Books to Inspire: February 2025
The 5 Love Languages: Singles Edition
By Dr Gary Chapman
For Valentine’s Day, give the gift of love through one of the five love languages. In “The 5 Love Languages: Singles Edition”, Dr Gary Chapman’s classic exploration of the five love languages—Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, Quality Time, and Physical Touch—finds a new lens through which to consider love and relationships. This version, tailored specifically for singles, addresses how individuals can apply the principles of love languages not only in romantic relationships but also in friendships, family dynamics, and even self-love.
In many family systems, the love languages of parents, children, and extended family members can significantly influence how family members feel understood, supported, and connected to one another. The book’s true brilliance lies in how it uncovers the nuanced and evolving nature of love languages, as individuals age and enter different stages of life. This February, explore how you express and receive love, and recognize that these patterns also shape the way your children and family experience and feel love.
“The 5 Love Languages: Singles Edition” by Dr Gary Chapman was published by Moody Publishers in April 2009. A paperback copy can be found in the non-fiction section of the Neilson Hays Library.
How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You?
By Jane Yolen and Mark Teague
In “How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You?”, Jane Yolen and Mark Teague have crafted a charming, playful picture book that teaches young readers about love and affection through the antics of lovable dinosaurs. Though at first glance this may seem like a simple book for children, upon closer examination, it reveals underlying themes that align perfectly with Gary Chapman's concept of the five love languages. Yolen and Teague provide a subtle yet effective foundation for discussing how love can be expressed in different ways, both within families and between friends.
The book focuses on a young dinosaur who may not always display love in the most conventional ways but ultimately shows affection through a variety of actions. In this context, “How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You?” becomes a gentle primer on how children—and parents—can begin to understand and appreciate different expressions of love, whether through kind words, helpful actions, thoughtful gifts, quality time, or affectionate touch. This story is an excellent introduction to the idea that there is no one "right" way to show affection, as love can be communicated through different actions, words, and behaviors.
“How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You?” by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague, and published by HarperCollins in 2010, can be found in the Children’s Corner of the library, as can “How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?” and “How Do Dinosaurs Go To School?”.
Prepared by Kit Lang. The Neilson Hays Library is Thailand’s premier English-language library. The Children's Program offers Saturday Story Time, a cozy Children's Corner, and special holiday events. Adult Programs include concerts, art exhibitions, book clubs, and book sales. Located in a UNESCO-awarded historic building with a garden and cafe on site: 195 Surawong Road, Bangkok 10500, Thailand. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook.