Books are such a valuable resource not only for learning, or entertainment. But as cultural artefacts that reflect the norms, ideas and issues faced by a generation. As Malaysians, it’s our duty to lift each other up. And there’s no better act of service than to support our local homegrown authors. Not only for bringing our local folktales and legends to our children, but for preserving our stories in perpetuity within the pages of Malaysian literature. Here are some local kid-lit books that you should definitely introduce to your child.
My Mother’s Garden
Dina loves her mother’s fertile, green garden full of flowers, plants and fruits. She plays in it every day and learns the names of the flora and fauna that live there. Especially the beautiful insects and critters that make the garden their home.
Written and illustrated by renowned Malaysian artist Emila Yusof, My Mother’s Garden is one of many beautifully-rendered picture books for children created by the author. They’re not only pretty to look at but are also educational, helping your kids learn more about the world around them.
Other books from the author includes My Mother’s Kitchen and My Father’s Farm.
The Magic Buffalo
No one in the village wants to play with Sansaringa because he doesn’t have a buffalo like all the other boys in his village. Hoping to make more friends, Sansaringa weaves a toy buffalo for himself from wood and other things.
Along with his three friends a dog, a cat and a hen, Sansaringa journeys out on an adventure of his own. But the buffalo turns out to be much more special than anyone could have ever guessed.
Written and illustrated by Sabah-born artist Jainal Amambing, The Magic Buffalo is a must-read for any child who’s a little shy about making new friends.
Dill the Little Elephant
Dill the Baby Elephant is left behind when his herd leaves their grazing field for greener pastures. Desperate to return to his family, Dill strikes out into the wilderness on his own.
On the way, he makes friends with two musicians, a frog and a cricket, who ask him to join their merry little band. From there, he also makes friend with a fox, a civet cat, a bear and some monkeys who helped him get back home.
Written by Linda Tan Ming Luan and Volker Wolf, and illustrated by Yusof Gajah, Dill the Baby Elephant teaches children the value of strength, determination and never giving up hope.
Puteri Tioman the Green Turtle
This is the story of a green turtle returning to lay her eggs on the same beach where she was born on the island of Tioman. It is a beautifully written and illustrated story using the character of Putri Tionam to describe the life and dangers faced by these beautiful creatures.
Written by Rossiti Aishah Rashidi and Farrah Ashiela Samsuri Puteri Tioman the Green Turtle is a great book for teaching your kids about preservation and conservation.
Mistbound: How to Glue Back Grandpa
Follow Alexis as she tries to break a curse of forgetfulness placed on her Grandpa by an evil spirit. In order to do so she must travel to a mystical, dangerous land known as Mist and collect ingredients for making Memory Glue. These include nose hair from a Baku, tears from a Duyung and many other bits and pieces taken from the cryptids and monsters of Malaysian myth.
Written by Malaysian-born author and father Daryl Kho, Mistbound is an homage to his dad who suffers from dementia. Suitable for kids ages 8 to 12.
Kampung Boy
Join Mat, a young boy hailing from a village in Ipoh, as he takes us through his childhood in the 1950s!
From the innocence of youth to the challenges of moving away from home, Kampung Boy is a slice of life graphic novel that tells us all about the ups and downs of growing up in a typical Malay community.
Written by Malaysian cartoonist, Datuk Mohammad Nor bin Mohammad Khalid, or as he is known by his Lat, Kampung Boy remains an evergreen book for children of all ages.
When I Was a Kid
What happens when boredom meets curiosity and imagination takes a life of its own? An explosion of childhood shenanigans!
Written by Johor-born author, Boey, When I Was a Kid is a semi-autobiography of the author’s life as a little boy growing up in Malaysia.
The book is illustrated with adorable stick figures reminiscent of children’s drawings. Drawings that are brought to life by stories of family, friendship and all-around fun and mischief.
Suitable for kids of all ages, and adults who want to travel back in time to simpler days.
Two Sisters One Sarong
A pair of loving sisters, Gituan and Riang, are torn asunder from a family conflict, souring their relationship forever. Only with the arrival of a third sister, Inang, were they able to reconcile and become a family once more.
Written by award-winning Malaysian author, Lorraine Yoong, Two Sisters One Sarong may be just the book you need to settle any sibling rivalry that may be going on between your kids. Suitable for kids of all ages.
Let’s Support Our Local Authors, Mummies!
At the end of the day, what make’s Malaysia is its people—families, friends, and neighbours all united under one nation and a common identity.
These books reflect not only our culture and history but also the values that every Malaysian holds near and dear to their heart. Values that your children will pass on when they have kids of their own.
So have fun reading all these Malaysian-made children’s books with your kids and have a great Malaysia Day this year!
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