Stories that depict the challenges and triumphs of growing up, helping children navigate their own journey of self-discovery and identity.
Penang Bridge’s Whispering Winds follows Eddy, a 17-year-old on the eve of leaving his home island for university in Sydney, as he takes one final bus ride across the Penang Bridge. Through quiet reflection, fragmented memories, and the weight of unspoken goodbyes—especially with Anna, Lily, Bell, and the others—he grapples with the bittersweet ache of growing up. The journey becomes a metaphor...
"Jellyfish Summer at Monkey Beach" is a heartwarming coming-of-age story about Lily, a shy girl whose quiet summer holiday takes an unexpected turn when she experiences a jellyfish sting. Initially overwhelmed by fear of the ocean and hesitant to make new friends, Lily gradually finds her courage with the gentle encouragement of Eddy and Anna. Through a beach treasure hunt, she not only confronts...
"The Komtar Kid's Climb" tells the heartwarming story of Eddy, a shy Penang boy who reluctantly participates in a race up the towering Komtar building. With the unwavering support of his best friend Anna and other classmates like Lily, Bell, Vivian, Emma, and Hyuga, Eddy confronts his deep-seated shyness and physical challenges. Along the way, he even helps a younger boy, Pye, find his courage...
In the vibrant streets of George Town, twelve-year-old Xiao Bin Bin steps in to help his aging grandfather make final deliveries on their beloved, creaky trishaw before it’s retired due to modern changes. Through each journey, Xiao Bin Bin discovers heartfelt stories woven into the trishaw’s history, connecting him to his family and community. With the help of his lively friends - Eddy, Anna...
The neon glow of Tokyo's Shibuya crossing painted streaks across Hana's rain-slicked glasses. Thousands surged around her, a river of umbrellas and hurried footsteps. She clutched a worn, red shoe, its sole flapping like a broken wing.
In the secluded town of Seaside Pines, there lived a quirky old sailor named Chen "Chili Peppers" Wu. Chen was a retired fishing captain known for his love of green cucumber and his ability to sense rain long before it fell. Today, he lounged in his creaky porch swing, which squeaked like a tired old boat. The air was unusually calm, and Chen disliked calm days. They made him feel uneasy, like a...
The air hung thick and sweet, like overripe mangoes. Amara wiped sweat from her brow, her hand leaving a muddy streak. The midday sun beat down on the dusty village of Dhulibari, baking the terracotta earth a harsh orange. She was twelve, all elbows and knees, with eyes that mirrored the deep, ancient well she was staring into.
Once upon a time in the bustling city of Hanamura, there lived a quirky young woman named Mei-Ling. Mei-Ling was known for her boundless curiosity and her insatiable love for food, especially dumplings. She worked as a humble bookshop assistant in a corner shop, but her true passion lay in cooking and creating new dumpling recipes.
In a small town, there was a playground that used to be filled with laughter. Children played on the swings, slid down the slides, and ran around the grassy field. But one day, everything changed.
The old woman, Mei, sat on her porch swing. It creaked gently, matching the soft tinkling of the wind chimes made from sea glass—little pieces collected over many years. Each piece held a memory, a whisper of the ocean.
