Singapore Book Awards 2020 The Singapore Book Awards is an industry award for books published in Singapore. Into its fifth edition, the awards shine the spotlight on the quality of published works and celebrate the achievements of the local publishing industry. The Singapore Book Publishers Association takes great pride in showcasing these outstanding works.
Established in 1968, the Singapore Book Publishers Association represents the interests of Singapore publishers engaged in a wide range of publishing, marketing and distribution activities in both print and digital formats. It focuses on developing and strengthening the book ecosystem in Singapore. Please visit www.singaporebookpublishers.sg for more information. Š 2020 Singapore Book Publishers Association All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner. SINGAPORE BOOK AWARDS 2020 3
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Welcome Message Usually on the occasion of the Singapore Book Awards, as President of the Association I make a nice long speech, mentioning how nice it is to see so many industry players in the same room, and then proceeding to assesses the state of the Singapore book industry, summarizing market developments, and looking ahead to the coming year. I won’t be doing that this year for obvious reasons. The future is highly uncertain, the great progress made by our publishers over the last several years threatens to be undone by the disruption to the Singapore and global economy caused by the coronavirus. And of course, we will not be together in the same room. This year I am going to take a different approach, and rather than tell you about the progress of the Singapore book publishing industry, I’m going to let the finalists and award winners do the talking. The evidence for progress in our industry is here before you in the books that have been shortlisted for the prizes, in their variety, the quality of the writing you will find here, the care in design, the commitment and urgency of their voices, and desire they embody to share points of view and perspectives. If you have read some of these books you will know this already, if you have seen the video trailers produced by our publishers you will have an idea. Leafing through the pages of this booklet will also give you a sense of the quality of the books, but it should be just a start, with all these avenues to explore, above all, reading the books. Over the last few years, the momentum and interest in the book awards has grown dramatically, as has the quality (and number) of books submitted. Now we really see the awards reaching their potential as a platform to promote Singapore content, to educate our partners in the creative economy, as well as public, on excellence in publishing. And of course for publishers to challenge each other, in the best possible way. One of the things I love about publishing, at least most areas of book publishing, is that books do not directly compete the one with the other. Promoting one good book usually means promoting all good books... We will continue to work to improve the process of these awards, as they grow in interest. I should point out that the Singapore Book Awards are a publishers’ prize, not a writer’s prize. Of course the quality of the writing is crucially important to a good book, but in addition to the quality of writing we also assess things like book design, format decisions and production quality, the editorial processes undertaken in each book, and the ways the publisher has brought the book to market, their strategies for creating an audience for any particular book. The very
best strategies for book marketing will treat it as a partnership between author and publisher. We have three new awards this year, for digital marketing, best e-book and best audio book. Audio books are a very new genre in Singapore, and doing very well. We’re very pleased to partner with Singapore’s actors and voice talents to bring audio books to the public. Let me just add a few words on the situation we are all facing as we look ahead to next year’s awards. The disruption to the retail scene, here and internationally, was quite hard on our trade or general publishers, and the cash flow problems that resulted continue to be very serious. Our education and STM (or Science, Technology and Medicine) publishers are a bit more insulated from that immediate shock. We are all in this together, and of course we appreciate that many companies and industries are facing even more direct challenges from travel restrictions for example. But I think it’s important to point out that a local publishing industry is not fungible, it is not something that can be replaced by imports, as we did with our food production back in the 1980s for example. SBPA represents both international book publishers, and local companies, and some of our members are among the largest international publishing groups operating. We will continue to support Singapore’s efforts to attract more investment to Singapore, to welcome more players to join us. But I can tell you that our international members understand and appreciate the importance of a locally-grounded publishing scene. In today’s world I don’t think we can do without local books. The challenges that Singapore faces in the years ahead are challenges to our creativity, to our imagination. They are challenges also to our sense of community, to our sense of belonging, of understanding and trust in each other. They are challenges to our spirit. And I think local books are very helpful, even necessary here, in building understanding and empathy, in building knowledge of our community, of making sure we are seen and heard to each other. Not every book is a success in this way, but I do believe that the ones we are celebrating with the awards are. Singapore has been very well served by the diversity, creativity and commitment of our local publishers. Long may that continue!
Peter Schoppert
President, Singapore Book Publishers Association SINGAPORE BOOK AWARDS 2020 5
THANK YOU TO
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The printing of the 2020 Singapore Book Awards Booklet is made possible by Markono Print Media. 6 SINGAPORE BOOK PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION
2020 Awards Categories There are forty-six finalists nominated for 10 award categories. These 46 finalists cover the best in audio, electronic and print titles of the Singapore publishing industry. The award categories are arranged in the order of presentation at the virtual Awards Ceremony.
1
Best Digital Marketing Campaign
2
Best E-Book Title
3
Best Audiobook Title
4
Best Illustrated Non-Fiction Title
5
Best Literary Work
6
Best Middle Grade / Young Adult Title
7
Best Education Title
8
Best Picture Book
9
Best Non-Fiction Title
10
Best Book Cover Design
With Book of the Year 2020
SINGAPORE BOOK AWARDS 2020 7
Panel of Judges
DIGITAL MARKETING CAMPAIGN Gerald Cai Founder and Managing Director, MXR International Zeenath Kuraisha CEO, Head, Sales Advisory and Sales Education, Asia Pacific Sales and Marketing Academy E-BOOK 2020 Book Awards Committee AUDIOBOOK 2020 Book Awards Committee
ILLUSTRATED NON-FICTION Kelley Cheng Creative Director, The Press Room Ko Hui Huy Creative Director, Duet Design Marissa Chen Independent Publishing Consultant LITERARY WORK Felix Cheong Author Anitha Devi Pillai Lecturer, English Language and Literature, National Institute of Education (NIE) Loh Guan Liang Poet
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MIDDLE GRADE / YOUNG ADULT
NON-FICTION
Shan Rajaguru Partner, E & S Publishing Consultants
Michelle Martin Presenter at Money FM 89.3
Heng Huey Bin Head (Children and Teens), Content and Services, Public Libraries, National Library Board (NLB)
Lai Chee Kien Adjunct Associate Professor, Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)
Hidayah Amin Author
Nicholas Fang Managing Director, Black Dot Consultancy
EDUCATION
BOOK COVER DESIGN
Tan Chee Lay Associate Professor, Deputy Head (Asian Languages and Cultures), NIE
Leslie Lim Product and Sales Manager, Pansing Distribution
Sun Baoqi Research Scientist, Office of Education Research, NIE
Danné Ojeda Hernandez Associate Professor, School of Art, Design and Media, Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
Wong Yew Leong Lecturer, (Policy, Curriculum and Leadership), NIE PICTURE BOOK Joseph Tey Illustrator Shahril Shaik Abdullah Associate Librarian (Malay Language), NLB Chan Xin Yi Associate Librarian (Early Literacy), NLB
Alison Schooling Named Partner, Sarah and Schooling BOOK OF THE YEAR Kenny Chan Former Store Merchandising Director, Kinokuniya Bookstores of Singapore Kathryn Lane Senior Head (Collection), NLB Triena Ong Former SBPA President SINGAPORE BOOK AWARDS 2020 9
BEST DIGITAL MARKETING CAMPAIGN FI N A L I S T S
Storytel Singapore’s Digital Marketing Campaign
Wanderlust: The Amazing Ida Pfeiffer, the First Female Tourist
Publisher: Storytel Singapore First Publication Date: Various ISBN: Various Author: Various Language of Publication: English
Publisher: NUS Press (Imprint: Ridge Books) First Publication Date: May 2019 ISBN: 9789813250765 Author: John van Wyhe Language of Publication: English
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B ES T E -B O O K TI TL E F I N A L I S TS
BAM! (In English and Malay) Publisher: Pustaka Nasional First Publication Date: September 2019 ISBN: 9789814830218 Authors: Adinursuryani Bte Md Rashid and Noor Sahidu Bte Johari Languages of Publication: English and Malay
Let’s Play with Grandma (in English and Tamil) Publisher: Pustaka Nasional First Publication Date: September 2019 ISBN: 9789814830355 Authors: Nur Assyikin Bte Mohd Lais and Nurulfizah Bte Mohamed Ali Languages of Publication: English and Tamil
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B ES T E -B O O K TI TL E FI N A L I S T S
think! Additional Mathematics e-Textbooks A and B (10th edition) - Bundle
Publisher: Shing Lee Publishers First Publication Date: August 2019 ISBN: 9789813245143 and 9789813245150 Authors: Dr Joseph B.W. Yeo, Dr Choy Ban Heng, Teh Keng Seng, Wong Lai Fong and Sharon Lee Language of Publication: English
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B ES T A U D IO B O OK TI TL E FI N A L I S T S
Kring! Kring!
Publisher: Pustaka Nasional First Publication Date: July 2019 ISBN: 9789813260061 Author: Nurhayati Pujiastuti Narrator: Erul Samah Language of Publication: Malay
Penghuni Rumah Tua
Publisher: Pustaka Nasional First Publication Date: July 2019 ISBN: 9789813260061 Author: Januarsyah Sutan Language of Publication: Malay
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B ES T A U D IO B O OK TI TL E FI N A L I S T S
Annabelle Thong
Publisher: Storytel Singapore First Publication Date: September 2019 ISBN: 9789178897452 Author: Imran Hashim Narrator: Elizabeth Morse Language of Publication: English
Loss Adjustment
Publisher: Storytel Singapore First Publication Date: November 2019 ISBN: 9789179315399 Author: Linda Collins Narrator: Justine Moss Language of Publication: English
Up Close With Lee Kuan Yew
Publisher: Storytel Singapore First Publication Date: July 2019 ISBN: 9789179092726 Author: Various Authors Narrator: Remesh Panicker Language of Publication: English SINGAPORE BOOK AWARDS 2020 15
B ES T IL L U STR ATED NON- F I CTI ON T IT LE FINALISTS
Bawa Staircases Publisher: Talisman Publishing First Publication Date: January 2019 ISBN: 9789811185748 Author: David Robson Designers: Janice Ng, Norreha Sayuti, Stephy Chee Language of Publication: English Synopsis: Bawa Staircases is a compelling addition to the works on the architectural legacy of Sri Lanka’s preeminent architect, Geoffrey Bawa. Aimed at students, professionals and his numerous admirers worldwide, Bawa Staircases focuses on the architect’s fascination with staircases through the ages and how he incorporated these elemental features into his innumerable designs —residential, public works, hotel and resort architecture. Part One of the book centres on Bawa’s early life and education, his movement towards architecture and his trips to Europe where he discovered the splendour of Italian architecture and Italian garden design. A section devoted to Italian Renaissance staircases that Bawa so admired is followed by a chapter on German Baroque stairs, in particular the work of Balthazar Neumann. Part Two showcases 35 of Bawa’s projects in total, some featuring multiple stairs, and demonstrates the bewildering array of staircase designs incorporated into this Master Architect’s collected works. 16 SINGAPORE BOOK PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION
B ES T IL L U S TR ATED NON- F I CTI ON T IT LE FI N A L I S T S
Seven Hundred Years: A History of Singapore Publishers: Marshall Cavendish International (Asia) and National Library Board, Singapore First Publication Date: June 2019 ISBN: 9789811185748 Authors: Kwa Chong Guan, Derek Heng, Peter Borschberg and Tan Tai Yong Designers: Lynn Chin, Justin Lau, Cheng Puay Koon Language of Publication: English Synopsis: Assessments of Singapore’s history invariably revolve around Sir Stamford Raffles’ arrival in 1819. Before this date –we’ve been told – “nothing very much appears to have happened in Singapore”. Pre-1819 Singapore was a sleepy, historically insignificant fishing village, little more than the “occasional resort of pirates”. This ambitious book, co-written by four of Singapore’s foremost historians, offers an assertive re-evaluation of that view. Drawing on a multi-disciplinary range of archival, textual and cartographical records, as well as the latest archaeological discoveries, the authors cast a singular historical trajectory for Singapore over the past seven centuries, animating its history like never before.
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B ES T IL L U STR ATED NON- F I CTI ON T IT LE FINALISTS
The Antibiotic Tales Publisher: Epigram Books First Publication Date: September 2019 ISBN: 9789814845700 Authors: Sonny Liew and Hsu Li Yang Designer: Chee Jiayi Language of Publication: English Synopsis: This comic by award-winning graphic novelist Sonny Liew and Hsu Li Yang from National University of Singapore Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health answers questions and dispels the myths and misconceptions about antibiotics. Can antibiotics be used to treat the common cold? How much antibiotics should we be taking? In this easy-to-read book, Liew and Hsu break down the complexity of the medication, effects of overusage and its adaptation in the farming industry.
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B ES T IL L U S TR ATED NON- F I CTI ON T IT LE FI N A L I S T S
The Way of Kueh: Savouring & Saving Singapore’s Heritage Desserts Publisher: Epigram Books First Publication Date: November 2019 ISBN: 9789814845366 Author: Christopher Tan Designer: Marco Salazar Language of Publication: English Synopsis: Much more than just a collection of recipes, The Way of Kueh delves into the topic with a lyrical, insightful and practical approach. It traverses kueh families and genres, key kueh-making techniques, the seasonality and social significance of kueh, and the importance of both tradition and innovation. Local kueh artisans share their stories and perspectives in interviews, while short essays muse on the histories, regional and colonial influences, science and symbolism behind this most diverse of food genres. Helpful glossaries on key ingredients and essential kitchen tools will equip you to tackle over 100 detailed and precise recipes for kuehs from across Singapore’s communities.
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BE ST L IT E RA RY WOR K FINALISTS
Fall Baby Publisher: Penguin Random House SEA First Publication Date: October 2019 ISBN: 9789814867146 Author: Laksmi Pamuntjak Language of Publication: English Synopsis: Fall Baby is the story of Srikandi, the illegitimate daughter of Amba and Bisma from The Question of Red. It is also the story of Dara, Srikandi’s best friend-turned foe, an ardent women rights’ activist. Srikandi—who prefers to be called by her nickname, Siri—is a globetrotting conceptual artist. Perpetually torn between East and West, her art mirrors her life in its quest for the ‘in-between,’ the ‘middle ground,’ the grey zones of human experience. Siri’s personal life, however, defies even her own imagination. Upon her return to Jakarta, she grows helplessly attached to her now deceased husband’s teenage daughter, Amalia, rediscovering in this new role what it truly means to be adopted and loved. After the death of her father, suspicious circumstances surface in her mother’s life, luring Siri to search for answers - namely the truth of her own origins, as well as the deep, dark secret that enveloped the lives of her biological parents. 20 SINGAPORE BOOK PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION
B E ST L IT E RA RY WORK FINALISTS
Harris bin Potter and the Stoned Philosopher Publisher: Epigram Books First Publication Date: November 2019 ISBN: 9789814845328 Author: Suffian Hakim Language of Publication: English Synopsis: An illustrated edition of the author’s first novel—the hilarious, viral hit Harris bin Potter and the Stoned Philosopher, in which a bespectacled boy finds out that magic is disappearing in Singapore... and has to stop it. Harris bin Potter is an orphan who loves to play void deck football like any other Singaporean boy. But when he discovers he is a parceltongue (i.e., he can talk to boxes... er, parcels), his world changes. Harris learns about his magical lineage and enrols at the MOE-approved Hog-TakHalal-What School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There, he is sorted into the House of Fandi and gets caught up in an insane adventure to save Singapore’s magical folk from being turned into kosongs.
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BE ST L IT E RA RY WOR K FINALISTS
Impractical Uses of Cake Publisher: Epigram Books First Publication Date: May 2019 ISBN: 9789814845120 Author: Yeoh Jo-Ann Language of Publication: English Synopsis: Sukhin is a thirty-five-year-old teacher who lives alone. His life consists of reading, working and visiting his parents’ to rearrange his piles of “collectibles”. He has only one friend, another teacher who has managed to force Sukhin into a friendship by sheer doggedness. While on an errand one afternoon in Chinatown, he encounters a homeless person who recognises him. This chance reunion turns Sukhin’s well-planned life upside down, and the pair learns about love and sacrifice over their shared fondness for cake.
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B ES T L IT E R A RY WORK FINALISTS
The Evolved Ones (Book 1): Awakening Publisher: Marshall Cavendish International (Asia) First Publication Date: July 2019 ISBN: 9789814841443 Author: Natasha Oliver Language of Publication: English Synopsis: This exciting urban fantasy fiction series features a world where some humans are evolving and developing special, even incredible, abilities. These Evolved Ones (EOs) now face grave uncertainty and danger in a game of hide and seek that ends with many of their kind disappearing permanently. In this first book, Awakening, readers follow the story of Rox, who awoke four years ago without a single memory of her past – who she was and where she had come from. While speech and most of her higher level cognitive functions were working, but everything about herself felt unfamiliar, especially her new involuntary ability to heal. Plagued by insecurity and confusion, Rox leaves the only home she can remember and embarks on a thrilling, action-packed journey in search of her true identity, and herself.
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BEST MIDDLE GRADE/YOUNG ADULT TITLE FINALISTS
Awesome Art Singapore: 10 Works from the Lion City Everyone Should Know Publisher: National Gallery Singapore First Publication Date: May 2019 ISBN: 9789811187087 Author: Ryan How Language of Publication: English Synopsis: Leap into the awesome world of art! Take a little trip around sunny Singapore to discover 10 spectacular works of art. This journey will take you from dark and mysterious jungles to bustling outdoor markets. Draw scenes from your neighbourhood, fold your own paper sculpture and take snapshots of your adventure across the lion city! Fully illustrated with stories and fun facts about each artwork, Awesome Art Singapore makes art concepts and ideas easy to enjoy and understand. Through fun and engaging activities exploring artists’ mediums, methods and motivations, the Awesome Art series of books inspires hours of creativity at home or in the classroom. The series represents National Gallery Singapore’s commitment towards presenting and advancing discourse on the art of Southeast Asia. Come discover the wonderful world of art in Awesome Art Malaysia, Awesome Art Indonesia, Awesome Art Philippines and Awesome Art: The Next 20 Works from Southeast Asia Everyone Should Know. 24 SINGAPORE BOOK PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION
BEST MIDDLE GRADE/YOUNG ADULT TITLE FI N A L I S T S
Luminous Sword - Book 3, Keys of Archellos Publisher: Armour Publishing First Publication Date: September 2019 ISBN: 9789814863025 Author: Eunice Li-Tan Language of Publication: English Synopsis: Adventures unfold as Jusvin and friends encounter the Giants, the Nomadic Tribe and the Undersea Sediment’s citizens! What troubles are brewing in Geyser Echer and Clashal Steps? Where is the Ruser Shaker Machine which Herogus is planning to activate to destroy the lands? Get ready for heart-pounding action as they search for Archellos Land’s nine magical keys and locket scattered across the lands and seas. Let your imagination soar as they seek to free those who are enslaved in crystals in the quest for justice. Journey with them as they valiantly defend against Herogus and his troops on the Day of Solarisk!
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BEST MIDDLE GRADE/YOUNG ADULT TITLE FINALISTS
Make Animals Great Again and Other Creature Campaigns Publisher: Epigram Books First Publication Date: October 2019 ISBN: 9789814845595 Author: Maureen Yeo Language of Publication: English Synopsis: The older animals of Singapore are worried about the deteriorating values of the Next Generation. So the Animal Council is convened and it is agreed that a new leader is needed. But who will they choose? Some animals think leadership should be inherited (Horseshoe Crab says he is literally blue-blooded, so he should lead!), but many disagree. So a competition is held, and the insects send Weaver Ant, who thinks she can win based on strength. Other critters also step up and make all sorts of campaign promises to the kingdom. The birds send Parakeet, who just parrots the ideas of others. Will the Animal Council pick the right leader? Make Animals Great Again follows the hilarious The Great Singapore Poo Sale, featuring the same cheeky animals of Singapore.
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BEST MIDDLE GRADE/YOUNG ADULT TITLE FINALISTS
Queen of the Sky Publisher: Penguin Random House SEA First Publication Date: August 2019 ISBN: 9789814882002 Author: Josephine Chia Language of Publication: English Synopsis: In Queen of the Sky, children learn that nothing is impossible when chasing a dream. In the story, Amelia, a modern, nine-year-old Peranakan Chinese girl, has a Great Grandmother (GGM) who just cannot keep still. She wants to go sky-diving for her 90th birthday and the whole family wants to stop her. Her determination sees her wish granted, and we learn that no one is too old, too short, too tall, too dark, etc. to have a goal and reach it. Josephine Chia, who is known to feature history and culture into her works, once again cleverly brings readers back to old Singapore as GGM takes Amelia to the Old Kallang Airport where she met her heroine, Amelia Earheart in 1937. The story is also generously peppered with tidbits about Peranakan culture and historical facts about Singapore. It is a simple story yet rich with lessons about life and history, and heart-warming from beginning to end.
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BEST MIDDLE GRADE/YOUNG ADULT TITLE FI N A L I S T S
WildKat Publisher: Scholastic First Publication Date: October 2019 ISBN: 9789811191039 Author: Vittoria D’Alessio Language of Publication: English Synopsis: Katrina Hollow eats, sleeps and breathes digital gadgets, so when a family disaster forces her to sell her stash, she’s convinced her life is over. It doesn’t help that her best friend abandons her, her little brother stops talking after a neardeath encounter with a snake, and her parents start acting seriously weird. Then, a mysterious girl steps into Kat’s world and her life takes a dramatic new direction: Dragged across a landscape of danger and adventure, she must fend for herself using nothing but her hands, her grit and her will to survive. Armed with rare new skills, will Kat find the courage to bring her battered classmates to safety when catastrophe strikes on a school expedition?
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B ES T E D U C ATI ON TI TL E FINALISTS
Discover Forensics 2: More Ways to Use Science for Investigations Publisher: Marshall Cavendish International (Asia) First Publication Date: September 2019 ISBN: 9789814841580 Author: The Forensic Experts Group (TFEG) Language of Publication: English Synopsis: Every crime scene has clues if we know where to look, and with the correct techniques, kids too might just uncover the truth of what happened. Moments like this are perfect for forensics to come in and save the day. In this book, forensics science experts guide kids to explore everyday objects and how it can provide vital clues to investigative questions. They will learn to debunk myths commonly depicted on television, immerse in stories that made headlines in newspapers and challenge themselves with fun activities. By going behind the scenes, children will get to see how forensic scientists work the field to solve crimes, and that the science they learn in school is a useful foundation for unravelling mysteries. The book also contains colourful illustrations and real life crime cases to make reading both engaging and exciting!
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B ES T E D U C ATI ON TI TL E FINALISTS
GP Power, New Edition - ‘A’ Level General Paper Publisher: Armour Publishing First Publication Date: October 2019 ISBN: 9789814863438 Author: Robert Wilks Language of Publication: English Synopsis: GP Power has been specially designed to improve student performance in the General Paper by providing valuable advice and intensive examination practice. With entertaining articles, stimulating exercises and thought-provoking passages, GP Power adopts a fresh and lively approach that makes learning enjoyable as well as educational. The author identifies the habitual errors, general weaknesses and popular misconceptions that plague many GP students and shows how they can be remedied. He also highlights common inadequacies in examination technique and provides effective strategies to improve performance. Written with a keen sense of humour, GP Power teaches the crucial skills and provides the essential practice to ensure examination success.
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B ES T E D U C ATI ON TI TL E FINALISTS
How to Build a Dragon or Die Trying: A Satirical Look at Cutting-Edge Science Publisher: World Scientific Publishing Co. First Publication Date: June 2019 ISBN: 9789813275935 Authors: Paul Knoepfler and Julie Knoepfler Language of Publication: English Synopsis: The co-author of this book, Julie Knoepfler, is a high school student, who came up with the idea of “building a dragon”, i.e. making living, fire-breathing dragons. While this may seem like a fantasy, in reality the advancement of science has made this possible. She teamed up with her father Paul Knoepfler, a renowned scientist who has won many acclaimed awards. Paul explains how it is possible to “build a dragon” or to create a creature that in the past was perceived to be impossible using the latest scientific tools, such as gene editing technology and bioengineering.
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B ES T E D U C ATI ON TI TL E FINALISTS
My Pals are Here! Science Upsized Home Edition 3 & 4 Publisher: Marshall Cavendish Education First Publication Date: 2019 ISBN: 9789814852944 Authors: Dr Kwa Siew Hwa, Teo-Gwan Wai Lan, Koh Siew Luan, Chee Chin Young Language of Publication: English Synopsis: My Pals Are Here! (MPAH) Science 3 & 4 Upsized Home Edition is specially designed to support pupils’ interest, and to meet the needs of pupils who require examples of exam-type questions for practice to apply concepts learnt. It is a comprehensive resource which supports learning by providing a strong knowledge base for pupils. Packed with 50% additional new content in the form of additional notes, summary notes and extra practice questions, this series also features concept maps and summary notes to consolidate pupils’ learning.
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Theory and Problems for Chemistry Olympiad: Challenging Concepts in Chemistry Publisher: World Scientific Publishing Co. First Publication Date: December 2019 ISBN: 9789813238992 (hc) and 9789811210419 (pbk) Authors: Zhihan Nan and Sheng Zhang Language of Publication: English Synopsis: This book is a one-of-its-kind English book devoted to preparing students for the Chemistry Olympiad competition. While similar books for Physics and Mathematical Olympiads have been published for years, it is a challenge to summarise the large amount of knowledge required for Chemistry Olympiad. Before this book, students must read through many large university textbooks on various areas in chemistry, even though only parts of the book may be relevant. This book puts together all such concepts and explains them thoroughly without assuming that the students have university-level background.
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B ES T E D U C ATI ON TI TL E FINALISTS
玩物志 - 新加坡学前华文教具日常生活材料篇 Publisher: NTU-SCCL Press First Publication Date: March 2019 ISBN: 9789811406416 Author: Dr Cheng Wan-ni (郑婉妮博士) Language of Publication: Chinese Synopsis: This book shares the creation process of the teaching aids developed by preschool Chinese teachers who participated in “2018 National Preschool Teaching Aid Competition -Things in Everyday Life”. It is a compilation of more than 50 entries from preschool Chinese teachers. These teaching aids use daily life materials and cover the six learning areas of children, which can be a good resource in the classroom. The book also includes classroom activities and event design, which reflects on the teachers’ thinking and field experiences.
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BES T P IC TU R E BOOK F I N A L I S TS
Apa Nama Kuih Ini? Publisher: Pustaka Nasional First Publication Date: September 2019 ISBN: 9789813260382 Authors: Maria Humairah Binte Rosland and Siti Salamah Bte Hamid Illustrator: Evelyn Ghozalli Language of Publication: Malay Synopsis: The picture book teaches the child about shapes and colours by introducing them to the various local Malay kueh. By showing the shapes of the kueh and its colours, the boy is able to recall the name of the kueh his mother wants him to buy.
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B ES T P IC T U R E BOOK FINALISTS
Counting Sheep Publisher: Marshall Cavendish International (Asia) First Publication Date: April 2019 ISBN: 9789814841191 Author: Pippa Chorley Illustrator: Danny Deeptown Language of Publication: English Synopsis: One stormy night when Sam cannot sleep, her mum suggests that she counts some sheep. But how can she count them when one of the sheep can’t jump over the fence? Young readers will join Sam and her flock in this frolicking farmyard rhyming story as they all try to help little Shep find a way over the fence. Filled with beautiful illustrations with intricate details that children will enjoy exploring on every page, the plot encourages them to come up with their own solutions to solve the common, everyday problems that they may encounter. It also introduces children to concepts like teamwork, simple science and can be a wonderful teaching tool for schools and parents to explore language, including narrative poetry, rhyme and rhythm in a fun, interesting and engaging way.
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BES T P IC TU R E BOOK F I N A L I S TS
Dreams Are Calling Publisher: Scholastic First Publication Date: September 2019 ISBN: 9789814880299 Authors: Trang Hoang and Pham Quang Phuc Language of Publication: English Synopsis: As the night falls, adventure begins with a tale of a mother encouraging a child to face the darkness and what lies ahead. A beautiful tale filled with whimsical illustrations for bedtime! Dreams Are Calling takes readers on a journey in a fantastical – albeit at times scary – land of dreams. The central theme explores the universal and everlasting bond between a parent and a child, symbolizing how a strong family relationship strengthens a child’s character. Its hypnotising illustrations are inspired from the terrains of Southeast Asia, with hints of tropical rainforests home to its magnificent creatures, told by characters inspired by the communities in Vietnam appealing to curious readers transcending geographical and cultural borders. Along with a clear relatable theme, it is a timeless bedtime story that strengthens the special bond between a parent and a child, at the end of every day. SINGAPORE BOOK AWARDS 2020 37
BES T P IC T U R E BOOK FINALISTS
Friends: A Counting Book Publisher: Landmark Books First Publication Date: December 2019 ISBN: 9789814189989 Author: Goh Eck Kheng Illustrator: Mike Foo Language of Publication: English Synopsis: Written in verse, this counting book teaches kids numbers and counting and also gives parents and caregivers the opportunity to talk to them about respecting and connecting with the people they meet in their daily lives who are different from themselves.
38 SINGAPORE BOOK PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION
BES T P IC TU R E BOOK F I N A L I S TS
Jun and the Octopus
JUN AND THE OCTOPUS
A ND JUN E TH
Ekkers & Lim An-ling
TO OC
PU S
Publisher: Singapore Children’s Society First Publication Date: May 2019 ISBN: 9789811415029 Author: Goh Eck Kheng Illustrator: Lim An-ling Language of Publication: English Synopsis: Jun has a secret. It is about Mok, the uncle from the neighbouring village who has come to help Ma and Pa. Jun is happy that Mok has taught him how to swim, but there is something that Mok does which worries him and gives him nightmares. What should Jun do? What will happen to him?Authored by Mr Goh Eck Kheng (Ekkers) and illustrated by Ms Lim An-ling, ‘Jun and the Octopus’ follows the story of a boy who confronts his fears and finds the courage to tell his parents about a sexual abuse incident. In May 2019, Singapore Children’s Society launched this picture book on body safety to help caregivers and educators broach the topic of child sexual abuse. We believe that picture books are a gentle yet powerful medium for children to learn about topics that are not easy to talk about.
SINGAPORE BOOK AWARDS 2020 39
BES T P IC T U R E BOOK FINALISTS
Panjang: The Tall Boy who became Prime Minister Publisher: World Scientific Publishing Co. First Publication Date: October 2019 ISBN: 9789811213861 Author: Peh Shing Huei Illustrator: Andrew Tan (Drewscape) Language of Publication: English Synopsis: Panjang is a “tall tale” that looks to inspire children to embrace things that make them different. Based on the childhood of Singapore’s second Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, the book offers a look at the boy who became the man and captures a slice of Singapore’s past. The character Panjang grows up in a world of kampongs and longkangs, and the charming illustrations will show children how Singapore used to be and sends adults straight into nostalgia.
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B ES T N ON -F IC TI ON TI TL E FI N A L I S T S
A Place for Us Publisher: Ethos Books, an imprint of Pagesetters Services First Publication Date: March 2019 ISBN: 9789811405587 Author: Cassandra Chiu Language of Publication: English Synopsis: Disability is neither strange nor distant. Part autobiography, part reflections of social advocate Cassandra Chiu’s experiences as a person living with visual impairment, A Place For Us is the story of the first woman to be a guide dog handler in Singapore and the first Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum in Southeast Asia who happens to be blind. Cassandra’s story starts with her growing-up years in 1980s Singapore, chronicling how her life unfolds with the onset of Stargardt disease, which causes progressive vision loss. From pursuing an education, navigating motherhood, to building a career as a psychotherapist, Cassandra openly discusses the attitudes towards disability and her journey towards true independence with her guide dog Esme. In inimitable frankness, A Place For Us offers an illuminating perspective of a person living with disability beyond the pity party of her life, and advocates for a more equal and sustainable future for people with disabilities. SINGAPORE BOOK AWARDS 2020 41
B ES T N O N -F ICTI ON TI TL E FINALISTS
Hard at Work: Life in Singapore Publisher: NUS Press (Imprint: Ridge Books) First Publication Date: August 2019 ISBN: 9789813250505 Authors: Gerard Sasges and Ng Shi Wen Language of Publication: English Synopsis: Have you ever wondered what your barista is thinking as she makes your morning coffee? What’s it like to be a successful restaurateur in a ruthlessly competitive market? How did a young Thai woman come to work in a hostess bar? Is an academic ghostwriter undermining or shoring up a world-famous education system? How does a drag performer explain her profession to her conservative parents? And what does an elderly tissue vendor make of the momentous changes she’s seen in Singapore since independence? In Hard at Work, sixty people talk about work and life in contemporary Singapore. Their stories shed light not just on Singapore’s present but also its past and its future, and reveal the nation as a place where people from around the world work hard to survive and sometimes thrive. The book offers readers a unique opportunity to look beyond the nation’s iconic skyline and gleaming surfaces to explore the diverse experiences of work and life in Singapore today.
42 SINGAPORE BOOK PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION
B ES T N ON -F IC TI ON TI TL E FI N A L I S T S
Homeless: The Untold Story of a Mother’s Struggle in Crazy Rich Singapore Publisher: Epigram Books First Publication Date: July 2019 ISBN: 9789814845571 Author: Liyana Dhamirah Language of Publication: English Synopsis: Ten years ago, Liyana Dhamirah was in a precarious situation: at 22, she was heavily pregnant and had no place to call home. For Liyana, home was often unstable. Once a bright teenager full of optimism, she faced uncertainty and found no support from family, government agencies and welfare groups. She had nowhere to go, no one to turn to. When she started living on a beach in Sembawang, she discovered a community of people—families—who were homeless just like her. They stuck together and watched out for each other, even when there were raids. She learned that in prosperous Singapore, the homeless are not always identifiable by appearance alone. Months later, journalists eventually uncovered Liyana’s story and how she navigated a bureaucracy of obstacles. Today she is a successful entrepreneur and this is her memoir.
SINGAPORE BOOK AWARDS 2020 43
B ES T N O N -F ICTI ON TI TL E FINALISTS
Imperial Creatures: Humans and Other Animals in Colonial Singapore, 1819–1942 Publisher: NUS Press First Publication Date: September 2019 ISBN: 9789813250871 Author: Timothy P. Barnard Language of Publication: English Synopsis: Imperial Creatures is one of the first books to look across species at animals in a colonial, urban society. If imperialism is a series of power relationships, it involves not only the subjugation of human communities but also animals. What was the relationship between these two processes in colonial Singapore? How did various interactions with animals enable changes in interactions between people, and the expression of power in human terms? Through a multidisciplinary consideration of fauna, this book weaves together a series of tales to document how animals were cherished, slaughtered, monitored and employed in a colonial society, to provide insight into how imperial rule was imposed on an island in Southeast Asia. Fauna and their histories of interacting with humans, thus, become useful tools for understanding our past. All animals, including humans, have been creatures of imperialism in Singapore. Their stories teach us lessons about the structures that upheld such a society and how it developed over time.
44 SINGAPORE BOOK PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION
B ES T N ON -F IC TI ON TI TL E FI N A L I S T S
Reluctant Editor –The Singapore Media as Seen Through the Eyes of a Veteran Newspaper Journalist Publisher: Marshall Cavendish International (Asia) First Publication Date: June 2019 ISBN: 9789814828208 Author: PN Balji Language of Publication: English Synopsis: Reluctant Editor showcases the unpublished stories about the stories that you may have read in Singapore newspapers over the years. Author PN Balji spent nearly 40 years working in five newsrooms. He was part of a hardy generation of newspaper editors who wrestled with editorial issues and made tough decisions, sometimes against the will of authority. He also had a ringside view of his colleagues’ tussles and confrontations with the government. In this book, Balji weaves a compelling narrative, with anecdotes, of an alternative story of how some editors of his generation managed to hold the ground in challenging times. He brings back the drama, mostly played behind the scenes, and attempts to answer the question: What made the editors of the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s act the way they did? It was a life lived dangerously; some lost their jobs, some had to leave the country, and some decided to give in and lived to fight another day.
SINGAPORE BOOK AWARDS 2020 45
B ES T N O N -F ICTI ON TI TL E FINALISTS
The First Wave: JBJ, Chiam & the Opposition in Singapore Publisher: Epigram Books First Publication Date: July 2019 ISBN: 9789814845427 Author: Loke Hoe Yeong Language of Publication: English Synopsis: Based on extensive interviews and archival material, The First Wave tells the story of the opposition in Singapore in its critical first thirty years in Parliament. Democratisation has been described to occur in waves. The first wave of a democratic awakening in postindependence Singapore began with J. B. Jeyaretnam’s victory in the Anson by-election of 1981. That built up to the 1984 general election, the first of many to be called a “watershed”, in which Chiam See Tong was also elected in Potong Pasir. After their successes in 1991, the opposition began dreaming of forming the government. But their euphoria was short-lived. Serious fault lines in the leading Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) rose to the surface almost immediately after the opposition victories of 1991, and the party was wiped out of Parliament by 1997. The opposition spent the next decade experimenting with coalition arrangements, to work their way back to victory. 46 SINGAPORE BOOK PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION
B ES T N ON -F IC TI ON TI TL E FI N A L I S T S
优影振天声：牛车水百年文化历程 (Youying Zhentiansheng: A Century of Singapore’s Chinatown in Cultural and Historical Memory) Publisher: Global Publishing First Publication Date: November 2019 ISBN: 9789811209758 Author: Dr Wong Chee Meng (黄子明) Language of Publication: Chinese Synopsis: Singapore’s Chinatown is remembered by older generations as a town of theatre and food culture, as well as a place of Cantonese settlement. Divided into seven chapters, this book sketches the cultural landscape and changing times of Chinatown over the past century along two main axes. The first is an account of the political and cultural development of the Chinese in Singapore from the intellectual enlightenment of the late nineteenth to early twentieth centuries; the second is an account of the improvement of the opera’s Performance looks at the evolution and transmission of opera culture.
SINGAPORE BOOK AWARDS 2020 47
B ES T B O O K C O VER DESI GN FI N A L I S T S
Fall Baby
Impractical Uses of Cake
Publisher: Penguin Random House SEA First Publication Date: October 2019 ISBN: 9789814867146 Cover Designer: Saurabh Garge Language of Publication: English
Publisher: Epigram Books First Publication Date: May 2019 ISBN: 9789814845120 Cover Designer: Lim Qin Yi Language of Publication: English
48 SINGAPORE BOOK PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION
BE ST B O O K COVE R DE SIGN FI N A L I S T S
Singapore 1819: A Living Legacy
The Angel Tiger and Other Stories
Publisher: Talisman Publishing First Publication Date: 2019 ISBN: 9789811185731 Cover Designer: Norreha Sayuti Language of Publication: English
Publisher: Epigram Books First Publication Date: September 2019 ISBN: 9789814785662 Cover Designer: Liak Yuan Ying Language of Publication: English
SINGAPORE BOOK AWARDS 2020 49
B ES T B O O K C O VER DESI GN FI N A L I S T S
The Best of Junji Ito: Short Story Collection
The Brook’s Clown – A Hit & Miss Adventure of Gramblanc & Hatoff
Publisher: Shogakukan Asia First Publication Date: October 2019 ISBN: 9789811417146 Cover Designer: Junji Ito Language of Publication: English
Publisher: Achates 360 First Publication Date: October 2019 ISBN: 9789811432293 Cover Designer: Koh Hong Teng Language of Publication: English
50 SINGAPORE BOOK PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION
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