Director Anthony Chen wrapping up the final film in his Singaporean trilogy
"We are in the last week of the film shoot and it's the longest I have embarked on," the 41-year-old tells The Straits Times. "It is set in contemporary Singapore as we have shot it entirely here."
Chen's most recent movies, Drift (2023) and The Breaking Ice (2023), were shot in Greece and China respectively.
We Are All Strangers is the third chapter of his Growing Up trilogy of dramas. The first, Ilo Ilo (2013), starred Yeo Yann Yann and Koh Jia Ler in a story about a boy (Koh) and his relationship with his mother (Yeo) and the family's domestic helper (played by Filipino actress Angeli Bayani). It won the Camera d'Or at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival, the first win by a Singapore feature film there.
The second film in the trilogy is Wet Season (2019), also starring Yeo and Koh, as teacher and student respectively, coping with difficulties in their family relationships. It earned six nominations at the 2019 Golden Horse Awards, with Yeo winning Best Leading Actress.
We Are All Strangers also stars Yeo and Koh, but Chen declines to reveal more about their characters or the film's plot.
"I won't comment on the story now and will let audiences discover it in due time. This third film in the trilogy has been brewing in my head for several years. Each of these films is deeply personal to me. 2025 is when we will finally put this third film into production. It will be exactly 12 years since Ilo Ilo, and we will have come full circle," he says.
He expects the film to be released in 2026.
Chen, who lives in Hong Kong with his wife and seven-year-old son, says that making We Are All Strangers has been a tough and challenging ride.
"I'm grateful to my entire team who believed and pushed on. It really takes a village to make a film. And it also takes a lot of goodwill and kindness that we received along the way to make the impossible possible. We were helped by strangers from all walks of life."
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Straits Times
an hour ago
- Straits Times
Former Australia's Got Talent finalist Cassiel Rousseau is diving world champion for a second time
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Cassiel Rousseau of Australia in action during the World Aquatic Championships' men's 10m platform diving final at the OCBC Aquatic Centre on Aug 3, 2025. SINGAPORE – When Australian diver Cassiel Rousseau was 11, he was performing acrobatics of a very different kind, not in front of a diving crowd but a reality TV audience. He was the youngest member of an acrobatic troupe from Brisbane that made the 2012 grand final of reality show Australia's Got Talent and, as part of the act, he was catapulted from one side of the stage to the other. Today, Rousseau, 24, is a serious performer and a world champion. He proved his credentials on Aug 3, when he became a two-time 10m platform world champion at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships (WCH). The final day of diving saw the Australian clinch the gold medal with 534.80 points from six dives at the OCBC Aquatic Centre. Oleksii Sereda earned Ukraine's first medal of this meet, as he finished 19.60 points behind Rousseau to take the silver, while Randal Willars Valdez of Mexico won bronze with 511.95 points. When The Straits Times asked Rosseau if he ever thought his days as a circus act and TV talent would lead him to become the world's best in his diving discipline, he burst out in laughter. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. 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Rousseau, whose first world title came in 2023, has not only beaten his opponents, but also overcome a fear of heights – by calming himself down before each dive. The gold medal on Aug 3 adds to the silver medal which he won alongside compatriot Maddison Keeney in the mixed 3m synchronised event on July 30. Rousseau said he was surprised by his latest win. 'I knew it was possible to get on the podium, but to become first again, I didn't really think there was really a chance, just because of how strong the event is,' said the Australian. 'So, yes, unexpected, but definitely, very grateful for being able to perform today.' While he has now won the world title twice, Rousseau has yet to bag an Olympic medal. He finished eighth in the men's 10m platform at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and then fourth at the Paris 2024 Olympics. A medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Games will mean that he will be the second Olympic medallist in his family. His grandfather, French cyclist Michel Rousseau, won gold in the individual sprint at Melbourne 1956. But Rousseau, whose mother, moved from Paris to Australia, does not feel any pressure about winning medals. He said: 'I don't really care about that. My philosophy is that this is a hobby for me. If I'm not having fun, that's when I'm going to quit. Coming into this year, I've been having a lot more fun... and that is why I do the sport. Even if I didn't finish first today, that fun would have still carried across.' The silver medal, however, was priceless for Sereda, whose country has been devastated by Russia's invasion. Sereda, who trains in Kiev, said that multiple times during his training, the session would often have to be paused so that he can seek shelter. 'I am really proud to represent my country in this way,' said the 19-year-old. 'Even in these horrible, awful conditions, with war, with rockets, all the time, we're capable of training and fighting.' With Australia, Ukraine and Mexico securing the podium spots, it meant that it was the first diving event here in which China failed to win a medal. At Paris 2024, China became the first nation to sweep all eight gold medals at the Olympics. While a similar shutout was not possible this time around, Chinese divers were still named the best diving team on Aug 3, as they had been the most dominant, winning nine gold medals, three silvers and four bronzes from 13 events. Australia were second with two golds and a silver. China remain the standard-bearers of the sport, but there are signs that the 'outsiders' are not too far behind. On Aug 1, Mexican diver Osmar Olvera Ibarra ended China's near two-decade stranglehold on the men's 3m springboard with his maiden gold medal in the event preventing the diving powerhouse, represented by Cao Yuan and Wang Zongyuan, from making it 11 consecutive wins. Cao and Wang finished second and third respectively. On July 30, Chiara Pellacani and Matteo Santoro won Italy's first-ever mixed 3m synchronised title at the WCH and first WCH diving gold since 2015. On July 26, the first day of the diving events, Australia's Maddison Keeney won gold in the women's 1m springboard ahead of China's Li Yajie.
New Paper
9 hours ago
- New Paper
SG60: Six Singapore children's books to read
As Singapore commemorates its 60th year of independence on Aug 9, it is not just a time for celebration. It also presents a valuable chance for your children to develop a deeper understanding of the country's heritage, including its National Anthem and iconic landmarks. The Straits Times speaks with local authors whose Singapore-themed fun reads sneak in some important messages. The Day I Forgot My Flag by Neil Johnson and Vincent Lee It was a National Day Parade (NDP) telecast that inspired Neil Johnson to write his third picture book, The Day I Forgot My Flag. While awaiting then President S R Nathan's arrival, he observed people in the crowd making a "V" sign for the cameras. This simple gesture, popularised by former British prime minister Winston Churchill to signify "victory", sparked an idea in Johnson. "What if we could use just our fingers to say 'Singapore'? What if our hands could form our very own 'flag'? What if we create a hand symbol that would be a recognisable and sustainable legacy?" he says. That vision led to the story of Sam, a boy who forgets his flag for the NDP. Surrounded by others proudly waving their flags, Sam feels down until his grandmother's wise saying inspires him to create his own Singapore hand sign. He raises his right hand, bending his index, middle and ring fingers into a crescent shape, while his left hand, with all five fingers extended, symbolises the five stars. Author Neil Johnson conceived a hand sign to symbolise the Singapore flag in his picture book, The Day I Forgot My Flag, illustrated by Vincent Lee. PHOTO: EPIGRAM BOOKS To bring this story to life, Johnson collaborated with his close friend and colleague Vincent Lee, who illustrated the book. Both 62-year-olds work at a global advertising agency where Johnson is a creative director and Lee heads a team of artists, designers and art directors. Through Sam's story, Johnson hopes young readers will glean life lessons. "Everyone forgets things, but it's not the end of the world. People might laugh at you, but you can earn their respect. Your elders have a wisdom that is universal and timeless," he says. The core message, he adds, is: "Your success lies in your heart, in your head and in your hands - you need to act on it. That's really the essence of the Singapore story." The book also educates children about the national flag - designed in 1959 by a team led by then Deputy Prime Minister Toh Chin Chye - by explaining the meaning of each of its parts. The Day I Forgot My Flag by Neil Johnson (left) and Vincent Lee recently topped The Straits Times' weekly bestsellers list for children's books for three consecutive weeks. PHOTO: COURTESY OF NEIL JOHNSON Released in June, it topped The Straits Times' weekly bestsellers list for children's books for three consecutive weeks at one point. The compilation includes bestseller lists from Kinokuniya, Epigram, Wardah Books, Book Bar, Afterimage and bookstores. "Both Vince and I are quite surprised and thrilled by the news. We weren't expecting it," says Johnson. He lets on that they dream of the Singapore hand sign gaining widespread adoption. "Nothing would give us greater satisfaction than the Singapore hand sign catching on - and seeing it being used to cheer us on at games, parades and similar public events." Buy the book: $14.90 at major bookstores and publisher Epigram Books' online store at Ye Ye And The Singapore National Anthem by Pauline Loh and Kristen Kiong In the story Ye Ye And The Singapore National Anthem, Pauline Loh and Kristen Kiong weaved in the National Anthem's musical score, Malay lyrics and their English translation. PHOTO: WORLD SCIENTIFIC EDUCATION Your kids sing the Singapore National Anthem with gusto in school, but do they - and you - understand the meaning behind its Malay lyrics? Majulah Singapura, which translates to Onward Singapore, was written by the late Singaporean composer Zubir Said in 1965. Now, new picture book Ye Ye And The Singapore National Anthem offers a line-by-line explanation of the song. Written by Pauline Loh and illustrated by Kristen Kiong, the story features Ye Ye, or grandfather in Chinese, who becomes emotional upon hearing the anthem on the radio. He then explains the song's poignant meaning and importance to his grandson. This book is a sequel to Loh's Playtime With Ye Ye, which used play to delve into Singapore's history, including the Japanese Occupation and independence. Released in 2015, it won the Singapore Memory Project Fund and second prize in that year's Samsung KidsTime Authors' Award, a joint initiative by the National Book Development Council of Singapore and Samsung Electronics. The creative writing teacher has presented the Playtime With Ye Ye story in more than 100 pre-schools in the past decade. Her sequel was inspired by those frequent storytelling visits, where she learnt that educators lacked a standard guide for teaching the anthem. When writing the book, the 60-year-old says a key challenge was to create a thought-provoking narrative that will appeal to young readers aged three to eight. She is thankful to team with illustrator Kiong, 36, who enlivens the pages by depicting everyday Singaporean scenes, while seamlessly weaving in the anthem's musical score, Malay lyrics and their English translation. Pauline Loh's new picture book offers a line-by-line explanation of the National Anthem for readers. PHOTO: COURTESY OF PAULINE LOH Loh says teachers have expressed gratitude for her book, finding it a valuable resource for teaching the anthem. "Teachers agree with me that few adults know the meaning of the Malay lyrics and that we should educate children about them from an early age," she says. She urges parents to also engage with the book. "Why limit it to teachers? I really encourage parents to use this book as a tool to kick-start conversations with their children about patriotism and the values championed in our anthem." Buy the book: $12.90 from major bookstores and online via publisher World Scientific Education's official Shopee store at Singapore Is 60: Celebrate With Us! by Sharon Koh and Kristen Kiong All sales proceeds from the picture book Singapore Is 60: Celebrate With Us! will go to the President's Challenge. PHOTO: SHARON KOH AND KRISTEN KIONG How will your family celebrate Singapore's 60th birthday? Picture book Singapore Is 60: Celebrate With Us! offers creative ideas for commemorating this milestone anniversary, such as exploring 60 MRT stations or enjoying 60 hawker dishes. More than just an engaging read, the book by author Sharon Koh and illustrator Kristen Kiong supports a meaningful cause. All sales proceeds will go to the President's Challenge, funding 60 programmes from 52 organisations in 2025. Sharon Koh, seen here with her children, authored Singapore Is 60: Celebrate With Us! to commemorate the country's birthday and also raise funds for the President's Challenge. PHOTO: COURTESY OF SHARON KOH Since its launch in April, the book has raised more than $3,000. "Our mission isn't driven by numbers, but by the simple joy of bringing families together through storytelling and sharing what makes Singapore special to us," says Koh, 44, who works in the sustainability space. Singapore Is 60 is her second children's book. In 2024, she and Kiong also collaborated on Let's Celebrate NDP!, a fund-raiser for the SAF Care Fund, which supports severely disabled servicemen. Kristen Kiong is the illustrator behind Singapore Is 60: Celebrate With Us! and Ye Ye And The National Anthem picture books. PHOTO: COURTESY OF KRISTEN KIONG For Singapore Is 60, Kiong aims to show Singapore in its "normality, yet vibrant and beautiful". She incorporated familiar sights for older generations, such as the zero point game and traditional bird cages, alongside elements reminiscent of her own childhood, like a dustbin painting competition. To resonate with younger readers, the 36-year-old, who has a day job as a speech therapist, also added contemporary scenes, including an expanded MRT line, video calls and face painting. Koh adds: "I hope this book can help inspire families to dream, share stories and celebrate Singapore together." Buy the book: $18 at and Books Kinokuniya Secrets Of Singapore: 10th Anniversary Edition by Monica Lim and Lesley-Anne Tan Monica Lim (left) and her daughter Lesley-Anne Tan with their book, Secrets Of Singapore: 10th Anniversary Edition, which has a holographic cover. PHOTO: COURTESY OF MONICA LIM Contrary to popular belief, children actually love reading about history. Just ask Monica Lim, 55, and her 28-year-old daughter Lesley-Anne Tan, whose collaborative Secrets Of Singapore series is now in its 10th year. "We know that history can be dry and uninteresting to children, so we are very gratified that they have enjoyed our books," Lim says. Aimed at young readers aged eight to 12, the series' debut book launched in 2015 and explores wide-ranging topics, starting with Sang Nila Utama's arrival in 1299. It also delves into Singapore's early developments in transport, education and food. The book was a hit and more titles were released over the years. Each offers a deeper dive into a local landmark - including the National Museum, Botanic Gardens and Changi Airport - or explores a theme, such as food and sports. Released in May, its ninth volume Secrets Of Singapore: 10th Anniversary Edition is an update of the first book and has a special holographic cover. Lim credits the series' success - with 73,000 copies sold to date - to its accessible and engaging approach to history. This winning style was developed while they were co-writing their earlier children's series, Danger Dan (2014 to 2015). Although a work of fiction, it incorporated historical elements and humour into its plots. "When we released the Danger Dan series, which featured historical figures or events of Singapore, we noticed that many children would flip to the fun facts we included at the back of each book. "We then realised that they enjoyed reading about Singapore's past, but there was no fun children's book on the country's history apart from social studies textbooks, which can be very dry." Beyond textbook facts, they included jokes, puns and humorous graphics along with lesser-known information. Due to their busy schedules, the series was continued by different authors after the initial four books. The next book, scheduled for 2026, will focus on the theme of transport. Lim notes that it is important for children to learn about Singapore's history. "Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it," she says, referencing a famous quote by the late Spanish philosopher George Santayana. "It is important to know history so that we know who we are, how we got here and what makes Singapore the way it is today." Buy the book: $18.90 at major bookstores and publisher Epigram Books' online store at Timmy & Tammy At The National Day Parade by Ruth Wan-Lau and Eliz Ong First published in 2016, picture book Timmy & Tammy At The National Day Parade has been refreshed with new illustrations. PHOTO: WORLD SCIENTIFIC EDUCATION Timmy and Tammy are excited to be at the NDP with their parents, enjoying the splendid sights and sounds, from fighter jets to fireworks. First published in 2016, picture book Timmy & Tammy At The National Day Parade has been refreshed with new illustrations and republished, along with other books in the series, to commemorate its 10th anniversary. Written by Ruth Wan-Lau and illustrated by Eliz Ong, the 36 titles in the series are designed for children aged three to eight. They feature the siblings exploring Singapore landmarks and trying new experiences. The updated Timmy & Tammy At The National Day Parade is a collaborative effort with the NDP executive committee. Colonel Chong Shi Hao, the committee's chairman, wrote the foreword for the book, which includes a QR code for accessing the official NDP playlist on Spotify. The committee will also distribute 4,000 copies to pre-schools. "Through the eyes of Timmy and Tammy, I hope you'll discover the fun, excitement and heart-warming spirit that make the National Day Parade such a unique and memorable event," he writes. Wan-Lau, who is also the publisher at World Scientific Education, was pleasantly surprised by the collaboration. She had reached out to the committee to ask about the 2025 parade highlights she could incorporate in her book's updated edition. Author Ruth Wan-Lau, who has included the national pledge in her book, hopes that kids and parents can discuss its meaning and purpose. PHOTO: WORLD SCIENTIFIC EDUCATION "One of the focuses is the national pledge. I have included the pledge at the back of the book and I hope that children and parents can discuss its meaning and purpose," says Wan-Lau. "It is never too early to build gratitude and love for our country in young children. Let's encourage our kids to look beyond themselves and to be thankful." Buy the book: $8.90 from major bookstores and online via publisher World Scientific Education's official Shopee store at Max & Pax: ABC Of Singapore by Dushyant Pawaskar and Andrew Aprilio Picture book Max & Pax: ABC Of Singapore, by Dushyant Pawaskar and Andrew Aprilio, encourages young readers to explore the country. PHOTO: DUSHYANT PAWASKAR How many of Singapore's iconic locations, from the ArtScience Museum to Joo Chiat to Tiong Bahru, have your children explored? Picture book Max & Pax: ABC Of Singapore invites young readers to explore the country through the eyes of a boy and his teddy bear. First-time author Dushyant Pawaskar, 40, uses each letter of the alphabet to introduce various places and cultural elements, complemented by short, rhyming facts. Illustrator Andrew Aprilio, 31, brings the two characters' antics to life as they discover each location. "The book was a family project to record our adventures in Singapore and to encourage fellow parents to similarly engage in wholesome activities with their kids," says Pawaskar, a former academic editor who is now venturing into children's book writing and financial services. He and his wife Agnisha Ghosh, 39, hope the book, published in February, will encourage families to explore the world beyond their screens. Originally from Mumbai, the couple first visited Singapore in 2014 when they thought "it's so pretty on the surface and so fascinating underneath", he recalls. When an opportunity arose through her job, they moved here in 2017. They are now permanent residents and their son Advay Pawaskar Ghosh was born in Singapore in 2021. Dushyant Pawaskar, author of Max & Pax: ABC Of Singapore, and his son Advay Pawaskar Ghosh love visiting local landmarks such as the Istana. PHOTO: AGNISHA GHOSH Their parenting philosophy prioritises reading and outdoor activities, leading them to explore the island with Advay. Their favourite places include Gardens by the Bay and Botanic Gardens. Pawaskar and his son have yet to visit Raffles Lighthouse and Pulau Ubin, two locations featured in his book, but he hopes to do so soon. While Pawaskar is the author, the creation of Max and Pax was a collaborative effort. His wife and son were actively involved in selecting places and crafting words that would be easy for children to understand, instantly recognisable and culturally significant. This is just the beginning for the family. He says: "Our goal is to build a collection of screen-free tools for young children - from colouring mats to puzzles to board games - that help them engage with Singapore in fun, hands-on ways." Buy the book: $20 from and bookstores including Books Kinokuniya and Junior Page.
Straits Times
9 hours ago
- Straits Times
6 Singapore children's books to read this SG60
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Celebrate Singapore's diamond jubilee and foster a love for reading in your kids with six new local books, including The Day I Forgot My Flag (pictured) by Neil Johnson and Vincent Lee. SINGAPORE – As Singapore commemorates its 60th year of independence on Aug 9, it is not just a time for celebration. It also presents a valuable chance for your children to develop a deeper understanding of the country's heritage, including its National Anthem and iconic landmarks. The Straits Times speaks with local authors whose Singapore-themed fun reads sneak in some important messages. The Day I Forgot My Flag by Neil Johnson and Vincent Lee It was a National Day Parade (NDP) telecast that inspired Neil Johnson to write his third picture book, The Day I Forgot My Flag. While awaiting then President S R Nathan's arrival, he observed people in the crowd making a 'V' sign for the cameras. This simple gesture, popularised by former British prime minister Winston Churchill to signify 'victory', sparked an idea in Johnson. 'What if we could use just our fingers to say 'Singapore'? What if our hands could form our very own 'flag'? What if we create a hand symbol that would be a recognisable and sustainable legacy?' he says. That vision led to the story of Sam, a boy who forgets his flag for the NDP. Surrounded by others proudly waving their flags, Sam feels down until his grandmother's wise saying inspires him to create his own Singapore hand sign. He raises his right hand, bending his index, middle and ring fingers into a crescent shape, while his left hand, with all five fingers extended, symbolises the five stars. Author Neil Johnson conceived a hand sign to symbolise the Singapore flag in his picture book, The Day I Forgot My Flag, illustrated by Vincent Lee. PHOTO: EPIGRAM BOOKS To bring this story to life, Johnson collaborated with his close friend and colleague Vincent Lee, who illustrated the book. Both 62-year-olds work at a global advertising agency where Johnson is a creative director and Lee heads a team of artists, designers and art directors. Through Sam's story, Johnson hopes young readers will glean life lessons. 'Everyone forgets things, but it's not the end of the world. People might laugh at you, but you can earn their respect. Your elders have a wisdom that is universal and timeless,' he says. The core message, he adds, is: 'Your success lies in your heart, in your head and in your hands – you need to act on it. That's really the essence of the Singapore story.' The book also educates children about the national flag – designed in 1959 by a team led by then Deputy Prime Minister Toh Chin Chye – by explaining the meaning of each of its parts. The Day I Forgot My Flag by Neil Johnson (left) and Vincent Lee recently topped The Straits Times' weekly bestsellers list for children's books for three consecutive weeks. PHOTO: COURTESY OF NEIL JOHNSON Released in June, it topped The Straits Times' weekly bestsellers list for children's books for three consecutive weeks at one point. The compilation includes bestseller lists from Kinokuniya, Epigram, Wardah Books, Book Bar, Afterimage and bookstores. 'Both Vince and I are quite surprised and thrilled by the news. We weren't expecting it,' says Johnson. He lets on that they dream of the Singapore hand sign gaining widespread adoption. 'Nothing would give us greater satisfaction than the Singapore hand sign catching on – and seeing it being used to cheer us on at games, parades and similar public events.' Buy the book: $14.90 at major bookstores and publisher Epigram Books' online store at Ye Ye And The Singapore National Anthem by Pauline Loh and Kristen Kiong In the story Ye Ye And The Singapore National Anthem, Pauline Loh and Kristen Kiong weaved in the National Anthem's musical score, Malay lyrics and their English translation. PHOTO: WORLD SCIENTIFIC EDUCATION Your kids sing the Singapore National Anthem with gusto in school, but do they – and you – understand the meaning behind its Malay lyrics? Majulah Singapura, which translates to Onward Singapore, was written by the late Singaporean composer Zubir Said in 1965. Now, new picture book Ye Ye And The Singapore National Anthem offers a line-by-line explanation of the song. Written by Pauline Loh and illustrated by Kristen Kiong, the story features Ye Ye, or grandfather in Chinese, who becomes emotional upon hearing the anthem on the radio. He then explains the song's poignant meaning and importance to his grandson. This book is a sequel to Loh's Playtime With Ye Ye, which used play to delve into Singapore's history, including the Japanese Occupation and independence. Released in 2015, it won the Singapore Memory Project Fund and second prize in that year's Samsung KidsTime Authors' Award, a joint initiative by the National Book Development Council of Singapore and Samsung Electronics. The creative writing teacher has presented the Playtime With Ye Ye story in more than 100 pre-schools in the past decade. Her sequel was inspired by those frequent storytelling visits, where she learnt that educators lacked a standard guide for teaching the anthem. When writing the book, the 60-year-old says a key challenge was to create a thought-provoking narrative that will appeal to young readers aged three to eight. She is thankful to team with illustrator Kiong, 36, who enlivens the pages by depicting everyday Singaporean scenes, while seamlessly weaving in the anthem's musical score, Malay lyrics and their English translation. Pauline Loh's new picture book offers a line-by-line explanation of the National Anthem for readers. PHOTO: COURTESY OF PAULINE LOH Loh says teachers have expressed gratitude for her book, finding it a valuable resource for teaching the anthem. 'Teachers agree with me that few adults know the meaning of the Malay lyrics and that we should educate children about them from an early age,' she says. She urges parents to also engage with the book. 'Why limit it to teachers? I really encourage parents to use this book as a tool to kick-start conversations with their children about patriotism and the values championed in our anthem.' Buy the book: $12.90 from major bookstores and online via publisher World Scientific Education's official Shopee store at Singapore Is 60: Celebrate With Us! by Sharon Koh and Kristen Kiong All sales proceeds from the picture book Singapore Is 60: Celebrate With Us! will go to the President's Challenge. PHOTO: SHARON KOH AND KRISTEN KIONG How will your family celebrate Singapore's 60th birthday? Picture book Singapore Is 60: Celebrate With Us! offers creative ideas for commemorating this milestone anniversary, such as exploring 60 MRT stations or enjoying 60 hawker dishes. More than just an engaging read, the book by author Sharon Koh and illustrator Kristen Kiong supports a meaningful cause. All sales proceeds will go to the President's Challenge, funding 60 programmes from 52 organisations in 2025. Sharon Koh, seen here with her children, authored Singapore Is 60: Celebrate With Us! to commemorate the country's birthday and also raise funds for the President's Challenge. PHOTO: COURTESY OF SHARON KOH Since its launch in April, the book has raised more than $3,000. 'Our mission isn't driven by numbers, but by the simple joy of bringing families together through storytelling and sharing what makes Singapore special to us,' says Koh, 44, who works in the sustainability space. Singapore Is 60 is her second children's book. In 2024, she and Kiong also collaborated on Let's Celebrate NDP!, a fund-raiser for the SAF Care Fund, which supports severely disabled servicemen. Kristen Kiong is the illustrator behind Singapore Is 60: Celebrate With Us! and Ye Ye And The National Anthem picture books. PHOTO: COURTESY OF KRISTEN KIONG For Singapore Is 60, Kiong aims to show Singapore in its ' normality , yet vibrant and beautiful'. She incorporated familiar sights for older generations, such as the zero point game and traditional bird cages, alongside elements reminiscent of her own childhood, like a dustbin painting competition. To resonate with younger readers, the 36-year-old, who has a day job as a speech therapist, also added contemporary scenes, including an expanded MRT line, video calls and face painting. Koh adds: 'I hope this book can help inspire families to dream, share stories and celebrate Singapore together.' Buy the book: $18 at and Books Kinokuniya Secrets Of Singapore: 10th Anniversary Edition by Monica Lim and Lesley-Anne Tan Monica Lim (left) and her daughter Lesley-Anne Tan with their book, Secrets Of Singapore: 10th Anniversary Edition, which has a holographic cover. PHOTO: COURTESY OF MONICA LIM Contrary to popular belief, children actually love reading about history. Just ask Monica Lim, 55, and her 28-year-old daughter Lesley-Anne Tan, whose collaborative Secrets Of Singapore series is now in its 10th year. 'We know that history can be dry and uninteresting to children, so we are very gratified that they have enjoyed our books,' Lim says. Aimed at young readers aged eight to 12, the series' debut book launched in 2015 and explores wide-ranging topics, starting with Sang Nila Utama's arrival in 1299. It also delves into Singapore's early developments in transport, education and food. The book was a hit and more titles were released over the years. Each offers a deeper dive into a local landmark – including the National Museum, Botanic Gardens and Changi Airport – or explores a theme, such as food and sports. Released in May, its ninth volume Secrets Of Singapore: 10th Anniversary Edition is an update of the first book and has a special holographic cover. Lim credits the series' success – with 73,000 copies sold to date – to its accessible and engaging approach to history. This winning style was developed while they were co-writing their earlier children's series, Danger Dan (2014 to 2015). Although a work of fiction, it incorporated historical elements and humour into its plots. 'When we released the Danger Dan series, which featured historical figures or events of Singapore, we noticed that many children would flip to the fun facts we included at the back of each book. 'We then realised that they enjoyed reading about Singapore's past, but there was no fun children's book on the country's history apart from social studies textbooks, which can be very dry.' Beyond textbook facts, they included jokes, puns and humorous graphics along with lesser-known information. Due to their busy schedules, the series was continued by different authors after the initial four books. The next book, scheduled for 2026, will focus on the theme of transport. Lim notes that it is important for children to learn about Singapore's history. 'Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it,' she says, referencing a famous quote by the late Spanish philosopher George Santayana. 'It is important to know history so that we know who we are, how we got here and what makes Singapore the way it is today.' Buy the book: $18.90 at major bookstores and publisher Epigram Books' online store at Timmy & Tammy At The National Day Parade by Ruth Wan-Lau and Eliz Ong First published in 2016, picture book Timmy & Tammy At The National Day Parade has been refreshed with new illustrations. PHOTO: WORLD SCIENTIFIC EDUCATION Timmy and Tammy are excited to be at the NDP with their parents, enjoying the splendid sights and sounds, from fighter jets to fireworks. First published in 2016, picture book Timmy & Tammy At The National Day Parade has been refreshed with new illustrations and republished, along with other books in the series, to commemorate its 10th anniversary. Written by Ruth Wan-Lau and illustrated by Eliz Ong, the 36 titles in the series are designed for children aged three to eight. They feature the siblings exploring Singapore landmarks and trying new experiences. The updated Timmy & Tammy At The National Day Parade is a collaborative effort with the NDP executive committee. Colonel Chong Shi Hao, the committee's chairman, wrote the foreword for the book, which includes a QR code for accessing the official NDP playlist on Spotify. The committee will also distribute 4,000 copies to pre-schools. 'Through the eyes of Timmy and Tammy, I hope you'll discover the fun, excitement and heart-warming spirit that make the National Day Parade such a unique and memorable event,' he writes. Wan-Lau, who is also the publisher at World Scientific Education, was pleasantly surprised by the collaboration. She had reached out to the committee to ask about the 2025 parade highlights she could incorporate in her book's updated edition. Author Ruth Wan-Lau, who has included the national pledge in her book, hopes that kids and parents can discuss its meaning and purpose. PHOTO: WORLD SCIENTIFIC EDUCATION 'One of the focuses is the national pledge. I have included the pledge at the back of the book and I hope that children and parents can discuss its meaning and purpose,' says Wan-Lau. 'It is never too early to build gratitude and love for our country in young children. Let's encourage our kids to look beyond themselves and to be thankful.' Buy the book: $8.90 from major bookstores and online via publisher World Scientific Education's official Shopee store at Max & Pax: ABC Of Singapore by Dushyant Pawaskar and Andrew Aprilio Picture book Max & Pax: ABC Of Singapore, by Dushyant Pawaskar and Andrew Aprilio, encourages young readers to explore the country. PHOTO: DUSHYANT PAWASKAR How many of Singapore's iconic locations, from the ArtScience Museum to Joo Chiat to Tiong Bahru, have your children explored? Picture book Max & Pax: ABC Of Singapore invites young readers to explore the country through the eyes of a boy and his teddy bear. First-time author Dushyant Pawaskar, 40, uses each letter of the alphabet to introduce various places and cultural elements, complemented by short, rhyming facts. Illustrator Andrew Aprilio, 31, brings the two characters' antics to life as they discover each location. 'The book was a family project to record our adventures in Singapore and to encourage fellow parents to similarly engage in wholesome activities with their kids,' says Pawaskar, a former academic editor who is now venturing into children's book writing and financial services. He and his wife Agnisha Ghosh, 39, hope the book, published in February, will encourage families to explore the world beyond their screens. Originally from Mumbai, the couple first visited Singapore in 2014 when they thought 'it's so pretty on the surface and so fascinating underneath', he recalls. When an opportunity arose through her job, they moved here in 2017. They are now permanent residents and their son Advay Pawaskar Ghosh was born in Singapore in 2021. Dushyant Pawaskar, author of Max & Pax: ABC Of Singapore, and his son Advay Pawaskar Ghosh love visiting local landmarks such as the Istana. PHOTO: AGNISHA GHOSH Their parenting philosophy prioritises reading and outdoor activities, leading them to explore the island with Advay. Their favourite places include Gardens by the Bay and Botanic Gardens. Pawaskar and his son have yet to visit Raffles Lighthouse and Pulau Ubin, two locations featured in his book, but he hopes to do so soon. While Pawaskar is the author, the creation of Max and Pax was a collaborative effort. His wife and son were actively involved in selecting places and crafting words that would be easy for children to understand, instantly recognisable and culturally significant. This is just the beginning for the family. He says: 'Our goal is to build a collection of screen-free tools for young children – from colouring mats to puzzles to board games – that help them engage with Singapore in fun, hands-on ways.'
