Niepusino Liegise releases 'The Magic Words Playground', a children's book aimed at helping young readers develop reading skills
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DIMAPUR — Author Niepusino Liegise released her new children’s book, ‘The Magic Words Playground’, at The White Owl Book Lounge in Chümoukedima on Saturday, coinciding with Children’s Day.
Published by PenThrill Publication House, the book marks the publishing house’s 129th publication.
It is Liegise’s second book and is based on nearly a decade of her experience teaching early readers and observing the challenges children face while transitioning from kindergarten to independent reading.
Liegise, a teacher at NN Nagi School, said the book was close to her heart, as she had witnessed first-hand how children progress differently in their reading journeys.
She observed that by the age of six, some children could already read confidently, while others were still learning or trying to understand how letters and sounds combine to form words.
The Magic Words Playground has been written specifically for early readers, using simple words, basic sight words and diagrams.
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The author said she had attempted to create a familiar setting through relatable names and situations to encourage children to engage with the book.
"My hope is that these little touches will make children curious. I hope it will make them want to turn the next page, discover the next word, and, most importantly, enjoy the experience of reading," she said.
Expressing concern over the growing influence of screens in children's lives, Liegise said she hoped to help revive the joy and culture of reading among young children.
Referring to the popular sports slogan, "Catch them young", she said the same approach should be adopted towards reading by introducing books to children at an early age and encouraging them to develop reading as a lifelong habit.
She dedicated the book to her students, saying their curiosity, questions and unexpected conversations had inspired her to do better and made teaching a joyful experience.
Speaking at the book release as the special guest, Director of The White Owl, Viketuno Rio, said children's books were particularly close to her heart, especially those that helped young readers develop their reading skills while enjoying the process.
As someone who runs a book lounge and as a mother, Rio said she recognised the importance of encouraging children to read and helping them become confident readers.
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She observed that while many people grew up with books as an integral part of their lives, screens and smartphones had gradually taken over, leaving many unaware of the process involved in learning to read, including decoding, practice and the gradual development of reading skills.
Rio also highlighted the importance of the reading brain, noting that neuroscience has established that the brain does not have a dedicated reading centre. Instead, each child develops new neural circuits while learning to read.
She said books such as The Magic Words Playground could help guide children through their initial steps towards independent reading.
Acknowledging Liegise's experience of working with children for more than a decade, Rio said the author had transformed her observations, interactions and learning from children into a book aimed at making their reading journey easier.
She also described herself as an adult with an inner child who refused to grow up.
In the publisher's note, Vishü Rita Krocha said the book reminded her of her childhood and the limited access to children's books during that time.
She expressed happiness over the nurturing and steady growth of children's literature in Nagaland, saying it would provide today's young readers with opportunities that previous generations did not have and expose them to perspectives beyond those of outsiders.
"At any stage of our lives, the books we read matter, especially for children as they grow and embrace life, because each book can change our perspectives of the world around us," she said.