Stories that depict the challenges and triumphs of growing up, helping children navigate their own journey of self-discovery and identity.
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...
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...
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...
