Visitors can browse and purchase the books from the ‘100 Malaysia Children’s Picture Books To Read And Love’ list at the KL Literature and Art Fair 2024. Photo: The Star/Ong Soon Hin
The inaugural Kuala Lumpur Literature and Art Fair (KLLAF), curated by the Museum of Picture Book Art (MoPBA), is more than just an event – it’s a cultural celebration now open to the public for free at the GMBB creative mall in KL until Sept 16.
The fair, happening on GMBB’s 5th level, features 20 exhibitors, each playing a role in bringing Malaysia’s literary and artistic communities closer together.
“Our literature and art tell our stories, but they are more than just a record, they’re also a mirror – and the more we look into that mirror, the more we discover. Through the fair, we invite visitors to experience the magic of books, art, and food, and how it brings us together,” says Linda Tan, director of MoPBA.
In 2022, it put together the Stories+Art=Picture Books Festival, the precursor to KLLAF, which attracted 9,000 visitors.
“The festival was primarily children’s content and catered to young families. So we wanted to improve on it with a broader and more inclusive event, resulting in KLLAF,” adds Tan.
A visitor trying out an interactive exhibit at the KL Literature and Art Fair 2024. Photo: The Star/Ong Soon Hin
Beyond celebrating local talent, KLLAF embraces a global perspective, showcasing the interconnectedness of cultural expressions worldwide.
Under the theme “Live! Love! Read!”, KLLAF offers a diverse range of literature and art for all ages, from contemporary Malaysian novels and cookbooks to indigenous folklore, graphic novels, and art by persons with disabilities.
Making the list
One of the main highlights of the fest is “100 Malaysia Children’s Picture Books To Read and Love”, a project led by MoPBA to recommend children’s picture books created by Malaysians, for Malaysians.
Backed by the National Book Council, Perbadanan Kota Buku, Dasein Academy of Art, and the Malaysia Board on Books for Young People, the list features 100 books selected from a pool of 200 titles, with plans to release a new list each year.
“In Malaysia, we’re seeing a growing number of writers, illustrators, and publishers creating beautiful picture books with rich content for our children. With this list, we hope to inspire schools and parents to use these picture books not just to cultivate a love for reading from an early age, but also to nurture empathy, knowledge, and even wisdom in our kids,” says Tan.
Renowned culinary author Mohana Gill adds a wealth of experience to the festival programme. Photo: The Star/Ong Soon Hin
The list thoughtfully organises the selected books into accessible categories like environment and nature, mental health and social interactions, and childhood and growing up, featuring titles such as Dumpling The Tiger, What If?, This Is My Home, and Two Sisters, One Sarong.
Tan believes that the list will serve as a valuable resource for local writers and illustrators of children’s picture books, offering them insightful reference points and inspiration to enrich their own creative endeavours.
“From the list, they can see where gaps may exist and fill the need,” she says.
Booths and exhibits
Hikayat Fandom, a local publisher dedicated to celebrating ancient Malay folklore and legends, features a unique cinema concept where you can watch a screening of Walinong Sari, the acclaimed Malaysian animation by Eugene Foo and Honey Ahmad that has garnered over 20 international awards.
In addition to exploring Hikayat Fandom’s collection of books and graphic novels, visitors can also view movie poster mock-ups of their titles created by Walid Muhammad.
Final-year advertising students from Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management & Technology (TAR UMT) have created nine artworks from upcycled materials, now on display at the exhibition. Photo: The Star/Ong Soon Hin
Hikayat Fandom, set to launch its Illustrated Encyclopedia Of The Ancient Malay World (in Bahasa Malaysia and English) this November, is also offering a preview of the project at the exhibition.
At the Janet Lee (1989-2023) and Friends booths, you can find T-shirts, tote bags, and other merchandise featuring artwork by special needs artists such as Ng Yi Shen and Ng Qiu Yan.
Lee, who had epilepsy and was diagnosed with intellectual and developmental delays, faced numerous challenges but channelled her passion into creating over 80 unique paintings that have been showcased in international exhibitions.
Although Lee passed away at 33 from ovarian cancer, her mother, Joyce Moi, carries on her legacy through the brand “Art Beyond The Canvas,” aiming to inspire and empower others through Lee’s artwork.
Beyond the exhibitor booths, KLLAF features a variety of weekend activities and workshops for all interests, including talks, book launches, cooking demos, storytelling sessions, and arts and crafts.
A view of Hikayat Fandom’s reimagined Malay archipelago movie poster series at the KL Literature and Art Fair 2024. Photo: Hikayat Fandom
Highlights include sessions on transforming office spaces with art, fostering entrepreneurship among neurodivergent individuals, and publishing children’s picture books.
For those with a culinary flair, the cooking demonstrations are a must-see.
Veteran culinary author Mohana Gill will teach you how to incorporate moringa into your daily diet, while Datin Kalsom Taib will demonstrate how to prepare quintessentially Malaysian dishes like chicken kuzi and roti jala with curry.
Looking for hands-on workshops to keep the young ones busy and entertained? Take your pick from batik painting, notebook binding, block printing, slime-making and more.
The Kuala Lumpur Literature and Art Fair is happening on Level 5, GMBB, Jalan Roberson, Kuala Lumpur until Sept 16. Open: 11am-8pm. Free entry.
