The 100 Malaysia Children’s Picture Books to Read and Love initiative shines a spotlight on the very best of Malaysian picture books 

by SUFEA SALEHUDDIN 

KUALA Lumpur Literature and Art Fair (KLLAF) isn’t just about books; it’s about how literature intertwines with our everyday lives. 

This year’s fair built on the success of the 2022 Stories+Art =Picture Books event, which focused exclusively on picture books. 

After a reflective pause in 2023, the lessons learned inspired a more ambitious vision for KLLAF, expanding its scope to include a broader spectrum of literary and artistic expressions. 

One of the highlights of KLLAF this year is the “100 Malaysia Children’s Picture Books to Read and Love” initiative. 

Originally, the vision was to showcase a staggering 1,000 titles, but in recognising the challenges of time and logistics, the concept was refined. 

The selection of 100 titles allows for a more curated experience, spotlighting the very best of Malaysian picture books — works that capture the imagination and spirit of young readers. 

Selecting the Best 

Linda Tan Lingard, the woman behind the “100 Malaysia Children’s Picture Books to Read and Love”, has a vision that goes far beyond the typical bedtime story. 

For her, these books are like magic keys, unlocking new worlds and endless possibilities for young minds. 

With every title she selected, Lingard is on a mission to ignite imaginations and nurture a love for reading that will stay with children for a lifetime. 

“From the earliest moments of life, even while still in the womb, children can connect with the world through the stories and images we share with them,” Lingard said. 

At the Museum of Picture Book Art, where Lingard’s curated collection takes centre stage, picture books are revered as cultural treasures. 

“Have you ever stumbled upon an old, out-of-print picture book and felt a wave of nostalgia? It’s not just the story that stays with you, but the images, the feelings, the memories tied to that book. That’s the enduring magic of picture books for the young.” 

It is crystal clear that Lingard’s goal is to integrate these literary treasures into Malaysia’s educational system. 

“Our schools have a golden opportunity to use these books not just to teach reading, but to instil empathy, knowledge and wisdom in our children,” she said. 

Lingard shared that the journey to this final list was no small feat. It began with a flood of over 200 submissions from talented authors and illustrators across the nation. 

There were several rounds of deliberation and title shuffling to get to the best of this enormous assortment, which was first narrowed down to a long list and then further polished into a shortlist. 

Yet, as this year’s list came into focus, a striking revelation emerged — Malaysia’s children’s literature landscape lacks narratives that celebrate local heroes.

“I think this is a serious problem as children need role models. Growing up, I read about Abraham Lincoln, (John James) Audubon, Marie Curie, Florence Nightingale, and I believe there are local heroes our children can find inspiration from, as well,” she said. 

In contrast, the list also reflects a positive shift in storytelling, moving away from overly didactic books with heavy moral tones to narratives that subtly weave in values while keeping the joy of reading front and centre. 

The selection process faced several challenges. Some books, despite their strong content, were excluded due to weaker presentation. 

Picture books, which require a balance between illustrations and text, occasionally fell short in this regard. While illustrations don’t need to be by renowned or award-winning artists, they should still reflect care and skill in their presentation. 

Nurturing Young Bookworms

When it comes to getting kids excited about reading, the Malaysia Board on Books for Young People VP Md Sidin Ahmad Ishak knows a thing or two. 

As one of the minds behind the “100 Malaysia Children’s Picture Books to Read and Love” selection, he’s all about making reading an adventure, not a chore. 

“One of the best ways to engage reluctant readers is by creating a reading-friendly environment and making reading a pleasing, interesting and inviting activity,” said Md Sidin. 

It’s about finding that perfect book that taps into a child’s hobbies or interests, so they actually want to dive into those pages. 

He also believed that when families read aloud together, the experience becomes more interactive and enjoyable. 

Additionally, graphic novels, multimedia books and e-books can be game-changers, especially for kids who are more engaged with screens than traditional pages. 

And don’t underestimate the magic of a good library trip. “Regular visits to libraries can expose children to a wide range of books and let them pick what catches their eye,” he said. 

According to Md Sidin, getting a book on that list can work wonders for its visibility. 

“When books are listed, curated and recommended, they become visible to potential readers, parents, librarians and educators,” he said. 

This kind of recognition doesn’t just help readers find their next favourite book — it can boost the credibility and value of a book, making it a must-have. And for publishers, authors and illustrators, that’s pretty awesome news. 

Diverse Backgrounds 

Another key figure behind the “100 Malaysia Children’s Picture Books to Read and Love” list, Malaysia Book City (Kota Buku) CEO Adibah Omar, had her own insights to share. 

As one of the key panellists for the selection, Adibah is all about making sure the stories we share with our kids are as diverse and engaging as the country itself. 

Putting together a list of 100 must-read children’s picture books isn’t just about picking the ones with the prettiest pictures. 

“We divided the submitted titles into different pertinent categories to make sure every part of our diverse society is represented,” she said. 

The goal was to create a list that’s as exciting and relatable as possible for Malaysian children, reflecting the many cultures and stories that make up our country. 

Adibah made sure to include authors and illustrators from all sorts of backgrounds, especially those lesser-known voices from smaller ethnic groups like the indigenous communities. 

This approach not only enriches the list but also gives kids a chance to see their own cultures and communities reflected in the stories they read. 

She is also passionate about sparking a lifelong love of reading in kids, and she believes the key is in making books accessible and relatable. 

“This initiative provides young Malaysian children with access to beautiful titles set in local backgrounds with local references. These children will be able to relate to these titles easily, sparking and sustaining more interest in reading — especially for pleasure,” she said. 

And for kids who aren’t naturally into books, Adibah has a cool approach: Don’t slap a “reluctant reader” label on them. Instead, give them the space to discover a book that really clicks with them. 

It’s all about patience and letting them stumble upon that one story that grabs their imagination. Once they find something they love, they’re likely to stick with reading for life. 

The “100 Malaysia Children’s Picture Books to Read and Love” list isn’t just good news for readers — it’s a big win for the local publishing industry too. Adibah saw this initiative as a catalyst for growth. 

“It will definitely encourage more authors and illustrators to continue to publish more beautiful titles in the future,” she said. 

Being listed gives these books a certain weight, making them more attractive choices for parents looking to build their children’s libraries. 

In a market where every title competes for attention, this kind of recognition can make a huge difference. 

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• This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition