Stories that depict the challenges and triumphs of growing up, helping children navigate their own journey of self-discovery and identity.
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 Skyway Pact" tells the heartwarming story of Minah and Sabre, two best friends on their final cable car ride together before Minah moves to a different state. As they ascend through the misty highlands of Genting, they create a 'survival guide' for their friendship, filled with rules and promises to ensure their bond remains strong despite the distance. Their endearing pact, sealed with...
This slice-of-life story follows Jali, a young boy working on the Melaka River Cruise during his school holidays. Through his interactions with diverse passengers like the wise Uncle Tan and the jovial aunties, and by observing the city's vibrant riverbanks, Jali gains a deeper understanding of his community's rich history and cultural tapestry. His experiences on the river help him discover a...
This slice-of-life story follows Kai, a 9-year-old boy, as he spends his school holidays helping his family run their food stall at a traditional floating market on Pangkor Island. Through his daily tasks, from sorting fresh fish to making deliveries in a small sampan, Kai learns about the challenges and rewards of this unique way of life, the intricacies of a family business, and the profound...
"The Last Boat to Kukup Fishing Village" follows Mei-Mei, a city girl initially resistant to spending her summer with relatives in a unique stilted fishing village. Through daily chores, traditional games with local children, and participation in vibrant cultural festivals, Mei-Mei gradually sheds her dependence on technology and embraces the slower, community-focused lifestyle. She learns the...
The story follows three best friends—Haikal, Mei Ling, and Alwin—who discover a hidden puzzle etched into the iconic Glass House at Danga Bay. Their curiosity leads them on a scavenger hunt across the waterfront, solving riddles that eventually reveal a hidden diary from 1945. Through the diary, the children learn about the forgotten bravery of the multi-racial fishing village that once stood...
"The Night Riders of Putrajaya Bridge" follows three teenage friends—Yusof, David, and Maya—as they embark on a secret midnight cycling quest to cross the city's three most iconic bridges. Throughout their journey, they evade a security guard, fix a broken bike in the dark, and overcome their personal fears. The story captures the unique "lepak" (hanging out) culture of Malaysian youth and...
Eddy, a young boy living in the shadow of his family's legendary lantern-making reputation, finds himself struggling to connect with tradition at the bustling Thean Hou Temple. After discovering a mysterious, shimmering lantern made by his fisherman ancestor, Eddy embarks on a journey of trial and error to replicate the ancient "Sea-Silk" technique. Through this process, he moves beyond seeing...
Eddy feels lost and pressured by the expectations of growing up in the fast-paced environment of Kuala Lumpur. During a family outing to the Perdana Botanical Garden, he discovers a mysterious, ancient compass that refuses to point North, instead guiding him through a series of metaphorical encounters within the park's lush landscapes. Through a brush with a mysterious artist and helping others...
"The Echoes in the Batu Caves Stair" is a heartwarming tale of two twelve-year-old boys, Arjun and Malik, who were once inseparable until a misunderstanding drove them apart. A chance encounter during a steep climb up the iconic, colorful stairs of Malaysia's Batu Caves forces them to move past their pride. Amidst the heat, pesky monkeys, and breathtaking views, the boys navigate the difficult...
