During his school holidays, twelve-year-old Arif helps his grandfather, Tok Aki, pedal one of the last trishaws through the narrow streets of George Town. As they move slowly through the city, Arif learns that rushing makes people miss the small but meaningful details of life. Through stories, sounds, and shared moments, he discovers that growing up isn’t about moving faster—but about learning...
Lila Mornings discovers a mysterious map in an old geography book, leading her to a network of invisible cities hidden within her town. With her new friend Riven, she explores fantastical streets, collects magical tokens, and faces shadowy dangers, ultimately reaching the Center—a hub connecting all the cities. Chosen to protect and guide these secret worlds, Lila learns that magic exists...
"Echoes from the Harbour Bridge" is a moving tale set in 1932 Sydney, told through the eyes of Mei, a young girl documenting the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. As the "Great Depression" grips the city, Mei’s family struggles with poverty while her father risks his life working high above the harbour. Through her sketches, Mei captures the spirit of a city divided by water but united...
During the peak of cherry blossom season at Tokyo’s Chidorigafuchi Park, childhood friends Kenji and Aiko share a poignant final afternoon rowing through a moat blanketed in pink petals before starting middle school. Fearing their friendship might fade with changing routines, they make a heartfelt promise to reunite at the same spot every spring. Over the years, despite diverging paths, they...
On his thirteenth birthday, Leo discovers he has a magical gift that doesn’t fade like everyone else’s—he can unlock the secrets of the city itself. As he explores hidden gardens, floating books, and secret tunnels, he learns both the thrill and responsibility of his unusual powers. Guided by a mysterious mentor, Leo must navigate challenges, make tough choices, and embrace the adventure of a...
The Red Center Marathon follows twelve-year-old Leo Chen as he attempts to step out of his athletic older brother's shadow during a family trip to the Australian Outback. Competing in a grueling junior "fun run" through the harsh desert landscape, Leo must battle extreme heat, swarms of flies, and a nagging sense of inadequacy. Through sheer determination and a shift in perspective, Leo discovers...
In the heart of Hiroshima, a quiet daydreamer named Haruki joins a diverse group of classmates and exchange students to fold one thousand paper cranes for the annual Peace Festival. When a sudden summer storm destroys their supplies and threatens their progress, the group must learn to move past perfectionism and use the "scraps" of their community to finish their task. Through their collective...
In Willow Creek, young artist Finn Calder discovers his paintings can control the wind, reflecting his emotions. As he struggles with anger, joy, and fear, he learns the responsibility of his gift and discovers that true mastery comes from understanding his inner storms. Through friendship, family challenges, and the Festival of Winds, Finn learns to channel his art to harmonize both nature and...
Kai and Mei, two adventurous siblings of Asian descent living in Western Australia, discover a tangled "ghost net" threatening a sea turtle on the Ningaloo Reef. Attached to the net is a cryptic message from a whistleblower named Linh, leading them on a high-stakes trail of clues across rusted landmarks and salt pans. By decoding the messages, the children uncover an illegal poaching ring and...
Through a series of heartfelt letters to her American pen pal Emma, twelve-year-old Kiko Suzuki shares her life in the shadow of Matsumoto's iconic "Crow Castle." Her quiet passion for architecture is ignited when she enters a prefectural design contest, leading her to create a community library inspired by the castle's traditional wooden joinery. With encouragement from Emma, help from a gruff...
