Author: NoodleTale

The Secret of the Blue Rice Map
Mystery & AdventureCultural Heritage FictionStory

The Secret of the Blue Rice Map

Aisyah, an aspiring young detective in Kelantan, discovers that the way her grandmother arranges her Nasi Kerabu is actually a coded map. By decoding the ingredients, she unlocks a secret room in a historic mansion, expecting to find jewels but instead discovering a priceless family recipe and the history of her ancestors. The story blends Malaysian culture with a classic "whodunnit" vibe, emphasizing that heritage is the greatest treasure of all.
The Paperweight Heart
Middle Grade Contemporary FictionComing-of-Age TalesRealistic Magical Metaphor Story

The Paperweight Heart

In a quiet Malaysian village, a young girl named Yana discovers a strange weight in her chest that appears whenever she feels overwhelmed. As she tries to escape it, she learns that the “paperweight heart” is not something to remove, but something that helps her stay steady through fear, pressure, and emotional storms. Through a school storytelling challenge and guidance from unexpected places, she learns to live with her feelings instead of fighting them.
The Gravity-Defiant’s Handbook
Magical RealismComing-of-Age TalesStory

The Gravity-Defiant’s Handbook

Lila Tan wakes up one morning discovering she is 10% lighter every day. As she drifts literally above the world, she struggles to stay grounded. With the help of a mysterious handbook, weighted objects, and the power of love and focus, Lila learns to balance her new lightness with the things that truly keep her tethered, discovering courage, creativity, and the heart of what it means to stay grounded.
Midnight at the Museum
Adventure & ComedyAdventure FictionStory

Midnight at the Museum

After getting accidentally locked inside Te Papa Tongarewa following a late-night visit, siblings Ben and Marama must navigate a series of hilarious and nerve-wracking obstacles—including the infamous earthquake house and the eerie Colossal Squid exhibit—to escape before triggering the museum’s alarms. Filled with Kiwi slang, sibling banter, and playful nods to Aotearoa’s culture and landmarks, this lighthearted adventure blends slapstick comedy with heart, celebrating curiosity, quick thinking, and the unbreakable bond between brother and sister
The Owl Who Was Scared of the Dark
Friendship & Self-DiscoveryNature Fantasy AdventureOvercoming Fear & Emotional Growth

The Owl Who Was Scared of the Dark

Aru, an owl who prefers daylight and fears the dark, is unexpectedly chosen to guide a forest festival during a stormy night. Struggling with his fear, he learns to rely on sound, memory, and teamwork instead of sight, ultimately leading his community safely through chaos and discovering that courage isn’t the absence of fear—but the ability to move forward with it.
Under the Rain Tree Canopy
Slice of LifeFamily & CultureNature & Self-DiscoveryStory

Under the Rain Tree Canopy

During a family picnic at the Penang Botanical Gardens, twelve-year-old Aina, often called the quiet one, finds solace and understanding by observing the intricate lives of the silvered leaf monkeys in the Rain Tree and the slow, deliberate blooming of the giant lilies. When her older brother gets stuck in a tree and provokes the monkeys, the noisy panic of the crowd escalates the situation. By calmly sharing her keen observations with the park ranger, Aina helps resolve the crisis, discovering that her quiet, attentive nature is not a weakness but a unique strength and her own way of communicating, much like the natural world she loves.
When the Screens Went Asleep
Fantasy AdventureContemporary Middle Grade FictionTechnology & Imagination Theme

When the Screens Went Asleep

When every digital screen in Kampung Seri Paya mysteriously falls asleep at the same time, a curious boy and his friends uncover a hidden magical grove where old technology rests like living beings. As they navigate a world suddenly free of constant digital noise, they rediscover friendship, outdoor play, and the forgotten beauty of their surroundings—learning that balance, not avoidance, is the real magic.
The Glitch in Classroom 5T
Science FictionComing-of-Age AdventureMystery & SuspenseSchool AdventureStory

The Glitch in Classroom 5T

In Singapore’s Classroom 5T, twelve-year-old Ryan discovers a mysterious cheat code that allows him to manipulate reality itself. Excited at first, he quickly realizes every change deletes pieces of the real world. With the help of his friend Meilin, he must navigate a digital puzzle to restore everything before permanent damage is done, learning the weight of responsibility and the consequences of tampering with forces beyond understanding.
The Lone Tree of Wānaka
Contemporary FictionCultural FictionNature & Environment

The Lone Tree of Wānaka

In this heartfelt contemporary drama set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Wānaka, twelve-year-old Chloe Te Whare discovers her beloved semi-submerged willow tree has been damaged by careless visitors. Refusing to stay silent, she rallies her schoolmates, family, and community to launch a grassroots project to protect the tree—not just with a physical barrier, but with education, cultural respect, and shared responsibility. Through simple actions and unwavering care, Chloe proves that even one young voice can inspire real change, reminding everyone that nature’s treasures deserve protection, not just admiration.