• CHILDREN'S LITERATURE,  Picbook Review

    The Tremendous Trio: How They Met

    The Tremendous Trio: How They Met is an illustrated storybook about a scruffy dog, a boy named Nash, a girl named Alice, and how they become friends.

    It is a fun storybook to read; on how a shy girl overcomes her shyness and builds confidence. The truth is that none of us are born with social skills; there are things that we learn over time. Whatever our age or situation, we can learn to overcome shyness or social awkwardness, banish loneliness, and enjoy strong, fulfilling friendships.

     

    The Story

    The scruffy dog likes to make friends with other dogs, but it seems that she is not pretty enough to mix with those that had names and collars, that didn’t have ticks and fleas or dirt and mites. She is sad.

    Alice is feeling awkward around unfamiliar people (it’s her first day at an orphanage), unsure of what to say, and worries about what others might think of her. She is shy too. When other kids ask if she likes to play together, she just stares at her feet till they go away. She is sad.

    On the contrary, Nash who lives in the same orphanage, never seems afraid of anything; he talks a lot and all kids seem to like him. He is one happy boy.

    One day, the scruffy dog and Alice cross path with each other and quickly became friends. Alice named the dog Bella and takes Bella to the orphanage. The scruffy happy Bella quickly makes friends with all the kids in the orphanage; they like to play with her and did not care about her scruffy appearance.

    Alice learned from Bella how to be brave and confident. Alice begins to say ‘yes’ when other kids ask her to play. She sometimes even asks if she can join and play together.

    Alice overcomes her shyness and becomes Nash’s best friend. Together with Bella, they often play together and likes to make up wondrous adventures. Soon they become inseparable and become The Tremendous Trio.

    They have lots of fun in the orphanage. You must read to find out what are the adventures they are up to. From the last page, the author ensures that there will be other adventures for The Tremendous Trio. How They Met is the first and describes each of them, and how they meet.

    The Book

    Title: The Tremendous Trio: How They Met
    Publisher: Oyez!Books
    ISBN: 9789670908069
    Author: Quek Sue Yian
    Illustrator: Evi Shelvia
    Language: English
    Format: Softcover
    Size: 210 x 148.5mm
    Pages:52
    Price: RM22.00

    The Author and Illustrator

    QUEK SUE YIAN has published short stories and articles for newspapers. Kailash is Sue’s first venture in writing a story for children and adults alike. She is the founder of One-for-One Books, a not-for-profit organisation that distributes books to less privileged children. She is also the publisher of MagicBird Publishing that publishes picture books that encourage children to ask questions. The books are part of her Wisdom Club for children.

    EVI SHELVIA was born in Jakarta. She studied industrial design. In 2009 her family moved to Kuala Lumpur following her husband’s new appointment. The first picture book she illustrated, The Gift of the Ladybug, was an Amazon bestseller on the first day of its launch. This encouraged her to illustrate children’s picture books professionally. She has illustrated for a number of picture books both locally and internationally.

    You can buy this book from Oyez Book Store online or you can visit Silverfish Book Store at Level 2, Bangsar Shopping Vilage 2, KL

  • acrylic,  ARTWORKS,  mixed media,  watercolor

    Thank you Allah for sending down the rain

    In the Holy Quran, Allah (SWT) mentions water or waters 178 times, wind or winds 65 times, cloud 49 times, storm three times, plants eight times, river or rivers 117 times, earth 824 times, sea 88 times, the sun 93 times, and the moon 59 times. They are all mentioned in different contexts and situations associated with the life on earth.

    “And We have sent down blessed rain from the sky and made grow thereby gardens and grain from the harvest.” (Quran, 50:9)

  • my books

    Puteri Gunung Ledang

    Here’s my latest picture book, Puteri Gunung Ledang, written in Bahasa Malaysia (Malay Language).

    I know the story of the Princess from Mount Ledang has appeared in books, movies, and plays— but I still want to feature the story, in my own words.

    I am telling it in a different perspective; in an angle as if I myself was standing behind the Princess, so close that I can convey her feelings. This contrasts with many stories, especially those written for children, where the Princess is rather passive. Indeed, the original story was likely told to show how great and powerful the Sultan of Melaka was. Although he didn’t win her hand, it was not because he lacked the power but because he was conscious of his duty towards his heir and country.

    The story is told in poetry which gives it drama and pathos, suitable for a play. This is definitely one book to add to your collection if you are a fan of folktales and a collector of picture books.


    I use the motifs of Malaysian batik sarongs but however, unlike the bright colours of batik, I use primarily red, yellow, grey and white, resulting in a subdued effect.

    I am taking this opportunity to acknowledge the editor, Datuk Hjh Zaiton Ajamain.

    You can preview the book and/or buy online at:  Puteri Gunung Ledang, Oyez Book Store.

    Alternatively, you can buy offline from Silverfish Book Store, Bangsar Village 2, Bangsar, KL.

  • ARTWORKS,  digital illos,  Dina

    Collaboration with My Town KL

    A collaboration with MyTownk KL, Cheras, in conjunction with 2017 Hari Raya festival.

    Illustration copyright © Emila Yusof. Illustrations I did include Dina (my character from Dina Series), goats, rooster, hen, chicks, bicycle, monkeys and ketupat. Layout is done by Leo Burnett.
    Please do not copy and use it in any manner.

     

  • Oyez Books & Gifts

    Hari Raya Goodies

    This Raya, Oyez!Books together and I havecome up with two designs for sampul duit (money packet) and with the help of our partner, Creative United, two must-have sling bags.

    The Happy Family design by Emila Yusof is quintessential Emila, and we just have to smile as it gets us right into the Raya spirit which is all about family and balik kampung. For collectors of sampul raya, this has the benefit too of being an all-year-round sampul duit.

    The Kampungku design is by Elly Nor Suria. Oyez! has published a Kampung colouring book by Elly and now you can get inspired and colour yours too. The colourful patchwork of kampung scenery is so lovely, we are so proud to have it on this all-year-round sampul duit. For your information, Elly also paints her kampung scenes on larger canvas and accepts commission. Do check her out on FB.

    We have packed these sampul raya and sling bags into special gift packages at attractive prices for you so why not get them as gifts for this Raya celebration?

    While sampul raya and sling bags are great gifts for the Raya celebration, another unique gift idea would be mood rings. These rings have been around since the 1970s and have gained popularity due to their ability to change colors based on the wearer’s mood. Each color represents a different emotion, making it a fun and interactive way to express oneself. Mood rings are available in various designs, from simple bands to more intricate styles. They can make for a thoughtful and personalized gift for someone special, especially if you know their favorite mood ring colors. It’s a fun and unique way to show someone that you care about their emotional well-being.

    To buy, please visit: http://www.oyezbookstore.com/specials.html

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