The wait is over! After more than a year in the works, The Little Singapore Book is back, bigger and better.
The new edition boasts gorgeous new illustrations, updated details and 90 full-colour pages, compared to the original 80. Expect more fascinating content of Singapore’s past, including amazing little-known stories, fun facts and activities. Just like the first edition, all content and illustrations in this new edition have been rigorously researched is sprinkled with engaging details that encourage exploration and conversation between young readers and grown-ups.
For those unfamiliar with this modern Singapore children’s classic, The Little Singapore Book is a fun-filled romp through Singapore’s history, packed in four chapters. It starts with a simplified history of Singapore from the 14th century through nation building and to the present day, then on to a whirlwind tour of the historical districts of Singapore.
Flitting from past to present, it reveals the fascinating origins of neighbourhoods such as Chinatown and Little India, and how they have changed. For instance, did you know that Serangoon was once cattle farmland? Or that there was a real fort that once stood at Fort Road? This is followed by the final chapter on the way we live and what Singaporeans are all about, from the rich colourful language that we call ‘Singlish’ to our collective love for food. Sprinkled within are also activities for kids, from walking routes to games and quizzes, and sidebars of fun facts to pique children’s interest.
The Little Singapore Book was the first children’s picture book to depict 700 years of Singapore’s history, from the island’s 14th century beginnings until its present-day status as a wealthy, cosmopolitan country.
This book is a firm favourite among children, and a choice pick among teachers and parents.
Pick up Sherlock At Home and 小小侦探家 🇸🇬 - the last few copies in this print run (there will not be a new print run for these books).
Last year, The Little Singapore Book made it to the IFLA World Through Picture Books listing, and was exhibited in the national libraries of France and Japan, in Paris and Tokyo. The IFLA World Through Picture Books is an annotated list of recommended picture books compiled and endorsed by librarians from around the world. Criteria for making this list include being able to “stand the test of time” and demonstrating excellence in publishing.
The Little Singapore Book is a fresh take on the story of Singapore and its people, from the old kingdom of Temasek to the present day. The book introduces young readers to our history and culture through vibrant narrative and vivid illustrations packed with fascinating detail.
Meet samsui women, coolies and cattle farmers, and discover how neighbourhoods like Chinatown and Kampong Glam came into being. Did you know that Serangoon used to have cattle farmland or that there was a real fort that once stood at Fort Road?
Hardcover
Joyceline See Tully has worked in publishing for the past 20 years. She has edited food and travel magazines in Singapore and Malaysia, and is the co-author of The Little Singapore Book, Tricks & Treats… and Other Childhood Tales, and Heritage Feasts. Joy wrote Attack at the Mall and The Runaway Car for SGSecure’s outreach programme for primary schools in Singapore. She is currently working on her next children’s book.
A food and travel journalist of 30 years, Sim Ee Waun is more recently a published children’s book author. Her books include The Little Singapore Book, The House on Palmer Road and its sequel The House on Silat Road, all delving into Singapore’s history. She holds a BA (Hons) in English Language & Literature and an MA in International Journalism.
Diane Ng Rose is a graphic designer and illustrator with a Visual Communications Diploma awarded by Temasek Polytechnic School of Design. She worked in publishing for several years before deciding to concentrate on her first love, illustrating.
