Pineapple Tarts for a Rainy Day is a moving story about twelve-year-old Ah Boy and his aging grandfather, Gong Gong, as they prepare traditional Lunar New Year treats in their family home. As Gong Gong struggles with the early stages of dementia, the sensory experience of baking—specifically the sharp scents of cloves and cinnamon—acts as a "map" to help him navigate back to his memories and his...
On a bustling New Year's Eve at a vibrant night market, young Zhi Hao faces a crisis when his family’s legendary "Midnight Batch" of Bak Kwa goes missing. Alongside his plucky friend Mei Lin, Zhi Hao navigates the sights and smells of the Pasar Malam, following sticky clues and dodging red herrings. They eventually discover the thief is a mischievous monkey and use a clever trick with "Dragon’s...
Oranges in the Esplanade is a charming tale set in the vibrant streets of Penang during the Chap Goh Mei festival. Thirteen-year-old Belly participates in the tradition of throwing an orange into the sea to find a connection, leading her to Ah Boon, a boy who shares her deep love for local history. Through text messages and a heartfelt meeting at the Clan Jetties, the two navigate the nervousness...
Set in the vibrant heart of a 1970s Malaysian kampung, The Kuih Kapit Love Letters follows Cindy, a young girl who discovers a creative way to express her feelings for the boy next door, Ah Tuck. Amidst the heat of the charcoal stove and the sweet aroma of traditional baking, Cindy hides secret messages inside the crispy folds of Love Letter biscuits. As they navigate the innocence of youth and...
Seven Wishes in the Air is a heartwarming tale of seven childhood friends, known as the "Seven Stars," who gather for their annual Lunar New Year Yee Sang ritual. As they navigate the daunting transition into their teenage years, each friend adds a specific ingredient to the communal platter, symbolizing their personal struggles—from academic pressure and health scares to grief and loneliness...
The Teoh family’s annual journey to Ipoh turns into a hilarious and heartfelt ordeal when they get trapped in a massive 100-kilometer traffic jam. As the heat rises and the snacks run low, a series of hidden family secrets—ranging from secret durian feasts to traded school shoes—come to light, forcing the family to confront their mishaps before they even reach their destination. Ultimately, a...
The Girl Who Painted the Zodiac follows Lily, a young girl living in a modern city who feels a deep connection to her grandmother’s traditional stories. When she discovers a magical silver brush, her ink drawings of the twelve Zodiac animals come to life, filling her tiny apartment with chaos and wonder. However, as she brings the spirits into the physical world, she must defend her city against...
The Great Reunion Race follows a determined young boy named Eddy as he braves the chaotic "Chunyun" travel rush to make it home for his family's Spring Festival dinner. From navigating packed train stations using his "Eel Wiggle" to hitching a ride on a broken-down bus with a talkative Auntie and a basket of chickens, Eddy faces numerous comedic obstacles. Ultimately, the story highlights the...
Red Envelopes and Empty Pockets follows twelve-year-old Ah Boy as he struggles to live up to his family’s high expectations during the Lunar New Year celebrations. Constantly compared to his "lucky" and high-achieving cousin Ah Bin, Ah Boy feels inadequate until a moment of crisis reveals that true luck isn't found in wealth or grades, but in the strength of one's character. Through a selfless...
The Beast and the Firecracker is a vibrant reimagining of the Chinese New Year legend, centered on a spunky boy named Eddy and his clever friend Belly. Tired of their village constantly fleeing from the terrifying sea-beast Nian, the duo follows the advice of a mysterious old man who reveals the creature's secret weaknesses: bright colors and loud noises. Through the invention of the...
