<font color="119911"><font size="+2">Lucida</font></font> yes ah... I emailed you... on 13 jan. regarding this... anyway decided to post this here for other mummies who are keen to know too.
Hi Lucida,
I mailed the merchant. She said that the blocks and cubes can be bought easily in Singapore. In fact I"ve searched out for you...
Growing Fun United Square sells them. If you are member then can get 10% off. They have similar items - interlocking cubes and attribute blocks.
(Interlocking cubes - $19.90/29.90 _ can't remember ah)
(Attribute blocks - $24.90 (known as pattern blocks))
I think it's cheaper to get here because just getting these both sets from thinktonight is already about $45 not inclusive of shipping.
With regards to recommendation: this is what she wrote...
Remember as you’re looking that Singapore children are more advanced than most US children, particularly in Math.
For a five year old wanting math and science books
Mathematical Reasoning – maybe A, maybe B. I’d suggest looking at the sample pages and erring on too difficult. You can always buy a simpler book later but if you start too simple you’re stuck with a book you don’t use.
http://www.thinktonight.com/Mathematical_Reasoning_s/46.htm
Developing Critical Thinking through Science is a book of scripted science experiments to do with your children.
http://www.thinktonight.com/Developing_CT_through_Science_Book_1_p/08702bbp.htm
For a parent thinking in this direction with a bright child Building Thinking Skills Level 1 and either Lollipop Logic or Primarily Logic would be good choices too. They all teach the analytic thinking needed for math and science.
HTH's
Aynix