Singapore Book Awards 2021 Programme Booklet by Singapore Book Publishers Association

2021

IFC AD

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Singapore Book Awards 2021 The Singapore Book Awards is an industry award for books published in Singapore. Into its sixth 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. © 2021 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 2021 3

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Welcome Message Dear Friends, It is my great pleasure to write this welcome message for the 6th installment of SBPA’s Annual Book Awards.

and the winners will receive their prizes from the Book Awards Subcommittee and judges.

As we continue to fight and ride out this pandemic together, it is important that we focus on what we do best – the creation of content which will educate, enrich and empower readers in Singapore and around the world. The Book Awards celebrate the best of our books and is more important now than ever during these times.

The Book Awards Ceremony will be live streamed on the SBPA and ASEAN Book Publishers Association’s Facebook pages. There will be opportunities for readers and fans to congratulate their authors and publishers via these Facebook pages.

Although we are still in the midst of a pandemic, submissions for the awards were very encouraging, with over 100 submissions for 10 categories. The main changes to the award categories this year are renaming the “Best Middle Grade/Young Adult Title” to “Best Young Persons Title” and converting the “Best E-Book Title” to the “Best Hybrid Book” category to take into account technological changes in delivering content to readers and readers’ preferences. The Book Awards Ceremony will be held “phygitally” on 24 September as an event with a seamless blend of in-person and digital elements at the auditorium in Jurong Town Hall, the hub of trade association activities in Singapore. The shortlisted finalists will attend the Book Awards Ceremony in Jurong Town Hall

Another new component is the Readers’ Choice Awards that will be held concurrently with the 2021 Singapore Book Awards. The Readers’ Choice Awards will allow readers to be engaged in the Book Awards by allowing them to vote for their favourite shortlisted title. We hope all these new initiatives will help enhance the awards which we strive to improve every year. Hopefully, we are able to have a fully physical ceremony for 2022! The association would like to thank our Book Awards Subcommittee and all our judges for taking the time and efforts for this important event. We would also like to thank all participating publishers and our sponsors for your continued support. Keep safe and take care!

Max Phua

SBPA PRESIDENT (2020-2022) SINGAPORE BOOK AWARDS 2021 5

THANK YOU TO

OUR SPONSORS & PARTNERS CORPORATE SPONSORS:

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GAPORE N I S

BOOK AWARDS

READERS’ CHOICE2021

4 lucky voters will win $300 worth of book vouchers! Vote for your favourite book now!

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http://bit.ly/2021BookAwards

SINGAPORE BOOK T&Cs AWARDSApply 2021 7 Voting ends: 20 September 2021 / 2359 hrs (SGT)

The new HP Indigo 100K Digital Press is the world’s most productive B2 digital solution with true digital non-stop print capabilities, at 6,000 sheets per hour. A breakthrough press that completely recalculates your total cost of ownership. A proﬁt center that boosts margins on the short runs you’re already doing, and a business generator that accelerates you into a world of untapped digital business opportunities. 8 SINGAPORE BOOK PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION

2021 Awards Categories There are forty-six finalists nominated for 9 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.

Best Hybrid Book (NEW)

Best Audio Book

Best Illustrated Non-Fiction Title

Best Literary Work

Best Young Persons Title (7 – 18 years old)

Best Education Title

Best Picture Book (5 – 7 years old)

Best Non-Fiction Title

Best Book Cover Design

Followed by Readers’ Choice Award 2021 and Book of the Year 2021

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Panel of Judges BEST HYBRID BOOK How Meng Leong Researcher, Nanyang Technological University Eugene Macarius Tan Digital Marketing Strategist and Certified Search Engine Optimization Principal Consultant and Coach Alex Mitchell Lecturer, Communications and New Media Department, NUS

BEST AUDIO BOOK Keith Neubronner Assistant Programming Manager, CatholicSG Radio Michael Kam Senior Lecturer, Dip. in Film, Sound & Video, School of Film & Media Studies, Ngee Ann Polytechnic Lonce Wyse Associate Professor, Communications and New Media Department, National University of Singapore

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BEST ILLUSTRATED NON-FICTION TITLE Kelley Cheng Creative Director, The Press Room Ko Hui Huy Creative Director, Duet Design Marissa Chen Independent Publishing Consultant

BEST LITERARY WORK Lee Lai Yong Former School Principal of Radin Mas and Rulang Primary Schools, and Junyuan Secondary School Academic Advisor of At-Sunrice Global Chef Academy Meenachi Andiappan PhD (English Literature) candidate, Nanyang Technological University Cheah Sin Mei Case Writer, Centre for Management Practice, Singapore Management University

BEST YOUNG PERSONS TITLE (7 – 18 YEARS OLD) Heng Huey Bin Head (Children and Teens), Content and Services, Public Libraries, National Library Board (NLB) Hidayah Amin Author Anitha Devi Pillai Lecturer, English Language and Literature, National Institute of Education (NIE)

BEST EDUCATION TITLE Sun Baoqi Research Scientist, Office of Education Research, National Institute of Education (NIE) Priti Sharma Devata Associate Lecturer, English Language and Literature Programme, Singapore University of Social Sciences David Woon Academic Liaison, Continental Automotive Singapore

BEST NON-FICTION TITLE Moses Sia Educator-Artist Esther Lee ISCOS ReGen Fund Communications Executive Chua Chong Jin Senior Lecturer, College of Business, Nanyang Business School, Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Nicholas Fang Director, Security and Global Affairs, Singapore Institute of International Affairs and Managing Director, Black Dot Pte Ltd Lim Tai Wei Associate Professor, Centre for University Core, Singapore University of Social Sciences Dawn Marie Lee Editor, The Peranakan Magazine

BEST BOOK COVER DESIGN Leslie Lim Product and Sales Manager, Pansing Distribution Danne Ojeda Hernandez Associate Professor, School of Art, Design and Media, Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Alison Schooling Co-Founder, Sarah and Schooling SINGAPORE BOOK AWARDS 2021 11

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One Havelock Square Publisher: The State Courts of Singapore Creative and Project Management: Redbean De Pte Ltd First Publication Date: February 2020 ISBN: 978-981-14-4801-0 (Hardcover); 978-981-14-4802-7 (e-Book) Author: The Nutgraf LLP Language of Publication: English Synopsis: The book commemorates the State Courts’ relocation to the State Courts Towers where they will start a new chapter of their mission to serve Singapore by upholding the highest standards of justice. The book covers the following themes: (a) The Architecture of State Courts (Past, Present and Future) (b) The People of State Courts (c) The State Courts and Partners The book is supplemented by a website, which showcases i) photographs of the State Courts Building as well as the State Court Towers; and ii) the following digital content: (1) Video interviews of selected State Courts officers (2) Four different walking routes within the State Courts Building; and

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(3) Augmented Reality models of past and present State Courts buildings through a mobile app

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Our Blood Runs Red Just Like Yours Publisher: Potato Productions (Parent company of Tusitala) / matte Pte Ltd / AMOK Pte Ltd First Publication Date: 2020 ISBN: 978-981-14-3090-9 (hardback) Author: Eric WK Ng and matte Pte Ltd Language of Publication: English Synopsis: Our Blood Runs Red Just Like Yours is a photo book in collaboration with The T Project, which runs a shelter and community centre for the transgender community in Singapore. With the aim to shed light on this often misunderstood and marginalised community, the book features shelter residents and associates, sharing previously untold stories of their lives. Stories of strength in adversity, love amongst hate, and the courage to live one’s life authentically. Ultimately showing that despite our misconceptions and uninformed prejudices, we are more alike than we are different.

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Cerita Mimi-Mimi Mahu Ke Mana Publisher: Pustaka Nasional First Publication Date: November 2020 ISBN: 978-9971-77-743-2 Author: Lingzi Media, translated into Malay by Nur-El Hudaa Jaffar Narrator: Nur-El Hudaa Jaffar Language of Publication: Malay Synopsis: Cerita Mimi-Mimi Mahu Ke Mana or Mimi’s Story –Where is Mimi going? is about a cat called Mimi who ran away from home and was looking at the homes of other animals such as a bird, dog, rabbit. She later realised her home is the best place for her.

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Telur Emas Permaisuri Publisher: Pustaka Nasional First Publication Date: June 2020 ISBN: 978-981-326-0221 Author: Noor Farzinah Bte Noor Aziz & Nur Syafizah Bte Rohayat Narrators: Saiful Amri, Nur Sodiqin Mohd Fuad, El Kiraz Sodiqin, Raja Aniq Danie Bin Raja Muhd Qamarul Razie, Raja Ariqah Dania Bin Raja Muhd Qamarul Razie, Raja Ariq Danish Bin Raja Muhd Qamarul Razie Language of Publication: Malay Synopsis: Telur Emas Permaisuri or The Queen’s Golden Egg is a children’s book on how the retiring Queen selects her successor to rule the insect kingdom. Four candidates were selected: the ant, grasshopper, bee and a butterfly.

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Impractical Uses of Cake Publisher: Storytel Singapore First Publication Date: June 2020 ISBN: 978-917-92-3628-1 Author: Yeoh Jo-Ann Narrator: Joshua Lim 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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How to Cook Everything Singaporean Publisher: Epigram Books First Publication Date: October 2020 ISBN: 978-981-07-8000-5 Author: Denise Fletcher Lead Designer: Jael Ng Language of Publication: English

AUTHOR ISBN FORMAT SIZE EXTENT RRP GENRE RELEASE RIGHTS

Synopsis: For the first time ever, a comprehensive guide to Singaporean cuisine is available. Featuring over 1,000 recipes of familiar home-cooked and hawker favourites from the various ethnic groups, as well as contributions from some of Singapore’s most exciting chefs (Bjorn Shen, Violet Oon, Willin Low and more), cooks can find something to satisfy every palate— from simple comfort food to the more gastronomically adventurous. Compiled and tested by Denise Fletcher, executive chef at Quentin’s Bar and Restaurant, Denise Fletcher Sentosa, these authentic recipes are 978-981-07-8000-5 written in a casual and approachable style. Hardcover 190mm x 250mm Broken down into clear, easy-to-follow 692pp steps, even those new to Southeast Asian SGD $74.90 ($80.14 w/ GST) cuisine will find How to Cook Everything Food Singaporean an essential companion in Oct 2020 the kitchen.

World

Distribution (ASEAN) APD Singapore t: +65 6749 3551 e: customersvc@apdsing.com Distribution (Non-ASEAN)

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Celebrating Our City in Nature

Publisher: National Parks Board Creative and Project Management: Redbean De Pte Ltd First Publication Date: August 2020 ISBN: 978-981-14-7312-8 Author: National Parks Board Language of Publication: English Synopsis: The Singapore Garden Photographer of the Year (SGPY) is a year-long national photo competition that aims to create a greater appreciation and awareness of our natural heritage through the lens of the community. Celebrating Our City in Nature is a compilation of the awardwinning photo entries from these two photography competitions. In addition, the book offers photography tips from the competition’s judging panel, as well as little known facts about our parks, gardens and nature reserves and their rich biodiversity. It is hoped that these photographs will inspire more members of the community to take up their camera to capture the nature that is found all around us, and the joy that comes from living in a City in Nature.

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And Softly Go the Crossings

Publisher: Penguin Random House SEA First Publication Date: November 2020 ISBN: 978-981-48-8219-4 Author: Danielle Lim Language of Publication: English Synopsis: In this collection of short stories, Singapore Literature Prize-winner Danielle Lim probes the unseen changes which take place in the human psyche and their impact on the textures of life. Weaving through pain and healing, beauty and darkness, these silent crossings of the human heart and mind are deep and formidable. They often go unnoticed due to their quiet and subtle nature. From a man struggling to bridge the distance between him and his dying father, to the changes in the human psyche when people are pit competitively against one another, these stories seek to draw out the emotional and psychological threads which form the tapestry of lived experience. With its portraits of love and loss, loneliness, and heartache, hope and healing, And Softly Go the Crossings challenges the reader to encounter human connection through soft, yet powerful, inner rhythms. SINGAPORE BOOK AWARDS 2021 19

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Sembawang: A Novel Publisher: Marshall Cavendish International (Asia) First Publication Date: August 2020 ISBN: 978-981-48-9328-2 Author: Kamaladevi Aravindan, translated by Anitha Devi Pillai Language of Publication: English Synopsis: Singapore, 1960s: Sembawang is home away from home for a tightly-knit community of bachelors and families who work at Her Majesty’s Naval Base. Behind closed doors, a matriarch controls her daughters-in-law’s movements. A bachelor from Kerala pines by his window for his forbidden lover. A maid from a rubber estate across the border aches to hold her young son once more. An inter-racial love between a conservative Tamil woman and a worldly Chinese man wreaks havoc in the life of an innocent bystander. The idyllic village life is shaken when two midwives are viciously attacked at the maternity clinic, and again when one of their own beloved residents meets with an unnatural death. As catastrophes strike, the village comes together as one. A dramatic, sweeping saga of Sembawang families across five decades.

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The Sea Speaks His Name Publisher: Penguin Random House SEA First Publication Date: February 2020 ISBN: 978-981-48-8231-6 Author: Leila Chudori, translated by John H McGlynn Language of Publication: English Synopsis: In the twilight hours of a day in March, Biru Laut was ambushed by four unknown men. Together with his friends, Daniel, Sunu and Alex, he was taken to an unknown location. For months they were held captive, interrogated, beaten and tortured into answering one sole question: Who stood behind the rebellious student movements at that time? Biru Laut’s younger sister, who, along with other family members of kidnapped student activists, struggled to put the pieces of the puzzle together and to find answers to their never-ending questions. This stirring story of Biru Laut and his friends is the story of the desaparecidos of Indonesia. It is the story of a momentous— and still seldom written about—period of Indonesian history that led to the end of dictatorship in Indonesia.

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This Side Of Heaven Publisher: Epigram Books First Publication Date: March 2020 ISBN: 978-981-48-4582-3 Author: Cyril Wong Language of Publication: English Synopsis: A comedian, a nun, a reality TV star, and countless others meet in a garden. This is not the start of a joke, but the beginnings of a parable. These denizens might be running out of time, while there is all the time in their Kafkaesque world.

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Wing Of The Locust Publisher: Scholastic Asia First Publication Date: December 2020 ISBN: 978-981-48-8501-0 Author: Joel Donato Ching Jacob Language of Publication: English Synopsis: Wing of the Locust follows the life of Tuan, who escapes his mundane and mediocre existence when he is apprenticed to Muhen, a charming barangay wiseman. But as he delves deeper into the craft of amambabarang and its applications in espionage, sabotage and assassination, the young apprentice is overcome by conflicting emotions. Danger threatens those around him, and Tuan must consider sacrificing himself for the sake of his loved ones, causing him to question his new life. Wing of the Locust enchants fans of fantasy and folklore, in a powerfully imaginative tale set in a world inspired by pre-Hispanic Philippines.

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My BFF Is An Alien Publisher: Epigram Books First Publication Date: March 2020 ISBN: 978-981-48-4590-8 Author: Vivian Teo Language of Publication: English Synopsis: Meet Abriana Yeo, 13, awkward and friendless. Meet Octavia Wu, a graceful teenage alien with superpowers. Forced to flee her home planet Viridis after an invasion by “The Others”, another alien species, Octavia and her parents crash-land in the Singapore heartland. Pretending to be a foreign student, Octavia enters secondary one and befriends Abriana, who then helps her in her quest to find the Anteris, a missing element the alien family needs if they want to return to Viridis to help in the war effort. All the while, the two girls also need to navigate the intricate web of teenage drama at Bukit Timah Secondary Girls’ School (BTSGS), where mean girls thwart their search efforts every step of the way.

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Raffles Readers: A Century of Adventures Publisher: Penguin Random House SEA First Publication Date: July 2020 ISBN: 978-981-48-8224-8 Authors: David Seow, Claire Thamboo, Simon Wray, Linda Fitzpatrick, Emma Nicholson, illustrated by Mark Yong Language of Publication: English Synopsis: Raffles Hotel is the best known, oldest and most elegant hotel in Singapore. When it was first built in1887, it stood on Beach Road, opposite the sea. Nowadays, Beach Road is in the middle of a thriving, modern city. There are many tales of weird and wonderful events at this beautiful hotel. And hundreds of famous people have stayed there. Here, in the Raffles Readers, you will meet some characters who may be, just maybe, could have stayed in the hotel. Who knows? Stories spanning from the 1920s to 2000s, these imaginative tales draw in the young readers to the wonderous world inside the iconic Raffles Hotel and the adventures of its eclectic guest list.

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Sherlock Sam and the Seafaring Scourge on Sentosa Publisher: Epigram Books First Publication Date: October 2020 ISBN: 978-981-49-0116-1 Author: A.J. Low Language of Publication: English Synopsis: Sherlock and the Supper Club find themselves on a collision course with their most dangerous foe yet! A collector’s priceless artifacts have been stolen and he hires the Wonderful Watson Online Detective Agency to retrieve them. Sherlock and his friends find themselves following clues on the small islands around Singapore, only to discover the true culprits behind the crime are none other than Pirates Inc.!Will the Supper Club succeed in dismantling this international criminal cartel, or will they find themselves exploring Davy Jones’ Locker?

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i (issue 15) Publisher: ilovereading.sg First Publication Date: 2014 ISSN: 2425-0074 Author: G. Shoba (Editor-in-Chief) Language of Publication: English Synopsis: “ i “... Bold. Confident. Ready. What do you get when you blend English language learning with five cups of entertainment, ten tablespoons of confidence boosters, ten tablespoons of fun and a dash of mischief? The result is the” i “–an enrichment magazine in Singapore that stands out boldly from the others. If you have learners who have little interest in the English language, see no reason why they should mind their commas, who cannot seem to get past the first page of anything they read or if you simply want to provide an exciting reading experience for your students, just let them read “ i “. After all, “ i “, as the name suggests, is all about the learner. “ i “is an upbeat read that features articles and comic strips of various sub-themes such as Chow Down (food), Line of Work (career), Sports & Games and Dance, Music & Drama, among others.

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Inspire (Issue 27/28) Publisher: ilovereading.sg First Publication Date: 2014 ISSN: 2382-6223 Author: G Shoba (Editor-in-Chief) Language of Publication: English Synopsis: INSPIRE is an English Language higher primary/lower secondary school magazine targeted at young readers between the ages of 11 and 14. True to its tagline, ‘Amazing Stories’, this magazine features fascinating stories, both fiction and nonfiction.

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iThink (Issue 30/31) Publisher: ilovereading.sg First Publication Date: 2014 ISSN: 2345-7309 Author: G Shoba (Editor-in-Chief) Language of Publication: English Synopsis: iThink’ is a teen educational magazine specially designed for readers between ages from 14 to16 years old. iThink symbolizes the magazine’s focus on critical thinking and we adopted the thematic model. The content of this educational magazine for teens in Singapore is created bearing in mind the current MOE syllabus objectives and exam requirements, while maintaining the quality and concept of an interesting non-academic teen magazine. Its content also serve as useful teachers’ resources in Singapore.

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New Discovering Mathematics 1A Publisher: Star Publishing Pte Ltd First Publication Date: January 2020 ISBN: 978-981-4658-85-0 Authors: Chow Wai Keung, Huo Da, Dr Ng Kok Min Language of Publication: English Synopsis: New Discovering Mathematics 1A is a part of a series of textbooks written for the latest O-Level Mathematics syllabus implemented from 2020 by the Singapore Ministry of Education. It emphasises empowering students to learn mathematics independently and effectively while fostering their interest in mathematics in real-life applications. It is organised into three strands—Numbers and Algebra, Geometry and Measurement and Statistics and Probability and structured to establish a strong foundation in students’ mathematics. Activity-based learning focusing on mathematical reasoning, metacognition, and Big Ideas in mathematics enhances the learning experience to encourage a deeper understanding and appreciation of mathematics.

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think! Mathematics Textbooks 2A and 2B (8th edition) - bundle Publisher: Shing Lee Publishers Pte Ltd First Publication Date: July 2020 ISBN: 978-981-324-928-8 and 978-981-324-929-5 Authors: Dr Joseph B. W. Yeo, Dr Choy Ban Heng, Teh Keng Seng, Wong Lai Fong, Sharon Lee Language of Publication: English Synopsis: think! Mathematics is a series of textbooks designed to provide students valuable learning experiences and a deeper appreciation of mathematics by engaging their minds and hearts. The series cover the MOE Syllabus for Mathematics implemented from 2020 and reflects the important shifts towards the development of 21st century competencies. Underpinning the writing of this textbook is our belief that all students can learn and appreciate mathematics. This textbook series will be a meaningful companion for students as they embark on an exciting journey in secondary school mathematics through collaborative and self-directed learning.

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Under the stars: astrophysics for everyone Publisher: World Scientific Publishing Co. First Publication Date: April 2020 ISBN: 978-981-121-769-2 (hardcover), 978-981-121-825-5 (paperback) Author: Lisa Harvey-Smith Language of Publication: English Synopsis: Under the Stars: Astrophysics for Everyone transports curious kids and inquisitive adults on an incredible journey through the night sky. Explore our solar system from the comfort of your cosy bedroom. Find out why the sky is blue. Fly around a black hole and peer inside! Learn why Jupiter has stripes. When astrophysicist Lisa Harvey-Smith isn’t looking skyward, she is answering the smart questions of school kids. Her engaging storytelling in this colour fully illustrated book brings the night sky to life, giving amazing new perspectives to young explorers who are always asking, ‘Why?’

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Captain Green and the Tree Machine Publisher: Marshall Cavendish International (Asia) First Publication Date: September 2020 ISBN: 978-981-48-9320-6 Author: Evelyn Bookless Illustrator: Danny Deeptown Language of Publication: English Synopsis: Captain Green is back and this time he’s creating a gadget to help save the planet. As he fine-tunes his invention, disaster strikes. Hornbill’s tree has been chopped down and there’s tree trouble for Elephant and Orangutan too. Captain Green scrambles to finish his invention —a TREE MACHINE —and zooms to the rescue! ZAP! ZOOP! ZINK! Trees pop up everywhere until... BANG! Oh no! How will Captain Green save the animals now?

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Everyday Ninja Publisher: Penguin Random House SEA First Publication Date: February 2020 ISBN: 978-981-48-6722-1 Author: Leila Boukarim Illustrator: Barbara Moxham Language of Publication: English Synopsis: When Kareem and Raffi see an awesome ninja at the park, they go back again and again, wondering if they’ve got what it takes to be super ninjas too. But the boys are in for a big surprise when the ninja does a perfect arabesque.

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Just a Little Mynah Publisher: Epigram Books First Publication Date: September 2020 ISBN: 978-981-49-0141-3 Author: Evelyn Sue Wong Illustrator: Dhanendra Poedjono Language of Publication: English Synopsis: Little Mynah wishes she were not so ordinary. But when her friend, the magnificent Heron, gets into trouble she flies into action and discovers that even ordinary little birds can do extraordinary things. This is the first multilingual picture book published by Epigram Books that introduces and showcases to pre-schoolers and early primary kids the diverse languages and cultures of Singapore. Underlying this charming story is also a message about environmental conservation, an increasingly urgent and important issue for their generation. The book includes a link (via QR code) to an audio recording of everyday words and phrases used in the story in English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil. A useful glossary is provided at the back of the book for easy reference. The QR code also links readers to free games and activities so the fun and learning keeps going.

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Saturday’s Surprisingly Super-Duper Lesson Publisher: Epigram Books First Publication Date: June 2020 ISBN: 978-981-48-4522-9 Author: Jolene Tan Illustrator: Isabella Tong Language of Publication: English Synopsis: It’s a lovely Saturday morning and Aish would rather be riding her bicycle than doing maths sums in a classroom. But when Aish’s doodles come to life, Saturday’s lesson doesn’t seem so boring after all.

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The Boy and The Box Publisher: Marshall Cavendish International (Asia) First Publication Date: September 2020 ISBN: 978-981-48-9347-3 Author: Leila Boukarim and Shameer Bismilla Illustrator: Barbara Moxham Language of Publication: English Synopsis: A boy sets out on a journey, full of wonder. He comes across an empty box and imagines all the things he can do with it. But when the path he is on splits, the boy must make a decision: to follow the advice of others or to follow his own heart.

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The Marvellous Sugee Cake Publisher: Epigram Books First Publication Date: October 2020 ISBN: 978-981-47-8540-2 Author and Illustrator: Quek Hong Shin Language of Publication: English Synopsis: Simon’s family always makes sugee cake on special occasions. And today is one of those days. It’s Simon’s seventh birthday! He can’t wait to bite into a slice. But when Simon sits down to enjoy his treat, things don’t go as planned. Or so it seems, for unbeknown to Simon, his friends and family have been planning a birthday surprise for him—one that involves a marvellous sugee cake! A homage to sugee cake that vows to entertain readers as they follow the adventures of Simon and his friends.

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Fifty Secrets of Singapore’s Success Publisher: Straits Times Press First Publication Date: January 2020 ISBN: 978-981-48-2775-1 (paperback), 978-981-48-2776-8 (e-book) Editor: Tommy Koh Language of Publication: English Synopsis: Singapore has evolved from a developing country to a developed one, in only a few short decades. Its gross domestic product per capita has soared from just US$517 (S$697) in 1965, to US$64,582 (S$87,128) in 2018. Impressed, visiting university students from Mexico and the United States, in early 2019, asked the city state’s Ambassador-atLarge Tommy Koh for its secret of success. His reply: there was not a single secret but many, which he would consider curating a new book on. The result: Fifty Secrets of Singapore’s Success. The collection of 50 essays, written by leaders and experts in their fields, sheds light on how the small state has scored significant success in not only economics but also eight other areas. Among other things, Singapore is one of the world’s least corrupt countries, has one of the highest home ownership rates worldwide — of more than 90 per cent — and has world-class schools, healthcare and environments.

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Governing: A Singapore Perspective Publisher: Straits Times Press First Publication Date: November 2020 ISBN: 978-981-48-2791-1 (paperback), 978-981-48-2792-8 (e-book) Author: S. Jayakumar Language of Publication: English Synopsis: Professor S. Jayakumar, a former minister, diplomat and law dean, shares his candid views on many facets of Singapore’s governance, including fascinating firsthand and behind-the-scenes accounts. • On Lee Kuan Yew: first-hand recollections of events revealing the founding prime minister’s working style as well as his human side. • On world leaders: his impressions of monarchs, prime ministers and ministers, with many of whom he developed close relations. • On contemporary issues, including: - General Election 2020: what are the scenarios which the election portends for Singapore’s future? - Fight against COVID-19: was it a failure or a success story? - Reserved Election of Presidency: was it justifiable or not?

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Home is Where We Are Publisher: NUS Press First Publication Date: October 2020 ISBN: 978-981-32-5132-8 Author: Wang Gungwu with Margaret Wang Language of Publication: English Synopsis: Does home have to be a country or a city?... Or is home this house or that? We have been fortunate.... We seemed always to have been home. Wang Gungwu’s account of his university education in Singapore and the UK,and the early years of his career as an academic in Malaysia capture the excitement, the ambition and the choices of a generation that saw it their responsibility to build the new nations of Southeast Asia. The exploration of the emotional and intellectual journey towards the formation of an identity, treasured by readers of Wang’s Home is Not Here, extends in this volume into an appreciation of love, family life, and the life of the mind. We also see these years from Margaret’s perspective, her own fascinating family story, and her early impressions of this young, bearded poet. Wise and moving, this is a fascinating reflection on identity and belonging, and on the ability of the individual to find a place amidst the historical currents that have shaped Asia. SINGAPORE BOOK AWARDS 2021 41

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lives & times of hrh Publisher: NUS Press First Publication Date: May 2020 ISBN: 978-981-325-119-9 Author: Herman Ronald Hochstadt Language of Publication: English Synopsis: Herman Ronald Hochstadt, or hrh as he is better known, joined the civil service in 1959, moving to the position of secretary to Lee Kuan Yew’s Prime Minister’s Office. hrh had an unusual ability to inspire those working for him, and his signature wit and charm are on display here, in the ways he weaves together stories of his career and some of the key moments of Singapore’s development. Hochstadt has held many positions across the public and private sectors, and he was instrumental in many pivotal moments in modern Singapore’s history, including being part of the delegation to Singapore’s 1965 admission to the United Nations. During his later career, he was high commissioner to several Commonwealth African nations. Full of warmth and humour, lives & times of hrh traces a life dedicated to public service in Singapore, from its time as a crown colony through its evolution to the Republic of Singapore. 42 SINGAPORE BOOK PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION

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My Father’s Kampung: A History of Aukang and Punggol Publisher: World Scientific Publishing Co. First Publication Date: September 2020 ISBN: 978-981-122-690-8 Author: Shawn Seah Language of Publication: English Synopsis: Written by author and speaker Shawn Seah, My Father’s Kampung delves into the social history of Aukang and Punggol as it traces a son’s journey to better understand and appreciate the kampung life his father lived. The book is rich in personal stories and oral histories of those who lived there from the 1940s to 1970s, brought to life by Seah’s passionate narrative as well as illustrations and photos.

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The Longest Shortcut, My Road from Crime and Imprisonment to Self-worth Publisher: Landmark Books Pte Ltd First Publication Date: August 2020 ISBN: 978-981-14-7673-0 Author: Anil David Language of Publication: English Synopsis: Anil David was used to taking shortcuts. By the time he was 14, he had started to steal. At age 26, he was convicted of his first crime and sent to prison for the first of three times. There is another side of Anil’s story. He was sexually abused by an uncle when he was 8. He was initiated into sex by a tutor as a teenager. He grew up with an absent father and a mother that was too busy. His life was based solely on material things. How then did this convict become an icon of resilience and a prize-winning social entrepreneur worthy of investment? In The Longest Shortcut, Anil shares about this journey of redemption and the lessons he has learnt along the way about self-worth, parenting, leadership and hope.

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The Votive Pen Publisher: Penguin Random House SEA First Publication Date: December 2020 ISBN: 978-981-48-8213-2 Author: Nilanjana Sengupta Language of Publication: English Synopsis: A riveting look at the fiercely original, intellectually brilliant mind of Singapore’s unofficial Poet-Laureate, Edwin Thumboo. Born of Tamil and Teochew parents, he embraced the Protestant faith late in his life. He has a self-confessed fetish for Yeats and Pound and yet completed his doctoral thesis onpost-colonial African poetry. He taught himself the Ramayana and I-Ching but found traces of the Odysseus in the shadows of the Merlion. He is brusquely vocal about poetry with a purpose and yet appears a hopeless romantic in his poems about his wife. What happens when a mind which is such a melting pot of brilliant ideas and contrary emotions tries to unscramble the identity of a country like Singapore which is complex, multiracial, has known a fierce economic growth that has often elbowed aside everything else? The Votive Pen sets out to see Edwin Thumboo’s poetry–steadily and see it whole–without the intervening static of earlier critical writing and with an intense alertness to the text.

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AUTHOR ISBN FORMAT SIZE EXTENT RRP GENRE RELEASE RIGHTS

Synopsis: For the first time ever, a comprehensive guide to Singaporean cuisine is available. Featuring over 1,000 recipes of familiar home-cooked and hawker favourites from the various ethnic groups, as well as contributions from some of Singapore’s most exciting chefs, cooks can find something to satisfy every palate—from simple comfort food to the more gastronomically adventurous. Compiled and tested by popular Singaporean food blogger Denise Fletcher, these authentic recipes are written in a casual and approachable style. Broken down into clear, easy-to-follow steps, even those new to Southeast Asian cuisine will find How to Cook Everything Singaporean an essential companion in the kitchen.

Denise Fletcher 978-981-07-8000-5 Hardcover 190mm x 250mm 692pp SGD $74.90 ($80.14 w/ GST) Food Oct 2020 World

Distribution (ASEAN) APD Singapore t: +65 6749 3551 e:46customersvc@apdsing.com SINGAPORE BOOK PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION Distribution (Non-ASEAN)

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The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye: 5th Anniversary Edition Publisher: Epigram Books First Publication Date: September 2020 ISBN: 978-981-49-0148-2 Author and Illustrator: Sonny Liew Cover Designer: Yong Wen Yeu Language of Publication: English Synopsis: The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye tells the history of Singapore through the life and work of Charlie Chan Hock Chye, a pioneering but largely forgotten comic artist in Singapore. Celebrate 5 years of this groundbreaking Singapore graphic novel that has become a beloved classic and international sensation. This special edition has bonus material that includes a Q&A with the creator Sonny Liew and treasured sketches. With a career spanning more than five decades, from pre-independent Singapore through its three Prime Ministers, Chan’s work reflects the changing political and economic environment in Singapore. Containing Chan’s original illustrations, paintings and sketches, this is a groundbreaking work and labour of love aimed at recapturing the portrait of an artist, whose deep passion for comics and country is given a fitting tribute by award-winning comics artist Sonny Liew. SINGAPORE BOOK AWARDS 2021 47

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Early Hawkers in Singapore: 1920s to 1930s Publisher: Focus Publishing First Publication Date: November 2020 ISBN: 978-981-14-7235-0 Author: Dr. Lai Chee Kien Illustrator: Chang Yang Cover Designers: Tony Law and Fish Chan Language of Publication: English Synopsis: The late illustrator Chang Yang captured the street hawkers from the 20s and 30s in a series titled “Our Vanishing Street Hawkers” (79) DE), which ran in Lianhe Wanbao, from1987 -1988. Accompanying the illustrations were informative passages, describing in detail how the hawkers conducted business, where they could be found, the types of customers they attracted and even the hawker’s outfits. This book features the full series of 128 illustrations, with their accompanying text translated into English by an architectural and urban historian, Dr. Lai Chee Kien. Dr. Lai also writes in detail on the history of hawker centres in Singapore and presents a visual analysis of Chang Yang’s illustrations.

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Food Republic, A Singapore Literary Banquet Publisher: Landmark Books Pte Ltd First Publication Date: July 2020 ISBN: 978-981-14-5856-9 Editors: Ann Ang, Daryl Lim Wei Jie, Tse Hao Guang Cover Designer: Lim An-Ling Language of Publication: English Synopsis: Food Republic is a generous serving of Singapore’s food culture: from the making and eating of food, to the sale and hawking of it, our love and hate of it, and the effects of its consumption and deprivation. Food has always been our safe space. Yet this anthology, featuring more than100 literary explorations, also shows that when people write about food, they often aren’t just talking about food but usually about something else closer to the bone. Think of it as a buffet, a banquet, an omakase, a smorgasbord, a nasi padang spread, a thali or a rijssttafel. Come. Eat.

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If We Dream Too Long Publisher: NUS Press First Publication Date: January 2020 ISBN: 978-981-325-115-1 Author: Goh Poh Seng Cover Designer: Khor Seow Hooi Language of Publication: English Synopsis: Widely regarded as the ﬁrst Singapore novel, If We Dream Too Long explores the dilemmas faced by its hero, Kwang Meng, as he navigates the transitional period between youthful aspirations and the external demands of society and family. Shy and sensitive, he feels detached from mainstream life and takes refuge in dreams of exotic faraway places. Yet amidst this uncertainty, the reader feels that all is not lost, that the young dreamer will eventually find his way. Kwang Meng’s experiences reflect the author’s fascination with the question of self, amidst the dreariness of an increasingly urbanised and materialistic Asian society. The book also provides a fascinating portrait of Singapore as it was in the 1960s, a landscape and society that have undergone many changes but remain faintly visible in modern Singapore. Since its first publication in 1972, If We Dream Too Long has moved and delighted generations of readers. SINGAPORE BOOK AWARDS 2021 51

Singapore Book Awards 2021 Programme Booklet

Articles inside

Singapore Book Awards 2021 Programme Booklet