By The Book: AFCC 2021 highlights diversity, inclusivity and mental well-being

The Asian Festival of Children’s Content (AFCC) wrapped up its second digital edition on 30th May 2021, drawing more than 3,000 cumulative views over its four-day run. AFCC would continue with its VOD offerings until 30th June. Originally planned as a hybrid festival, the organisers Singapore Book Council had to turn it fully virtual after a surge of COVID-19 infection cases in Singapore. Festival attendees … Continue reading By The Book: AFCC 2021 highlights diversity, inclusivity and mental well-being

★★★☆☆ Book Review: The Elephant and the Tree by Jin Pyn Lee

Heartbreaking children’s book about conservation. Children’s books don’t always have to showcase the most groundbreaking art to leave an impact. Most of the time, that comes from the power of the story within the book, and with The Elephant and the Tree, Jin Pyn Lee’s tale of an enslaved elephant is likely to haunt you after turning the last page. Dedicated to ‘the voiceless’, The … Continue reading ★★★☆☆ Book Review: The Elephant and the Tree by Jin Pyn Lee

★★★☆☆ Book Review: The Womps – Chick Bee’s Charming Cha-Cha by John Lim and Samantha Han

Learning to stay true to oneself, with the help of these furry friends. Following their introduction to the world in Pinto’s Pinky Promises, The Womps are back to navigate the ups and downs of life and friendship, where readers stand to learn a thing or two along the way! This time around, our Womp of focus is Chick Bee (the blue Cheeto-looking one), who’s learnt … Continue reading ★★★☆☆ Book Review: The Womps – Chick Bee’s Charming Cha-Cha by John Lim and Samantha Han

★★☆☆☆ Book Review: Save Me From Chloe by Kang Jing

Fledgling comic strip needs time to work on its writing and world-building. Living with a younger sibling can be one of the most frustrating, or rewarding experiences of your life (and often, both at the same time). In Save Me From Chloe, Kang Jing’s self-published collection of comic strips, the artist chronicles the ups and downs of a pair of siblings daily lives in Singapore, … Continue reading ★★☆☆☆ Book Review: Save Me From Chloe by Kang Jing

★★★☆☆ Book Review: The Years of Forgetting by Sofia Abdullah

It takes many moons before one can finally move on. There’s an article I was reading the other day about how a woman who was sexually abused as a child continued to carry this intense trauma inside her into her adulthood. Triggered by seeing her abuser lead a relatively happy life, with no visible guilt, that trauma manifested as an intense desire to kill not … Continue reading ★★★☆☆ Book Review: The Years of Forgetting by Sofia Abdullah

By The Book: First hybrid edition of Asian Festival of Children’s Content to take place this May

AFCC 2021 key visual by Kampanart Sangsorn After a year of disruptions and social distancing, the annual Asian Festival of Children’s Content (AFCC) will be returning for its 12th edition from 27th to 30th May 2021 in a new hybrid format. The festival will roll out a blended format of online sessions and select in-person programmes, featuring more than 50 local and international speakers.  The … Continue reading By The Book: First hybrid edition of Asian Festival of Children’s Content to take place this May

★★★☆☆ Book Review: Chronicles of a Circuit Breaker by Joseph Chiang

An on-the-nose digest of comics adding a dose of humour to Singapore’s circuit breaker.  Thanks to the pandemic and our very own circuit breaker measures, 2020 has been a truly strange year for everyone. From masking up whenever we step outside, to working from home, or simply the heightened paranoia of unhygienic practices, the new normal seems to have firmly entrenched itself into our lives, … Continue reading ★★★☆☆ Book Review: Chronicles of a Circuit Breaker by Joseph Chiang

By The Book: Hamed Ismail receives Tun Seri Lanang Award at Anugerah Persuratan (Malay Literary Awards) 2020/21

Five outstanding Singapore Malay writers will receive the Anugerah Persuratan (AP) Award at the 14th awards ceremony on Saturday, 10 April 2021. Mr Hamed Ismail is named the recipient of the Tun Seri Lanang Award at the AP 2020/2021 edition, the highest recognition for his achievements. He is also the oldest literary writer to receive the award. Aged 73, he has been writing for over … Continue reading By The Book: Hamed Ismail receives Tun Seri Lanang Award at Anugerah Persuratan (Malay Literary Awards) 2020/21

★★★★☆ Book Review: Ace Agent Spycat and the Mayonnaise Mayhem by Darren Lim

Crime-fighting cats return to save the world’s landmarks from thieving racoons. When we read the first book in Darren Lim’s Ace Agent Spycat Series, we were charmed by our flawed but likeable heroes, as they saved the world from freezing over using their wits, cool gadgets, and the power of teamwork. Now, Spycat and Rockcat are back for a brand new adventure, as thieving racoon … Continue reading ★★★★☆ Book Review: Ace Agent Spycat and the Mayonnaise Mayhem by Darren Lim

★★★☆☆ Book Review: First Person Singular by Haruki Murakami

Quintessential Haruki Murakami reflecting on the little absurdities that make up our world.  I first discovered Haruki Murakami as a teenager, diving into his works from The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle to 1Q84. Often, it was the ones that had a distinct, surreal touch that struck me, creating the idea that beyond what our usual senses could detect, there lay an entire layer of alternate reality, dangerous and dream-like. … Continue reading ★★★☆☆ Book Review: First Person Singular by Haruki Murakami