EVENTS
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Bookaroo Literature Festival, Sarawak 2015
When I was invited by Jo Williams from the Bookaroo Trust India team to join its literature festival in Sarawak as a speaker, I was skeptical. I have never speak in public and never want to speak in public because I have doubt about myself; I feel that I am not good/expert enough to talk. So I told Jo, I had to pass the offer as I am not much into speaking.
But Jo, she did not gave up on me. She told me that I just have to do things in my capacity of an illustrator. I just need to draw with the kids, tell them what to draw on the doodle wall and that’s it. I quickly agreed and off I went to Sarawak to join the fest that was held on 28th – 29th March, 2015 at Pustaka Negeri Sarawak.
My first session went off in the morning with hundreds of kids turning up to join the doodle session. I started off with some doodles on the six feet wide wall of paper and they came and fill it within an hour! Some even took the effort to colour the doodles. It was such joy to see it happening before my eyes.
But on the next day, the rain was pouring so heavily and kids did not make it to my 2nd session. But that was okay as I had the volunteers to help me fill the doodle wall. It was fun to see enthusiasm on the face of’ bigger kids’ when they were told they can draw too.
The crowd started to come in after lunch when the rain stopped and thank God that the library was a full house again like the day before.
Anyway, let me tell you a bit about Bookaroo and what they do.
Bookaroo, the first children’s literature festival in India, was founded by children’s book activists; Swati Roy, Venkatesh M. Swamy and Jo Williams, in 2008, with a mission to bring children and books together in a borderless world. After organising several book festivals in Delhi, Srinagar, and Pune, it has now expanded to it’s first international venue: Kuching.
Pustaka Bookaroo or Bookaroo Literature Festival in Kuching kicked off on March 23 where speakers visited 18 schools in and around Kuching where they gave talks, did storytelling and few other fun activities. The highlight of the festival was held in Pustaka Negeri Sarawak where it brought two days (28-29 March) of exciting activities with storytellers, authors, illustrators and performers.
Those attended were Ng Kok Keong, Golda Mowe, Sarah Mounsey, Jade Fang, Stephanie Wong, Tanya Batt, Ary Nilandari, Dewi Tri Kusumah, Sophie Dewayani, Anushka Ravishankar, Ameen Ul Haque, Heidi Munan, Jantan Umbat, Jean Voon, Rosemarie Somaiah, Vashti Liong and Wendy Cooling.
Participants with Bookaroo team; Swati (front left), Venkatesh (3rd row right, blue shirt) and Jo Williams (2nd top left, clad in orange shawl).
Jade Fang during her session: The Cat’s Whiskers. Jade Fang is an illustrator from Malaysia who currently lives in Singapore. Seen interested in making the art was Wendy Knight (wearing Indian kurti), who was a volunteer at the festival. Wendy has been living in India for the past 3 years.
Ameen Ul Haque, also known as the Storywallahs, sang and played harmonica while telling stories.
Stephanie Wong in her Monkey Faces workshop. Stephanie is an illustrator from Singapore who illustrated the famous Diary of Amos Lee book written by Adeline Foo.
Tanya Batt in her Spooky Stories session. Tanya is an author and storyteller who hails from New Zealand.I took the time to sit and listen to her story of a boy Pondika Cherika, who got eaten by a monster. The kids, their parents and I loved her and her story!
Pustaka Bookaroo will come back next year in Sarawak and I will be sure to join in the fun again.
Before I left the library for the airport, Jo said, “you know what, every time I go out, I will think of you because I mounted your illustrated postcards on my front door,” Jo ended the conversation while hugging me and telling me that she will send me the invite to the next Bookaroo edition in India.
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Bookaroo Fest 2015
Pustaka Negeri Sarawak working together with Bookaroo Trust will organize the Pustaka Bookaroo Childrens Literature Festival 2015. The festival will be held this coming 28-29 March 2015 the week after mid term school holidays.
Bookaroo is a charitable trust committed to bringing children and books together to spread the joy of reading. Started in India in 2008, the 7th Bookaroo Childrens Literature Festival was held in Delhi on 29-30 November 2014.
The Pustaka – Bookaroo Childrens Literature Festival 2015 is expected to bring together local and foreign authors, illustrators, story tellers, publishers, editors and book lovers. Among those who will be participating are The Storywallahs – Ameen ul Haque, Anushka, Ary NILANDARI, Dewi TrI KUSUMAH, Emila YUSOF, Golda MOWE, Heidi MUNANJADE, Jade FANG, Jantan UMBAT, Jean VOON, Ng Kok KEONG, Parnab MUKHERJEE, Rosemarie SOMAIAH, Sarah MOUNSEY, Sophie DEWAYANI, Stephanie WONG, Tanya BATTVASHTI and Vashti LIONG.
This festival aims to promote literature and reading among children and also to promote the development of knowledge, theory and practice of reading, writing and discussing aspects of fiction and non-fiction.
Not only that, it also aims to enhance public awareness and consciousness of the necessity of making children understand the importance of reading, literature from various states and countries, authors and make reading a fun venture, not a chore.
Meanwhile, The Bookaroo In The City program which is a visit program to several schools in Kuching City will be held on 23 & 27 March 2015. This would also help to encourage reading habit among students. Local book industries are expected to get positive impact from this festival.
Members of the public are invited to this festival. Admission is free. For further information, please contact Japri Bujang Masli or Razak Rambili at 082-442000 ext 103 / 348 or emailjapribm@sarawak.gov.my / razakr@sarawak.gov.my.
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Pray For Gaza #prayforgaza
Made this painting with the intention to donate 60% of the sale to charity of my choice for Gaza. I think I will go for VPM. Please pray for the safety of people in Gaza and pray hard for the bombings to end.
Title: Pray For Gaza
Medium: Mixed Media on canvas panel
Size: 12″ x 12″
SOLD!(E-mail me at emilayusof@gmail.com if you are interested in purchasing the painting.)
Let’s donate! Other than VPM, you can also donate to Unicef Malaysia and Islamic Relief Malaysia.
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Read, Sketch and Travel
Ok, I just got to know that The Borders has arranged for my slot ‘Read, sketch and travel with Emila Yusof’ at Georgetown Literary Festival. I will bring all my Moleskine sketchbooks along with my picture books. Dec 1, 3.30pm-5pm. Venue: 179, Victoria Street, Georgetown, Penang.
I dunno what to talk about but I can show my sketchbooks. LOL.
Comelah, if you like to see my sketchbooks.
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MBKM’s 50 Best Malaysian Titles for International Rights 2013
Here is the list of MBKM’s 50 Best Malaysian Titles 2013 for easy reference to those who wants to know the titles that made it to the list.
I took the time to copy from the catalogue (with permission) and re-write the whole thing, should you want to use this list, please credit the information to: MBKM and emilayusof.com (this post). It should be linked like this: Credits: MBKM and 50 Best Malaysian Titles for International Rights 2013 @ emilayusof.com .
Fiction /Malay
1. Jika Esok Tiba (If Tomorrow Comes) – collection of short stories that cover various themes and issues across Malaysia’s multi-cultural society. Author: Anwar Ridhwan, Pubsliher: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka.
2. Seri Dewi Malam – A love story that is full of complexity. This novel highlights the idea of finding a life partner, death and fortune that have been determined by Allah. Author: Affifudin Haji Omar, Publisher: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka.
3. Lara – A story of a woman who suffered from cancer fights to survive. Author: Azmah Nordin, Publisher: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka
4. Sunan Musafir – Saifudin, Admiral of Sunan was now retired but his past caught up with him. Author: Ramli Awang Murshid, Publisher: Alaf 21 Sdn Bhd.
5. Rindu Aroma Padi Bunting – ‘Longing for the fragrant smell of rice’ – the story of two families, one from Malaysia, the other from Makasar. Author: Arena Wati, Publisher: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka.
6. Serang Hendap Ulu Lenggong – The Ambush at Ulu Lenggong tells of the fiercest battle with the communists. Author: Mohd Radzi Abd Hamid, Publisher: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka.
7. Wajah Seorang Wanita (Portrait of a Woman) – The story of a Kelantanese woman who overcame life’s tragedies with strength. Author: S. Othman Kelantan, Publisher: Institut Terjemahan & Buku Malaysia (ITBM)
Fiction /English
8. Bayu – An American boy has been kidnapped in Malaysia. A crime novel. Author: Rozlan Mohd Noor, Publisher: Silverfish Books Sdn Bhd.
9. The Sum of our Follies Story of a fictitious small town in Malaysia that captures the essence of the whole country. Author: Shih Li Kow, Publisher: Silverfish Books Sdn Bhd.
10. Anakara House – Story of recent emigrants from India to Malaya who are torn between the new and old world. Author: Matthew Thomas, Publisher: Silverfish Books Sdn Bhd.
11. Readings from Readings 2 – Second collection of stories, poems and essays from Kuala Lumpur’s longest running literary events, Readings@Seksan and CeritAku. Editor: Bernice Chauly/Sharon Bakar, Publisher: Word Works Sdn Bhd.
Fiction / Chinese
12. Fantastic Lion Dance Troupe – A group of students work hard to be part of the Lion Dance Troupe. Author: Yap Shang Yong, Publisher: Odonata Publishing Sdn Bhd.
13. You, Me, Zero Distance – A story of a father, a daughter and the generation gap. Author: Sam Yi Sen, Publisher: Odonata Publishing Sdn Bhd.
14. The Bride’s Veil – A young couple’s happiness was shortlived when the Japanese invaded. Author: Khor Ewe Pin, Publisher: Odonata Publishing Sdn Bhd.
Fiction/YA
15. The Jugra Chronicles Rigih and The Witch of Moon Lake continues the story of Bongsu. Author: Tutu Dutta-Yean/Tan Vay Fern (Illustrator), Publisher: MPH Group Publishing.
16. Jejak Monpus – On the Trail of Monpus tells of an insect lover who discovered a new caterpillar species. Author: Zulaiha Paikon, Publisher: Pelangi Novel Sdn Bhd.
17. Bright Times – Five students try to save their school from being closed down. Author: Khor Ewe Pin, Publisher: Pelangi Novel Sdn Bhd.
18. Haikal Haziq – Identical twins Haikal and Haziq look the same but are different otherwise. Author: Rosdell M.A., Publisher: Buku Prima, Karangkraf.
Art & Crafts
19. Rupa & Jiwa – Form & Spirit – A book that analyses Malay art and craft. Author: Syed Ahmad Jamal (1929-2011), Publisher: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka.
Architecture
20. Veritas 1987-2012 – A compilation of more than 50 projects worldwide by Veritas Design Group. Authors: Robert Powell/Lau Su Vin, Publisher: Veritas Management Sdn Bhd.
Photography
21. Portraits of Penang: Little India – A celebration of Little India with photographs and accompanying essays. Photographer: Ooi Cheng Ghee, Authors: Gareth Richards, Himanshu Bhatt, Publisher: Areca Books.
Memoir
22. Kaleidoscope The memoirs of PG Lim -a remarkable and eventful life at the heart of Malaysian affairs. Author: P.G. Lim, Publisher: Strategic Information & Research Development (SIRD).
Essays
23. Kuala Lumpur-Berlin – Writings from Malaysia and Germany. Editors: Hedy Holzwarth, Holger Warnk, Volker Wolf, Publisher: Institut Terjemahan & Buku Malaysia (ITBM).
24. Kuntum Biru Kembang Lestari – Blooms of Blue Flowers is a collection of writings and reflections by National Laureate (1991) Muhammad Haji Salleh. Publisher: Penerbit Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Food
25. Halal Guidebook Guide for Halal food producers to ensure compliance. Publisher: Halal Industry Development Corporation.
26. Atlas of Food Exchanges & Portion Sizes Food preparation for health professionals and the general reader. Authors: Dr Suzana Shahar, Dr Noor Aini Mohd Yusoff, Dr Nik Shanita Safii, Rafidah Ghazali, Roslina Ahmad, Publisher: MDC Publishers.
27. Nostalgia Medan Selera Nostalgic Food Court is a collection of recipes by the late Ahmad bin Yaacob Al-Johori, caterer for royal weddings. Author: Faizah Aziz-Wells, Publisher: Shakespot Sdn Bhd.
History
28. History of the Dutch in Malaysia In 1641 the Dutch wrested Malacca from th Portuguese and occupied it for the next 160 years. Author: Dennis De Witt, Publisher: Nutmeg Publishing.
29. Penang: The Fourth Presidency of India 1805-1830 – Early settlement in Penang with paintings, engravings and maps. Author: Marcus Langdon, Publisher: Areca Books.
Islam
30. Traditional Islamic Architecture of Malaysia Mosques, palaces, religious schools and homes. Author: Mohamad Tajuddin Mohamad Rasdi, Publisher: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka.
31a. Great Stories from the Quran: The 25 Prophets. Publisher: Kualiti Books Sdn Bhd.
31b. Prophet Muhammad SAW; The Last Messenger of Allah SWT. Publisher: Kualiti Books Sdn Bhd.
32. Ensiklopedia Al-Quran – A comprehensive encyclopedia of the Al-Quran and its journey as a holy book for Muslims. Author: Syeikh Muhd Mujahid, Publisher: Must Read Sdn Bhd.
33. Pengajian Islam (Islamic Studies) – Reference book to help readers understand Islam as an integrated way of life. Author: Roziah Sidik, Zulkarnain Mohamed, NAsruddin Yuno, Publisher: Oxford Fajar Sdn Bhd.
Poetry
34. Kumpulan Puisi Terpilih Baha Zain – Collection of poems by Baha Zain, National Laureate (2013). Author: Baha Zain, Publisher: Institut Terjemahan & Buku Malaysia (ITBM).
35. 1000 Pantun Puitis: Mencari Diri Mencari Erti – 1000 Pantun, the Malay poetic form, by National Laureate (2011) Ahmad Kamal Abdullah. Author: Kemala, Publisher: Universiti Putra Malaysia.
Social
36. Raja Perlembagaan Malaysi: Raja-Raja Melayu & Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Abad 21 – The first book to compile all the facts and information on the Malaysian Constitutional Monarchy institution. Author: Roslan Mohammed, Publisher: Kaedah Kota Management (M) Sdn Bhd.
37. Malaysia-Perancis: Menelusuri Jati Diri – A book that celebrates the relationship between Malaysia and France that began decades ago. Author: Stephane Dovert, Publisher: Institut Terjemahan & Buku Malaysia (ITBM).
38. Malaysian Studies – Reference book on how the country was formed and how it has evolved. Author: Mardiana Nordin, Hasnah Hussiin, Publisher: Oxford Fajar Sdn Bhd.
39. Pantun Pilihan Peranakan Baba Negeri Selat, 1910-1930an – 1,343 pantun verses from the Peranakan people give an insight into their culture. Author: Ding Choo Ming, Publisher: Penerbit Universiti Sains Malaysia.
40. Ensera Ayor: Epik Rakyat Iban – A folk epic from Iban about the warrior, Ayor. Author: Noria Taslim, Chemaline Osup, Publisher: Penerbit Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Environment
41. The Green Frontier: A Malaysian Journey – Tells the experiences of Malaysians who chose to live, work and play in a planet-friendly way using green technology. Author: Cecelia Alphonsus, Joanne Lim, Intan Jailani, Editor: Chan Li Jin Publisher: E-Magineers (M) Sdn. Bhd.
Travelogue
42. A Backpack and A Bit of Luck – A collection of travel narratives from all over the world. Author: Zhang Su Li, Publisher: MPH Group Publishing.
Children Books
43. Folk Tales Series & Animal Fables Series Favourite Malaysian stories for children. Author: Various, Publisher: Institut Terjemahan dan Buku Malaysia (ITBM).
44a. My Mother’s Kitchen – A little girl enjoys watching her mother in the kitchen. Author/Illustrator: Emila Yusof, Publisher: Oyez Books
44b. Princesses of Malaysia – Stories of legendary princesses of Malaysia. Illustrator: Emila Yusof, Re-told by: Raman, Publisher: Oyez Books
45. Dill the Little Elephant – Dill was separated from the herd and goes on a journey to look for his parents. Author: Ming and Volker, Illustrator: Yusof Gajah, Publisher: Oyez Books
46a. A Cake Reaching to the Sky – A boy makes a cake to reach out to his dead grandmother. Author/Illustrator: Norico Chua, Publisher: Magicbird
46b. Do Noses Grow Long When Lies are Told? A book to encourage thinkers. Author: C.K.Koh & Quek Sue Yian; Illustrator: C.K.Koh (Illustrator), Publisher: Magicbird
Comics
47. Kuso High School – A hilarous collection of the different groups at school. Author/Illustrator: Keith, Publisher: Gala Unggul Resources.
48. X-Venture: Dinosaur Kingdom – The X-Venture Xplorers are trapped in the Precambrian period 570 million years ago. Author: Redcode & Albbie, Comics by Air Team, Publisher: Gala Unggul Resources.
49. Super Safee SS10 Comic Series – comprising of Semangat Harimau Malaya (Spirit of the Tiger of Malaya), Memburu Impian (Chasing Dream) and Pantang Menyerah Kalah (Say No to Defeat). Author: Ben, Publisher: PTS Media Group.
50. Raihan Rangerz – Four young men have been trained to be Raihan Rangerz. Their mission: Earth’s well-being. Comes with DVDs. Editor: Nurul Ashikin, Illustrator/Aninator: SABA Animation Team, Publisher: SABA Islamic Media
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Day 3, Part 1 – Frankfurt Buchmesse
Frankfurt, October 9th, 2013.
Day 3 was the day for me to attend Frankfurt Buchmesse. I had to carry a big rolling luggage (approximately having a weight of 30kg) full of books along with my backpack. I could not imagine myself pulling the bag for 0.8 kilometre to the train station, pull it up the steps, pull it on the train, pull it out of the train, pull it up the escalator and pull it for a walk for about 0.7 kilometre to the book fair hall… so, I took a cab. My husband helped me pull it to the taxi stand. Cost me €30 from Offenbach to Messehalle. And the real pulling job was done right from the book fair ground entrance to Malaysia Pavilion at Hall 5 for about half a kilometre. Boy, it was really heavy! I could really felt it on my wrists! I use both hands alternately.
Anyway, soon as I reached Malaysia Pavilion at Hall 5, I arranged my books. I was the only one who had an empty shelf. Others had done arranging a day before.
I didn’t know what to do because it was my first experience taking a booth, so as it was the first day, I just watched how Linda my agent made conversation while introducing books. Most of the publishers who came had made appointments with her before the fair started so they practically narrowed down books they wanted, came to see the books and made verbal agreement. It was smooth! But I know my agent had worked hard on her side also. She sent lists of books and synopsis to publishers and invited them to come over to our booths to have a look at the books.
A publisher from Taiwan interested in my Lil’ Guardians.
Linda showing my ABC Coloring Book to a publisher.Yep, the first day went smoothly and so did the rest of the days I attended the bookfair. I met publishers from around the world, talked to them and gave some goodies I made and brought from home. I even stood on the aisle (With Mariah Tio, Linda’s assistant during the fair) giving away some of my postcards and bookmarks just to promote my works. To view more photos, do visit my Frankfurt Bookfair 2013 album on Facebook.
Wondering what were the boys doing? Stay tuned for Day 3, Part 2.
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Princesses and MMK are among Top 50 Best Malaysian Titles 2013
Alhamdulillah. My two new books; My Mother’s Kitchen and Princesses of Malaysia are listed on MBKM’s Top 50 Best Malaysian Titles 2013 that will be featured at Frankfurt Bookfair.
Both books will be out in bookstores by November 2013.
Below are among children books and comics that made the list.
