Starchild: Why Malaysian kids love bonding with animals

Hannah Chan Yue Bei, 8

If I could talk to an animal, I would choose to talk to a dolphin. Dolphins are so smart, playful and curious. I have always wondered what it’s like to live in the ocean, so they would be the perfect animal to ask!

First, I’d ask, “What is it like to swim so fast and jump so high out of the water?”

Ken Xin Ru, 12Dolphins can leap into the air with so much grace – it must feel amazing! Then, I’d want to know if they have friends like we do. “Do you play games with other dolphins, and how do you decide who wins?”

Since dolphins use clicks and whistles to communicate, I’d ask, “What do you say to each other? Do you have names for your dolphin friends and family? “It would be fun to learn their special language.

Talking to a dolphin would be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to learn about their amazing world. I’d listen carefully to everything they say and even try to teach them a little about us, humans.

If you could talk to an animal, which animal would you choose? Maybe a wise owl, a mighty lion, or even a tiny ant. Imagine the amazing stories they could share with you!

Recently Starchild asked readers to send in letters on the topic, Animal Whisperer. Here’s what they had to say.

“I would like to talk to a cat, a deer, a bee or a snake. I will ask if they like fruits and I will tell them what fruits I like too,” says Hannah Chan Yue Bei, eight.

Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, 9

Being born in the year of the horse, I would like to talk to a horse to understand its strength; how it can run so fast, be so strong and what it feels like to be ridden by a human. I want to hear all about the horses’ adventures, says nine-year-old Bethany Wang Qi Syuen.

Jayden Tan Li Sheng, 12

Jayden Tan Li Sheng, 12, writes, “I love to see a host of sparrows flying from one branch to another branch up in the trees. It’s so lovely to hear their chirping sound, like they are singing and cheering at one another happily. If I can talk to the flock, I would like to ask them what they are singing about and are they singing the same song? Do they talk to each other? If they break a wing, how would they heal? They look similar so how do they identify each other?”

Lim Jing Fu, 12

Lim Jing Fu, 12, wants to talk to rabbits. I will ask my pet rabbit Cookie if she really loves to eat carrots and what is her favourite food. I’d like to talk to her when I am bored at home. She loves hugs. That’s what I like about her.”

Michelle Tan Mei Kuan, 9Nine-year-old Michelle Tan Mei Kuan, says: “I love cats, especially kittens because they are cute and their fur is soft. I would like to ask them if they can feel someone is happy or sad. If the cat licks and lies at my feet, does that mean the cats like me so much too? And, do they have nine lives?”

“If I could talk to animals, I would ask the secrets of their fascinating world. I would ask my dogs about their daily adventures and understand the meaning of their language. I would also ask the birds about their migration patterns and what they see from up high,” says Ken Xin Ru, 12.

ITEM: Christmas is just around the corner, and Starchild wants to hear all about your favourite Christmas moments! What’s the best Christmas you’ve ever had? Was it decorating the tree, unwrapping presents, or spending time with your loved ones?

Do you have a special wish for Christmas this year? Maybe you’re dreaming of a cool gift or hoping for something more meaningful, like good health for someone you care about. Whatever it is, tell Santa all about it – he’s listening!

Get creative and draw a picture of you and Santa Claus. Imagine you’re anywhere in the world with him – perhaps riding his sleigh, visiting the North Pole, or even enjoying a tropical Christmas in sunny Malaysia.

Let’s see your festive artwork too!

Email your contributions to [e-mail] by Dec 16. Please put “STARCHILD: Christmas” 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.