There are many wonderful Picture Books from Asian Publishers out there and they should be introduced to a wider audience.
As of now, we have listed nearly 190 books and still adding more. You may scroll down to see the latest posts, and also use the categories to find the books you might be interested in.
This is a community effort, do join us to contribute a listing or a review and make this site an invaluable resource for parents and teachers. We also hope to have reviews and interviews.
For now, we will focus on English or wordless picture books only.
Publisher and Country (may be self-published): self-published /Singapore
Publisher’s Blurb: “Kiwi-Kiwi Collection of Comix” is an enchanting children’s comic book entirely hand-written and hand-drawn by a nine-year-old from Singapore, Lam Dieu Phong. This book is a treasure trove of kid-friendly humor, capturing the endearing misspellings often used by children. Readers will be taken on an adventure with the flying Kiwis, whose ability to soar through the skies depends on “Kiwifroots.” Join them as they face thrilling challenges, including the disappearance of their precious “Kiwifroots,” the mysterious vanishing of their tree, and the draining of their beloved pool. The book also includes engaging games and activities designed by a child for children, providing a joyful learning experience. “Kiwi-Kiwi Collection of Comix” invites readers to immerse themselves in a whimsical world and discover the magic of imagination.
5 Keywords (other than themes): spelling corrector for kids, imagination in action, action and adventure for kids, game and learning, funny mystery
Brief Review (in under 50 words): The book is very funny. We like the 1st story the most. And we enjoyed the chapter “Flip-O-Rama” Good job Dieu Phong. Looking forward to your next series. We can’t wait for the “Kiwis Avenge” By Miki Tram
Title of Picture Book: Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali: The Accidental Doctor
Author: Eva Wong Nava with June Ho
Illustrator: Debasmita Dasgupta
Publisher and Country (may be self-published): World Scientific Publishing, Singapore
Publisher’s Blurb: Meet Siti Hasmah, a little girl, who wanted to be a journalist, in a period when not every girl was sent to school. See what happened to her, her family, and country when World War II struck. Walk in her footsteps as she graduates from university and went on to save the lives of many Malaysian women and children. See what she finally ended up being.
Theme (Self, Friends, Family, Places, Celebrations, Nature, Technology, etc):STEAM, Asian Women, Medicine, World War 2, Education for Girls, Childhood, Culture
5 Keywords (other than themes): Sheroes, Asian Women, Women Who Shaped Asia, Biography, Change makers
Brief Review (in under 50 words): We know her as Malaysia’s indefatigable first lady, but her quiet heroism has helped so many in her capacity as a doctor and pioneer of women’s health long before that. In this sweetly illustrated book kids can get to know Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah as a girl with her own dreams and aspirations.
Where to buy or borrow (if available): Amazon; World Scientific Website, All online book stores, National Library, British Library
ISBN Number (if available): 978-981-122-111-8
Submitted by (could be your preferred name, including pen name): Eva Wong Nava
Publisher and Country (may be self-published):Penguin SEA
Publisher’s Blurb:Elisa is finding it difficult to cope with her nanny, Mina, going home. She tries hard in her six-year-old way, to stop Mina from leaving. But Mina has to go. A present from Mina forms a magic bond between them. While Mina goes back to tending to her children, her affection and love for Ella flows through the malong.
Mina’s Magic Malong stirs a magical wonder in reminding readers of a universal human emotion that resides in all of us, no matter how diverse we are: Love.
Title of Picture Book:Captain Sleep and His Night-Time Adventures
Author:Not stated
Illustrator:Not stated
Publisher and Country (may be self-published):Health Promotion Board, Singapore
Publisher’s Blurb:Be ready in your pyjamas … let’s meet Captain Sleep and his secret friends.
4 stories: 1. Captain Sleep and the Lost Alien 2. Captain Sleep and the Little Chicks 3. Captain Sleep and the Giant Who Fell Sick 4. Captain Sleep and Bigfoot
Title of Picture Book:The Boy Who Talks in Bits and Bobs
Author:Eva Wong Nava
Illustrator:Debasmita Dasgupta
Publisher and Country (may be self-published):Armour Publishing, Singapore
Publisher’s Blurb:Owen is a boy like any other ordinary boy. He loves to play the ukulele and he loves to sing. But speaking does not come easily for Owen. He speaks in bits and bobs. He finds that anything is possible with love, kindness and patience.
Publisher and Country (may be self-published):Ethos Books, Singapore
Publisher’s Blurb:Puteh has a new friend, Itam, a kitchen help adopted by Puteh’s grandmother. The two children find the,selves in trouble when they got into a fight in the kitchen. Itam is punished for Puteh’s misdeed. Find out how Puteh redeems herself with her new friend, by using the magic of her beaded slippers. A tale of friendship and loyalty, join Puteh and Itam on their kitchen adventure and discover a quirky side to the Peranakans, their food heritage.
Title of Picture Book:Vinod and the Deepavali Dishes
Author:Debra Ann Francisco
Illustrator:Madeline Wee
Publisher and Country (may be self-published):Straits Times Press, Singapore
Publisher’s Blurb:It’s a busy day for Vinod! He has to follow his Aunty Meera around Little India on her Deepavali shopping errands. Back home, he makes an amazing discovery about his Tatta (grandfather). Find out what Vinod learns about Tatta’s youth and how he puts his creative juices to work helping his family out in this kitchen.