Children's Book Week 2016 - Short and Sweet with Yusof Gajah

Yusof Gajah has a deep and abiding love for children’s books and working with children. While a busy artist, he has managed to write and illustrate a number of books for children and have won the National Book Council Award for best picture book and the Noma Concours (ACCU) award for best illustrations. His popular picture book, ‘The Real Elephant’ was first published in Malay and has been translated into Japanese. Its enduring qualities have enabled an English publication in 2010. He has also created the ‘ELEPHABET’ which continues to attract both children and adults. 

Yusof Gajah

1. Why do you like writing/illustrating children’s books?

I want children to enjoy looking at art and reading.

2. What makes you laugh?

Thinking of my mistake.

Elephant Teapot by Yusof Gajah

3. What is the best day of your life?

Doing nothing.

4. What are your top 3 tips on writing stories for children?

a. Be a child
b. Read more children's books
c. Use your imagination

The Real Elephant by Yusof Gajah

5. What inspires you?

a. Nature
b. Children

---

Yusof Gajah will be conducting a Storytime sesssion on Friday, 3 June during Children's Book Week 2016 at the Concourse, Bangsar Village II.  Come meet Yusof - the artist, author, illustrator, judge and curator of beautiful art and books.