Exhibition of TULIP original illustrations at Project Room Gallery
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Oyez!art for Tulip, new book by Quek Sue Yian and Meme
The duo that brought us Kailash, a story about a refugee zebra, have now produced another book, Tulip - The Dog that Ate Nightmares. Based on Sue Yian's pug, the real Tulip, the story has been given a whole new world on paper with the art of Khairul Azmir Shoib aka Meme.
"Meme doesn't just illustrate, he creates new worlds," says Peter Duke, publishing director of Oyez!book, publisher of the book, due out on 8 June 2014. "Sue Yian's writing just tumbles out for this story and runs along like a brook; it's a pleasure to read."
"Meme doesn't just illustrate, he creates new worlds," says Peter Duke, publishing director of Oyez!book, publisher of the book, due out on 8 June 2014. "Sue Yian's writing just tumbles out for this story and runs along like a brook; it's a pleasure to read."
The publisher also published Kailash on behalf of Voice of the Children in 2012. Kailash was recently selected for the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) Honour List 2014.
Meme's illustrations however are not those typically found in children's books. "This is a picture book as well as an art book," says Peter. "Oyez has published a number of art books, mostly under the GAJAH imprint for art books by Yusof Gajah. For Tulip, we've created a new logo, adding the word 'art' to the current logo. In addition, as we work with a number of illustrators, we are converting part of our bookshop into an art gallery where their original artwork will be displayed. Readers don't usually get to see the original illustrations in a book and we would like to make it possible for them."
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Quek Sue Yian
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Meme
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There will be a soft launch of Tulip the book on 8th June, which is the real Tulip's 12th birthday. Part of the proceeds from the sales of the book will go to TNRM Malaysia an NGO dedicated to spaying street canines.
Read The Star article on 24th May 2014 to find out Tulip's birthday wish. |
Book Launch - Fun at the Opera by Susanna Goho-Quek
May 2014. Artist and children's book illustrator, Susanna Goho-Quek has written a book for children based on her own life as a child growing up in a a large family with cousins and the ever-present performers from her mother's Chinese Opera troupe. Indeed, one of Susanna's brother was a well-known Chinese Opera performer who performed in many parts of the world. Fun at the Opera will be launched on 1st June at the National Library of Singapore, 3.30pm, in conjunction with the Asian Festival of Children's Content.
Praise for Susanna's book:
What a wonderful way to introduce to children the pantomime, the drama, the colour, the spectacle and the delights that is Chinese Opera. With her unique, creative and extremely colourful illustrations, Susanna has opened the stage doors of this often intriguing world. The playfulness of the children creating their own opera world behind the scenes is a wonderful expression of all the magic and joy of childhood. Congratulations for a beautiful creation.
Christopher Cheng, Author
Fun at the Opera is a beautiful tale about an evening filled with a myriad of colours, swirling gleeful mischief and endless possibilities. It's a beautiful gift that will be enjoyed by all children, parents and grandparents for years and years to come.
Myra Garces Bascal, Assistant Professor
The delicious illustrations enhance the perfect prose of this magical story. Susanna brings to alive the enchanted world of Chinese Opera...
David Seow, Children's book author
In this book, born from her love of Chinese Opera, Susanna shares with us her experiences of her rambunctious and colourful association of her mother's Tai Hei, Chinese Opera Troupe. Her illustrations are capital and her infectious for life is our gain in her recollection of a loving time gone by.
Chin San Sooi, Theatre Director
Get a sneak preview!
Praise for Susanna's book:
What a wonderful way to introduce to children the pantomime, the drama, the colour, the spectacle and the delights that is Chinese Opera. With her unique, creative and extremely colourful illustrations, Susanna has opened the stage doors of this often intriguing world. The playfulness of the children creating their own opera world behind the scenes is a wonderful expression of all the magic and joy of childhood. Congratulations for a beautiful creation.
Christopher Cheng, Author
Fun at the Opera is a beautiful tale about an evening filled with a myriad of colours, swirling gleeful mischief and endless possibilities. It's a beautiful gift that will be enjoyed by all children, parents and grandparents for years and years to come.
Myra Garces Bascal, Assistant Professor
The delicious illustrations enhance the perfect prose of this magical story. Susanna brings to alive the enchanted world of Chinese Opera...
David Seow, Children's book author
In this book, born from her love of Chinese Opera, Susanna shares with us her experiences of her rambunctious and colourful association of her mother's Tai Hei, Chinese Opera Troupe. Her illustrations are capital and her infectious for life is our gain in her recollection of a loving time gone by.
Chin San Sooi, Theatre Director
Get a sneak preview!
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Oyez!Books appoints Singapore distributor
25 April. Oyez!Books has appointed Closetful of Books as their exclusive distributor in Singapore.
"We met Denise at the Asian Festival of Children's Content when the bookshop she was working for was the official festival bookseller. We were impressed with her enthusiasm for and knowledge of children's books. Her calmness during the hectic festival season was much appreciated by everyone. When we found that she has started her own distribution company, we were only too happy to appoint her as our distributor in Singapore," says Linda Tan, director of Oyez!Books.
"Closetful of Books was started because I’ve always believed in the power that lies between the pages of a book," says Denise Tan, founder of Closetful of Books. "Every story has the ability to affect a child’s worldview and give him or her the ability to explore ideas and emotions. Our aim for CoB is that we'll be able to share stories with every single child because I don’t believe there is ever a child who doesn’t read - he or she just hasn’t found the right book."
"We met Denise at the Asian Festival of Children's Content when the bookshop she was working for was the official festival bookseller. We were impressed with her enthusiasm for and knowledge of children's books. Her calmness during the hectic festival season was much appreciated by everyone. When we found that she has started her own distribution company, we were only too happy to appoint her as our distributor in Singapore," says Linda Tan, director of Oyez!Books.
"Closetful of Books was started because I’ve always believed in the power that lies between the pages of a book," says Denise Tan, founder of Closetful of Books. "Every story has the ability to affect a child’s worldview and give him or her the ability to explore ideas and emotions. Our aim for CoB is that we'll be able to share stories with every single child because I don’t believe there is ever a child who doesn’t read - he or she just hasn’t found the right book."
"And with our distribution arm, I am aiming to share the stories and authors we care about. By working with independent publishers such as Oyez, we are telling the stories that others may not have heard yet. And because we know that the authors feel strongly about their stories and that the books are published with a lot of care, it is giving us great joy in sharing the books with libraries, schools and book stores in Singapore."
Since the appointment commenced two months ago, Closetful of Books has placed books by Oyez! in major bookstores in Singapore, selected independent bookstores and obtained library orders.
Since the appointment commenced two months ago, Closetful of Books has placed books by Oyez! in major bookstores in Singapore, selected independent bookstores and obtained library orders.
New! Teacher created picture book
April 2014. The Malaysian Book Council's popular Teacher Created Materials Training Courses was first spearheaded by artist and children's book writer and illustrator, Yusof Gajah in 2011. This has led to many teachers being trained in the production of picture books for children. The second batch in 2012 resulted in the production of picture books, poems and informative books. Publishers were invited by the Book Council to select the books they wish to publish. One of the books Oyez!Books selected was a Malay-language book with the title Wan Tidak Sunyi Lagi. The simple story, about a grandmother, is well-written with appropriate illustrations and is now published in a bilingual edition. Author Jamisah Jalaluddin is working on another book in the Wan series.
Five-book Korean rights sale for Yusof Gajah
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March 2014. The Korean rights of Yusof Gajah's Creative Learning Series, comprising five books, have been sold to Econ Publishing house based in Paju Book City, Seoul. The deal was brokered by sub-agent, Lee Hansang. Apps for the books, by another Korean company, is also part of the deal.
Lee, who met Yusof a few years ago at Nami Island said,"I love Yusof Gajah's work and am delighted that his books will be available for Korean children." The books are expected to be published next month, in time for the Paju Book Festival in May. Established more than 15 years ago, Econ is part of the large publishing group Munhak donna (meaning Literacy Town). |
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Karangkraf Publishes Dina the Little Malaysian Girl
DINA
March 2014. Malaysia's leading publisher, Karangkraf, has signed on children's book writer and illustrator, Emila Yusof for a series of books based on Dina, her little Malaysian girl character.
Karangkraf will be publishing two Dina books, Taman Bunga Emak Saya (My Mother's Garden) and Dapur Emak Saya (My Mother's Kitchen) in time for the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair in April.
Originally published in English as early readers, and now available as ebooks at www.kotabuku.my, the two books have been expanded to suit the Malay reading market. Readers of the Malay edition will have a fuller story while the illustrations will surely enchant little girls as Dina is your regular Malaysian girl.
Karangkraf will be publishing two Dina books, Taman Bunga Emak Saya (My Mother's Garden) and Dapur Emak Saya (My Mother's Kitchen) in time for the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair in April.
Originally published in English as early readers, and now available as ebooks at www.kotabuku.my, the two books have been expanded to suit the Malay reading market. Readers of the Malay edition will have a fuller story while the illustrations will surely enchant little girls as Dina is your regular Malaysian girl.
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In Taman Bunga Emak Saya (My Mother's Garden), Dina plays in a garden surrounded by flowers and colourful butterflies. A glossary of local flowers is provided at the end of the book.
In Dapur Emak Saya (My Mother's Kitchen), Dina is helping her mother in the kitchen. She pounds chili using a stone mortar and tries hard to remember the names of different spices used in her mother's curry. A glossary of items commonly found in the kitchen and the spices her mother uses is included at the end of the book. |
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More books have been planned for the series and young readers will be able to explore the wonderful world around them with Dina.
Dina was also introduced at the Asian Festival of Children's Content in Singapore last year when the Perbadanan Kota Buku (Book City Corporation) commissioned Emila Yusof to paint a picture for the Honorable Raja Zarith Sofia, consort of the Sultan of Johore.
Emila Yusof, whose drawings of uniquely Malaysian characters are instantly recognisable, says she particularly loves drawing girl characters and has done several. However, Dina seems to have struck a chord with many readers. Emila has also drawn two little girls, "They are twins," she says with a shy smile.
But for now, she will be working on the next two books in the series to delight, entertain and help young readers learn about the world around them.
Dina was also introduced at the Asian Festival of Children's Content in Singapore last year when the Perbadanan Kota Buku (Book City Corporation) commissioned Emila Yusof to paint a picture for the Honorable Raja Zarith Sofia, consort of the Sultan of Johore.
Emila Yusof, whose drawings of uniquely Malaysian characters are instantly recognisable, says she particularly loves drawing girl characters and has done several. However, Dina seems to have struck a chord with many readers. Emila has also drawn two little girls, "They are twins," she says with a shy smile.
But for now, she will be working on the next two books in the series to delight, entertain and help young readers learn about the world around them.
Book Trailer: Legendary Princesses of Malaysia
German Rights Sold for books by Yusof Gajah and Jainal Amambing
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Feb 2014. German rights for 'Where Is My Ball?' by Yusof Gajah and 'The Magic Buffalo' by Jainal Amambing, have been sold to Baobab Books, Switzerland. Baobab Books promote a broad and diverse range of books translated from other languages into German to promote reading skills as well as encourage intercultural dialogue.
Yusof Gajah's iconic elephant images in 'Where is my ball?' are among his most startling and original works where elephants of different colours and shapes look for their missing coloured balls. 'The Magic Buffalo', which had won the Encouragement Prize in the 16th ACCU (Asia-Pacific Cultural Centre for UNESCO) Noma Concours, 2008, tells the story of an orphan boy and his toy buffalo. Jainal's wonderful illustrations bring to life the village life and how children play. The German edition of both books are expected to be published in Q3 this year. |
Two Malaysian Books for IBBY Honour List 2014
PUTERI TIOMAN the Green Turtle
Written by Rossiti Aishah Rashidi
Illustrated by Farrah Ashiela Samsuri
KAILASH,
Written by Quek Sue Yian
Illustrated by Khairul Azmir Shoib
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Jan 2014. The year galloped in with good news. The International Board of Books for Young People (IBBY), a non-profit organisation based in Basel which represents an international network of people from all over the world who are committed to bringing books and chilldren together, has selected two Malaysian books for the 2014 IBBY Honour List.
Nominated by the Malaysian chapter of IBBY, the two books are Puteri Tioman written by Rossiti Aishah Rashidi and illustrated by Farrah Ashiela Samsuri, and Kailash written by Quek Sue Yian and illustrated by Khairul Azmir Shoib. Puteri Tioman was selected under the author category while Kailash was selected under the illustrator category. According to Liz Page, IBBY Executive Director, important considerations in selecting the Honour List titles are that the books are representative of the best in children's literature from the country and that the books are suitable for publication throughout the world. The Honour List provides insight into the diverse cultural, political and social settings in which children live and grow and it can be used by all those involved with developing educational and literacy programmes. In this way, the Honour List supports IBBY's objective of encouraging international understanding through children's literature. The two books selected will be included in the 2014 IBBY Honour List catalogue which will be distributed worldwide. The honour list books will subsequently be shown at several parallel travelling exhibitions in Japan, Russia, the USA, and at the Bologna Children's Book Fair 2015. Thereafter, they will be kept as permanent deposits at the International Youth Library in Munich and other research collections in Russia, Japan, Slovakia, Switzerland and the USA. The official presentation of the honour list selection will be in September at the 34th IBBY World Congress in Mexico City. Congratulations to the nominees! |
Yusof Gajah Lingard Agency in animation deal with Moker Taiwan.
Dec 2013. The Yusof Gajah Lingard Literary Agency is working with Moker Taiwan to animate selected picture books the agency represents. This include a number of books published by Oyez!Books especially those by Yusof Gajah, Emila Yusof, Jainal Amambing and Rossiti Aishah Rashidi; as well as the Bleagh monster series by Leana Doray and Blow a Kiss by David Seow, both from Singapore.
In addition, Jean Liu, CEO of Moker who visited Oyez!books recently, was particularly impressed by the work of C.K. Koh, an illustrator whose first picture book, Do Noses Grow Long When Lies are Told, was published by MagicBird Publishing. Jean has also optioned C.K. Koh's second picture book, Dream Boy, also published by MagicBird and due out early next year.
To-date, two books by Jainal Amambing have been animated by Moker and are available on the Moker online library of animated books, bookteller.com. "At Bookteller, print books are brought to life through animation and narration, creating a lively experience without losing the uniqueness of each author and artist," said Jean.
With offices in Taiwan and Shanghai, Moker is also looking to working with more publishers in China. This will certainly benefit their partners and Linda Tan, director of the YGL Agency said, "Whether we are working with writers or illustrators or business partners, we have a long-term view so that we can grow together. This is just a start and we look forward to more mutually beneficial opportunities with Moker."
In addition, Jean Liu, CEO of Moker who visited Oyez!books recently, was particularly impressed by the work of C.K. Koh, an illustrator whose first picture book, Do Noses Grow Long When Lies are Told, was published by MagicBird Publishing. Jean has also optioned C.K. Koh's second picture book, Dream Boy, also published by MagicBird and due out early next year.
To-date, two books by Jainal Amambing have been animated by Moker and are available on the Moker online library of animated books, bookteller.com. "At Bookteller, print books are brought to life through animation and narration, creating a lively experience without losing the uniqueness of each author and artist," said Jean.
With offices in Taiwan and Shanghai, Moker is also looking to working with more publishers in China. This will certainly benefit their partners and Linda Tan, director of the YGL Agency said, "Whether we are working with writers or illustrators or business partners, we have a long-term view so that we can grow together. This is just a start and we look forward to more mutually beneficial opportunities with Moker."
Yusof Gajah's Eledoodle for Korea
Dec 2013. Korean rights for Yusof Gajah's latest doodle book, EleDoodle, has been sold to Korean publisher, Naminara. "It's a very creative and inspiring book that we wish to publish in Korea," said publishing manager Fred Ming (민경우). The book is targeted to be published in March next year in time for the Bologna Book Fair. EleDoodle contains almost 100 pages of doodles with samples of completed eledoodles done by various people, a fascinating demonstration of how each person doodles a line into an elephant image. All that is needed is a pen or pencil and imagination. In Malaysia, the book is published by Integra Majujaya Media under the imprint GAJAH, a specially created imprint for all of Yusof Gajah's books, and will be available early next year.
Yusof Gajah's Elephabet on the Asian Institute of Finance's Greeting Cards
Dec 2013. The Asian Institute of Finance, an organisation focused on developing human capital across the financial services industry in Asia, has licensed Yusof Gajah's 'Elephabet' for their season's greeting cards, using the ele-letters, A, I, and F. Yusof Gajah is Malaysia's most prominent naive-art artist and an award-winning children's book writer and illustrator. He has conducted workshops for children and adults nationwide and overseas.
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Jainal Amambing at the Singapore Art Museum
From 28th Oct 2013 - 16 Feb 2014, Jainal Amambing's illustrations are being exhibited at the Singapore Art Museum (SAM). Jainal Amambing is an illustrator based in Sabah, Malaysia. He has won a number of awards and published several picture books. One of his more popular picture books is 'Longhouse Days' - a page from the book can be seen in this exhibition at SAM.
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Get Jainal Amambing's book, Longhouse Days from Kinokuniya, KLCC or from Silverfish, Bangsar. Comes with DVD of the animated story. Another picture book by Jainal Amambing is The Magic Buffalo. Jainal tells stories from his childhood and paints from his heart about his beloved home, Sabah, where the majestic Mount Kinabalu gazes over all.
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Yusof Gajah and Emila Yusof at Georgetown Literary Festival 29Nov-1Dec, 2013
The George Town Literary Festival returns this year from 29 November to 1 December with an impressive array of local and international writers. The Festival which will be held in George Town, Penang will host 18 acclaimed writers from the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, India, Australia, Italy and Malaysia who will engage on the theme The Ties That Bind.
GTLF is partnering with Borders, which will be the official bookstore for the festival. They will also be presenting the Borders Children’s Programme which will feature specific literary events for children throughout the festival weekend. This include readings with prominent Malaysian artist and children's book writer and illustrator, Yusof Gajah who is best known for his iconic elephant images. Yusof has also been nominated for the 2014 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, the World's largest Children's Literature Award; the nominees comprising 238 candidates from 68 countries were announced during the Frankfurt Book Fair recently.
GTLF is partnering with Borders, which will be the official bookstore for the festival. They will also be presenting the Borders Children’s Programme which will feature specific literary events for children throughout the festival weekend. This include readings with prominent Malaysian artist and children's book writer and illustrator, Yusof Gajah who is best known for his iconic elephant images. Yusof has also been nominated for the 2014 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, the World's largest Children's Literature Award; the nominees comprising 238 candidates from 68 countries were announced during the Frankfurt Book Fair recently.
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In line with the theme The Ties That Bind, Yusof will be reading from his latest picture book, Dill the Little Elephant which tells the story of a tiny elephant who was left behind when the herd moved on. But through persistence, courage and with the help of friends he made on the way, he was reunited with his family.
Yusof will also be demonstrating his signature Eledoodles which never fail to fascinate both children and adults. In all his demonstrations, Yusof had never lacked eager participants who wished to try their hand at Eledoodles. Using just a pen and paper and some imagination, Yusof showed how any line, circle and doodle, can be turned into a picture of an elephant! And for the first time, Yusof is making his Eledoodles available in a book which will see its first launch at the Georgetwon Literary Festival with the support of Borders.
Another well-known Malaysian children's book writer and illustrator who will be at GTLF is Emila Yusof whose distinctive illustrations of uniquely Malaysian characters have made her a much sought-after illustrator. Her latest work most recently include illustrations for a series of Malaysian Airlines advertisements.
Emila will be presenting two new books which will also be launched for the first time specially at GTLF. These are My Mother's Kitchen and Legendary Princesses of Malaysia.
Yusof will also be demonstrating his signature Eledoodles which never fail to fascinate both children and adults. In all his demonstrations, Yusof had never lacked eager participants who wished to try their hand at Eledoodles. Using just a pen and paper and some imagination, Yusof showed how any line, circle and doodle, can be turned into a picture of an elephant! And for the first time, Yusof is making his Eledoodles available in a book which will see its first launch at the Georgetwon Literary Festival with the support of Borders.
Another well-known Malaysian children's book writer and illustrator who will be at GTLF is Emila Yusof whose distinctive illustrations of uniquely Malaysian characters have made her a much sought-after illustrator. Her latest work most recently include illustrations for a series of Malaysian Airlines advertisements.
Emila will be presenting two new books which will also be launched for the first time specially at GTLF. These are My Mother's Kitchen and Legendary Princesses of Malaysia.
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My Mother's Kitchen is the second book in a series of a little girl and her family. In the first book, My Mother's Garden, the little girl enjoys her mother's garden and a glossary of flower names and illustrations are provided; in the second book, the little girls watches her mother in the kitchen and learns about spices and utensils. This is certainly an appropriate book to be launched in Penang, well known for its culinary delights.
The Legendary Princesses of Malaysia tells the stories of 10 princesses of Malaysia, some real, some mythical but all uniquely Malaysian, from the warrior queen, Cik Siti Wan Kembang to the water princess of Ulek Mayang and not forgetting Princess Hang Li Po.
With thanks to Borders for their support and do mark your diaries for the Georgetown Literary Festival end November.
The Legendary Princesses of Malaysia tells the stories of 10 princesses of Malaysia, some real, some mythical but all uniquely Malaysian, from the warrior queen, Cik Siti Wan Kembang to the water princess of Ulek Mayang and not forgetting Princess Hang Li Po.
With thanks to Borders for their support and do mark your diaries for the Georgetown Literary Festival end November.
NEW! Lil' Guardian Alphabet by Emila Yusof
New Book by Emila Yusof featuring her lovable Lil' Guardians. Learn the A to Z of flowers with flower descriptions provided in English and Bahasa Malaysia. Currently vailable at the emilaemila online shop and Silverfish bookstore, Bangsar. 32pp, soft cover. RM20/-
Browse inside:
New! Grandma Lim's Persimmons
Our latest book is out! Grandma Lim's Persimmons by Sunita Lad Bhamray and illustrated by Marjorie van Heerden was launched in Singapore at the Asian Festival of Children's Content on 29 May 2013. Location: The Plaza, National Library. Here are some images from the launch.
At the Asian Festival of Children's Content 2013, 25-30 May
Kota Buku Malaysia led the Malaysian team as Country of Focus this year at AFCC. This is their publication in conjunction with the event and Oyez!Books is featured on P14. Check it out!
Elephabet Flashcards
First created in 2010, Yusof Gajah's Elephabet has remained popular with children and adults. Now in its third printing, the flashcards especially make ideal gifts. Get two sets to play a game of 'snatch'; frame them up for a child's room; form a name with the 'eleletters' or use them as gift cards. Tell us how you use them! See the video for all the eleletters in Elephabet.
New Picture Book: Helang Berkaki Bumbung
Look inside!
New Picture Book: Nyam-Nyam Nyit
Look inside!
Publishers Weekly Special Report: Children's Publishing in Asia
We are thrilled to be featured in Publishers Weekly Special Report on Children's Publishing in Asia by Teri Tan, Jan 18, 2013. It's an in-depth report and it's very exciting to read about all the developments that are going on in children's publishing in this region. Oyez!Books is very new in comparison but I would say this year we are going to see a lot more happening in the children's book scene here in Malaysia: The Calistro Prize winners have been announced and the KotaBuku/Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka picture book prize will be announced soon; and in May, Malaysia will be Country of Focus at the Asian Festival of Children's Conference in Singapore. At Oyez!Books, we are busy with more than 20 books in the pipeline to be published by middle of 2013. So stay tuned!
