dad so much - he is the best in the world. I will make him proud by studying hard and doing my very best in everything I do.' 'For Fathers Day, my sister and I made a video for our dad. We said 'Happy Fathers Day' in funny voices and added pictures of our family trips. He was so happy. My mother cooked his favourite dinner, roast chicken. I am lucky to have a dad who always supports me in everything I do,' says Erica Sophia, 12. Adam Faiz, 12, says: 'This year on Fathers Day, I made a handmade card for my father. My dad always helps me with Math homework and teaches me to be brave. I love him very much.' Adam Faiz, 12 ITEM: Imagine waking up on the ceiling, eating soup with a fork, or walking your goldfish instead of your dog. In an upside-down world, anything can happen - people wear shoes on their hands, rain falls up, and breakfast is dinner! What would your room look like? What funny things would people do? Would birds swim and fish fly? Draw your wildest ideas and tell us all about your upside-down world. The wackier, the better! Don't forget to colour it in and send it to us with your letter! Email your contributions to lifestyle@ by July 4. Please put 'STARCHILD: My Upside Down World' 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
16-06-2025
- General
- The Star
Starchild: How Malaysian kids celebrate their awesome dads
Fathers Day is a special time to celebrate dads, grandfathers, uncles or anyone who plays a father figure in our lives. It is a day to say 'thank you' to the men who love, guide and support us every day. In Malaysia and other parts of the world, Fathers Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June, which is this Sunday. On this day, many children give cards, write poems and spend quality time with their dads. Some families go out for a meal, while others prepare a simple surprise at home. Jayden Tan Li Sheng, 12 Our fathers may be quiet, but they work hard to support us. They wake up early in the morning, go to work, fix things around the house and always try to provide the best for their families. They may not always say it out loud, but they care very deeply and only want the best for us. Even if we cannot afford fancy gifts, we can still show our fathers how much we love them. A big hug, kind words or a handmade card can mean the world to them. You can even help around the house or cook his favourite meal with your mother. Some children may not live with their dads or may have lost them. Max Gian Zhe Chang, 7 Fathers Day is also a time to remember the good memories and be thankful for the love we have received. Whether your dad is serious or playful, strict or lenient, Fathers Day a good day to tell him you love him. Don't be shy, just say, 'Thank you, Dad! I love you!' We received many letters from Starchild readers on the topic, Fathers Day, and we will publish the second batch of letters next week. 'Dear Daddy, Happy Fathers Day. I love you so much. Thank you for taking me to fun places and for always helping me. When I feel scared, you help me feel brave. You are the best father ever,' says Swee Chen Xi, seven. Swee Chen Xi, 7 Max Gian Zhe Chang, seven, says: 'Happy Fathers Day to my funny and smart dad! Thank you for helping me with my homework and cheering me on in everything I do. I love spending time with you by the sea.' Tee Xin, six, writes: 'Dad, I love you so much! You teach me new things and always make time to play basketball with me. You are my hero. I love having a good time at the park in the evening. Have a beautiful Fathers Day!' Chong Chen Kai, 6 Chong Chen Kai, six, says: 'Dear Daddy, I love going for holidays and watching the sunset with you. You make me happy every day. Thank you for the picnics and fun-filled activities. Happy Fathers Day!' Jayden Tan Li Sheng, 12, writes, 'For this year's Fathers Day, we are planning to cook his favourite dish as a family. I will create a menu card that says, 'Today's Special: Dad's Favourite, made with love.' Together with my mother and siblings, we will start the day with a special brunch. In the evening, we will also fire up the barbeque set for a fun outdoor cookout, followed by a family game night with card games; one of Dad's favourite ways to spend time with our whole family and cousins. Last but not least, I want to say: Dad, I wish you good health always, and I love you forever. Wishing all fathers around the world a Happy Fathers Day!' Find the hidden words! ITEM: Let's talk about eggs – a breakfast staple and kitchen favourite. How do you like yours? Half-boiled, hard-boiled, sunny-side up or mixed into soups and dishes? Do you love cracking an egg into your instant noodles? Or maybe you prefer egg sandwiches, egg burgers or fried rice with a generous helping of scrambled eggs? Some people even enjoy shredded eggs in their spring rolls. Is your favourite meal an egg-based dish? Tell us all about it! There are so many ways to enjoy eggs. Do you have a fun or unique recipe? Do you know why eggs are good for you? And here's a fun question — which do you prefer: chicken eggs, duck eggs or tiny quail eggs? Have you ever tried century egg? If yes, did you like it? We'd love to hear your egg-citing stories. Don't forget your drawings too. Email your contributions to lifestyle@ by June 27. Please put 'STARCHILD: Eggs, Glorious Egg' 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.
