The Circle

Title of Picture Book: The Circle

Author: Ken Spillman

Illustrator: Manjari Chakravarti

Publisher and Country (may be self-published): Armour Publishing, Singapore

Publisher’s Blurb: Do we really care about the Others? Do the Others care about the other Others? What do we do when forests are shrinking away to nothing?

The Circle is an inspiring story with globally-relevant themes. It is a modern parable about the most important issues of our time. It evokes innocence and the corrosive power of social pressure, exclusion and bullying.

In a troubled world, The Circle celebrates our universal need for understanding and peace.

Theme (Self, Friends, Family, Places, Celebrations, Nature, Technology, etc): Friends

5 Keywords (other than themes): friendship, environment, bullying, earth, inclusion

Brief Review (in under 50 words): As it is based on an abstract concept, older readers would enjoy this picture book.

Where to buy or borrow (if available): NLB, Singapore

ISBN Number (if available): 978-981-4597-09-8

Submitted by (could be your preferred name, including pen name): Moses

New Croc on the Block

Title of Picture Book: New Croc on the Block

Author: Marissa Chok, Tracy Koh, Georges Ip, Peh Zhen Yi, Tan Pek Yan

Illustrator: Tracy Koh

Publisher and Country (may be self-published): Raffles Ecological Literacy Programme, Singapore

Publisher’s Blurb: Cyril’s old has just been destroyed and he is looking for a new place to stay. Chancing upon Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, he begins a journey filled with memorable encounters and unexpected delights, in his quest for a perfect new home.

Join Cyril on his unforgettable quest as he explores Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve with the help of his knowledgeable guide, Kingsley the Stork-billed Kingfisher!

Theme (Self, Friends, Family, Places, Celebrations, Nature, Technology, etc): nature

5 Keywords (other than themes): crocodiles, otters, mangrove forest, environment, habitats

Brief Review (in under 50 words): Great for introducing readers to nature and environmental protection.

Where to buy or borrow (if available): National Library Board, Singapore

ISBN Number (if available): 978-981-09-0020-5

Submitted by (could be your preferred name, including pen name): Moses

In Bon Bibi’s Forest

Title of Picture Book: In Bon Bibi’s Forest

Author: Sandhya Rao

Illustrator: Proti Roy

Publisher and Country (may be self-published): Tulika Publishers, India

Publisher’s Blurb: The quiet villages of Sundarban are terrorised by a monster with wild eyes, sharp teeth, striped skin and pointed nails – Dokkhin Rai! Until finally, Bon Bibi, protector of the forests and people asks hi a simple questions: Why do you do this?
The answer to this question is central to the age-old theme of human-animal harmony that has inspired many stories, including this one. Set in a lesser known part of Bengal, the lush and mysterious Sundarban, the textured narrative and dramatic, detailed illustrations evoke a distinct culture of the place – the natural confluence of Hindu and Muslim mythologies, and the rhythm and concerns of everyday life at the edge of the jungle.

Theme (Self, Friends, Family, Places, Celebrations, Nature, Technology, etc): places, values

5 Keywords (other than themes): environment, siblings, legends, nature, not wasting

Brief Review (in under 50 words): An interesting tale.

Where to buy or borrow (if available): National Library Board, Singapore

ISBN Number (if available): 81-8146-925-9

Submitted by (could be your preferred name, including pen name): Moses

You Been to Ubin?

Title of Picture Book: You Been to Ubin?

Author: Chia Yun Ze, Choo Xin Yi, Gregory Yap, Melissa Chua, Pearlynn Sim, Terh Shin Huoy

Illustrator: Lim Zhi Jie

Publisher and Country (may be self-published): Raffles Institution, Singapore

Publisher’s Blurb: Pulau Ubin’s an island by the sea,
with many things to do and sights to see.
Meet Llypod, who’s visiting it for just one day,
and join him on an adventure along the way!
Meet Tomo, a hornbill who can’t get home,
so nowhe’s upset, cold and all alone.
Will you join Lloyd and help Tomo get home?
What are you waiting for? Ot’s time to roam!

Theme (Self, Friends, Family, Places, Celebrations, Nature, Technology, etc): family, places, nature, value

5 Keywords (other than themes): landmark, animals, environment, island, puzzles

Brief Review (in under 50 words): Puzzles are woven into the story. Text might be more suitable for older readers.

Where to buy or borrow (if available): National Library Board, Singapore

ISBN Number (if available): 978-981-07-6388-6

Submitted by (could be your preferred name, including pen name): Moses

Walking in Great-Grandpa’s Tracks

Title of Picture Book: Walking in Great-Grandpa’s Tracks

Author: Beh Wei Chen, Teo Rui En Nicole, Lorraine Tan Hui En

Illustrator: Pan Yu Yu

Publisher and Country (may be self-published): Raffles Institution, Singapore

Publisher’s Blurb: With the help of a magical hat,
A strange place Ethan finds himself,
Follow our hero as he unearths this place,
Where he meets an all too familiar face.

Three friends he will meet,
Who slither, flutter and tweet,
From whom he will learn to appreciate their home,
And all the creatures within it that roam.

Join Ethan as he backtracks into the past,
And learns to love this place at long last.

Theme (Self, Friends, Family, Places, Celebrations, Nature, Technology, etc): Self, Family, Places, Nature

5 Keywords (other than themes): history, environment, animals, landmark, transport

Brief Review (in under 50 words): Interesting mix of history and appreciating nature.

Young writers and illustrator.

Where to buy or borrow (if available): National Library Board, Singapore

ISBN Number (if available): 978-981-09-4452-0

Submitted by (could be your preferred name, including pen name): Moses

List: The School in the Glass City

Title of Picture Book: The School in the Glass City

Author: Gwen Lee

Illustrator: Brandon Chng

Publisher and Country (may be self-published): Marshall Cavendish for Building and Construction Authority, Singapore

Publisher’s Blurb: Alex is not just mean to his schoolmates Bucky and Gaia; he also doesn’t think twice about wasting natural resources! When things get out of hand, Greco and Beco decide to intervene. With the help of a little magic, they transport Alex forward in time, The Singapore of 2047 looks picture-perfect, but is it really? Follow Greco and Beco as they reveal the key to a sustainable future.

5 Keywords (other than themes): sustainability, environment, bully, waste, caring

Brief Review (in under 50 words): Personally think it is too didactic and not a very engaging story.

Where to buy or borrow (if available): NLB, Singapore

ISBN Number (if available): 978-981-4779-2-96

Submitted by (could be your preferred name, including pen name): Moses

List: The Forest Fable

Title of Picture Book: The Forest Fable

Author: Gelyn Ong

Illustrator: Gelyn Ong

Publisher and Country (may be self-published): Marshall Cavendish, Singapore

Publisher’s Blurb: In a beautiful rainforest filled with trees of many colours, the animals live happily. One day, a lumberjack arrives. Will he chop down the trees? What will become of the bears, the porcupines and the orang-utans who call the forest home?

In this enchanting fable, 9-year-old artist Gelyn Ong paints a moving portrait of Mother Nature under threat and the importance of conserving the earth’s shared resources.

5 Keywords (other than themes): environment, animals, young writer, science, deforestation

Brief Review (in under 50 words): A charming book by a young artist and illustrator.

Where to buy or borrow (if available): NLB, Singapore

ISBN Number (if available): 978-981-4408-56-1

Submitted by (could be your preferred name, including pen name): Moses

List: Picking Up a Penguin’s Egg Really Got Me into Trouble

Title of Picture Book: Picking Up a Penguin’s Egg Really Got Me into Trouble

Author: Neil Humphreys

Illustrator: Cheng Puay Koon

Publisher and Country (may be self-published): Marshall Cavendish, Singapore

Publisher’s Blurb: Four-year old Abbie Rose has a magic suitcase. In this book, she goes on an exciting adventure to the snowy world of the South Pole with her best friend Billy. When she arrives, she meets a funny family of Adelie Penguins. Always a curious little girl, Abbie Rose picks up a penguin’s egg which causes all sorts of problems.
The penguins chase her. the ice breaks and they head out to the deep blue sea … where a hungry leopard seal is waiting. Fortunately, an unlikely hero comes up with a really clever plan to save the day.

5 Keywords (other than themes): imagination, south pole, problem solving, environment, animals

Brief Review (in under 50 words): Imaginative tale.

Where to buy or borrow (if available): NLB, Singapore

ISBN Number (if available): 978-981-4484-18-3

Submitted by (could be your preferred name, including pen name): Moses

List: The Mango Tree

Title of Picture Book: The Mango Tree

Author: Hidayah Amin

Illustrator: Idris Ali

Publisher and Country (may be self-published): Helang Books, Singapore

Publisher’s Blurb: Everything has a story, even the knotted tree. Besides bearing fruits and providing shade, what is so unique about the mango tree? Why does it have a special place in a little girl’s heart?
The Mango Tree is a touching story of family relationship, appreciation for nature, and a rooted sense of identity that transcends through time and space.
5 Keywords (not including themes): History, Heritage, Malay, Nature, Environment

Brief Review (in under 50 words): Through a unique and personal biography, we learn about traditions and also the need to treasure nature and the environment. A good springboard for talking about family too. Some Malay words are also introduced.

Where to buy or borrow (if available): NLB Singapore

ISBN Number (if available): 978-981-07-5134-0