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  • History, Heritage & Culture
  • Craft & Creativity
  • Character Development
  • For Preschools

Talks and workshops to nurture an appreciation for Singapore’s past (and present, really).
Click on the beautiful book covers for details of the sessions. And if you can't decide, send us an email and we'll be happy to whip up some specials! 

Traditions, Cultures & Sarongs
Quek Hong Shin

Talk  |  P1 - P3

How We Are Different
Fleur Vella-Chang

Talk  |  P1 - P3

Festivals, Epics and Legends
Bhakti Mathur

Online Talk  |  P1 - P3

Growing Up in Kampong Potong Pasir
Josephine Chia

Talk  |  P3 - P6

Lest We Forget: Remembering the Japanese Occupation
Sim Ee Waun

Talk  |  P3 - P6

The Little Red Dot that Could
Sim Ee Waun

Talk  |  P1 - P6

Revisiting Singapore's Past
Josephine Chia

Workshop  |  P4 - P6

Picture This: How to Write Stories from Photographs
Sim Ee Waun

Workshop  |  P3 - P6

Sleuthing Through History
Sim Ee Waun

Workshop  |  P4 - P6

Talks and hands-on workshops to support dormant readers and aspiring writers.
Click on the beautiful book covers for details of the sessions. And if you can't decide, send us an email and we'll be happy to whip up some specials!

Ideas, Innovation & Sheep
Pippa Chorley

Talk  |  P1 - P3

Fossil Facts in Fiction
Andy Chua

Talk  |  P1 - P4

Writing - Not Just About Compositions!
Lesley-Anne Tan

Talk  |  P3 - P6

Choose Your Own Adventure
A.J. Low

Talk  |  P1 - P6

Finding Inspiration for Creativity in Everyday Life
Colin Goh

Talk  |  P1 - P6

Creating Memorable Characters
Colin Goh

Talk  |  P1 - P6

How to Write an Engaging Story
Colin Goh

Talk  |  P3 - P6

How to Read an Image
Colin Goh

Talk  |  P3 - P6

Building New Worlds
Gabby Tye

Talk  |  P5 - S2

Ways of Seeing
H.S. Norup

Online Talk  |  P4 - P6

Writing and Belonging
Kristi Wientge

Online Talk  |  P5 - S2

Mysteries of Writing
A.J. Low

Workshop  |  P1 - P6

Creating Stories with Comics
Colin Goh

Workshop  |  P3 - P4

Quirks & Quarks
Lesley-Anne Tan

Workshop  |  P3 - P6

Revisiting Singapore's Past
Josephine Chia

Workshop  |  P4 - P6

Picture This: How to Write Stories from Photographs
Sim Ee Waun

Workshop  |  P3 - P6

Sleuthing Through History
Sim Ee Waun

Workshop  |  P4 - P6

Talks and workshops to encourage empathy and values-based learning.
Click on the pretty pictures for details of the sessions. And if you can't decide, send us an email and we'll be happy to whip up some specials!

Find Your Inner Ninja! 
Leila Boukarim & Barbara Moxham

Talk  |  P1 - P2

Talking About Big Feelings
Leila Boukarim & Barbara Moxham

Talk  |  P1 - P2

New Beginnings
Leila Boukarim & Barbara Moxham

Talk  |  P1 - P4

The Right Stuff
Emily Lim

Talk  |  P1 - P2

How We Are Different
Fleur Vella-Chang

Talk  |  P1 - P3

See What I Can Be!
Eunice Olsen 

Talk  |  P1 - P6

As an awesome preschool teacher, you might already be reading daily to your students. So how would having an author visit be any different?


Our author visits are designed to complement your efforts in the preschool classroom and help your students learn through stories. In addition to dramatised readings by the authors your students will also:

  • Enjoy activities such as games and live drawings
    Why this matters: Students are more likely to talk about the stories with their friends after an exciting session. The sharing brings a book to life, encourages synthesis and helps the students see that stories are more than just words on a page.
  • Get to ask the author/illustrator questions
    Why this matters: This interaction sparks curiosity and could inspire the students to create their own stories.


Each session is planned for 30 minutes but we are most happy to adjust the format of the sessions to fit your learning environment. Please click on the pretty pictures for the details of the various visits available. And if you can't decide, send us an email and we will tailor a session just for you. 

Stories and Values
Leila Boukarim & Barbara Moxham

Bilingual Tales: Little Dim Sum Warriors
Colin Goh

The Incredible Basket
Quek Hong Shin

Stuffed!
Pippa Chorley

Afternoon Tea at Raffles Hotel
Fleur Vella-Chang

Stories with the Right Stuff
Emily Lim

Are you hungry for a visit?

We would love to help you organise one (or two, or three)!

Lest We Forget: Remembering the Japanese Occupation

Recommended for     P3 - P6   |   Duration     40 min

Interactive talk on the Japanese Occupation in Singapore.

Did you know that the Padang was turned into a large tapioca orchard during the Japanese Occupation? Find out more facts and lesser-known milestones about life in Singapore during the Second World War with author Sim Ee Waun. Ee Waun will draw from tales in The House on Silat Road, which highlights the realities of war through the eyes of a 9-year-old.

About the Author

A food & travel writer and freelance editor for 28 years, Sim Ee Waun turned to writing children’s books as her second career. She co-authored history-based The Little Singapore Book and The House on Palmer Road and is a founding partner of boutique children’s publisher Pepper Dog Press.

Call us at 6908 5510 or send an email to stories@closetfulofbooks.com to book this visit! 

Growing Up in Kampong Potong Pasir

Recommended for     P3 - P6   |   Duration     30 min

Interactive talk on Singapore in the 1950s and 1960s.

Return to Singapore in the 1950s and 1960s with author Josephine Chia. Your students will get a glimpse of the fabled kampong spirit as the author shares stories from her memoir Growing Up in Kampong Potong Pasir (adapted for young readers).

About the Author

Josephine was inspired to be a writer and share the stories of her kampong life and Peranakan heritage. Her books often incorporate Singapore's social and political history, with Kampong Spirit Gotong Royong winning the 2014 Singapore Literature Prize. She has spoken at several international writing festivals, and mentors teenage and adult aspiring writers.

Call us at 6908 5510 or send an email to stories@closetfulofbooks.com to book this visit! 

How We Are Different

Recommended for     P1 - P3   |   Duration     30 min

Interactive reading with live drawing.

How do countries differ from each other? Using Antarctica and Singapore as examples, author and illustrator Fleur Vella-Chang highlights how environments, languages and culture in the two countries differ through Mabel the penguin’s journey in Mabel Moves to Singapore. Your students will also be treated to a live drawing in this interactive session.

About the Author

Fleur Vella-Chang is an author-illustrator, teacher and homeschool mum. She is the author of the much-loved book Afternoon Tea at Raffles Hotel and its companion Mabel Moves to Singapore. Fleur enjoys visiting schools to share with students her love for storytelling and passion for seeking wonder in ordinary things.

Call us at 6908 5510 or send an email to stories@closetfulofbooks.com to book this visit! 

Quirks & Quarks: Creative Writing Workshop

Recommended for     P3 - P6   |   Duration     1 - 3 hrs

Creative writing workshop with hands-on exercises.

What makes a great story? Lesley-Anne Tan, the author behind the bestselling Danger Dan series, will lead your students in hands-on writing exercises in this highly interactive workshop. Your students will then draft a scene or story of their own.

About the Author

Lesley-Anne Tan is currently an undergraduate studying at Yale-NUS College. She co-wrote the action-packed Danger Dan children's book series, published when she was just 16. Her popular Secrets of Singapore series is a staple for all bookshelves and has clinched several awards.

Call us at 6908 5510 or send an email to stories@closetfulofbooks.com to book this visit! 

Writing - Not Just About Compositions! 

Recommended for     P3 - P6   |   Duration     30 min

Interactive talk on nurturing a passion for writing.

Did you know that Lesley-Anne Tan once shied away from writing compositions? If some of your students feel the same way, let the author of the bestselling Danger Dan series show them how she overcame challenges to develop a love for reading and writing. She will also share practical tips that will inspire your students to do the same.

About the Author

Lesley-Anne Tan is currently an undergraduate studying at Yale-NUS College. She co-wrote the action-packed Danger Dan children's book series, published when she was just 16. Her popular Secrets of Singapore series is a staple for all bookshelves and has clinched several awards.

Call us at 6908 5510 or send an email to stories@closetfulofbooks.com to book this visit! 

Creating Stories with Comics

Recommended for     P3 - P4   |   Duration     1 - 3 hrs

Workshop on using comics to understand the elements of a story.

Looking for a simple and efficient method to help your students to create stories of their own? Start with the 4-panel comic strip! Colin Goh, award-winning writer and co-creator of Dim Sum Warriors, will breakdown the 4-panel comic strip to reveal key elements to writing any story. Then, he will guide your students to create action-packed comic strips of their own.

About the Author

Colin Goh is an award-winning film-maker, humourist, and the artist/co-writer of Dim Sum Warriors, the graphic novel series about kungfu-fighting dumplings, which was praised by Time, Fast Company, and many others. It was recently adapted into a major musical in China.

Call us at 6908 5510 or send an email to stories@closetfulofbooks.com to book this visit! 

Finding Inspiration for Creativity in Everyday Life

Recommended for     P1 - P6   |   Duration     30 min

Interactive talk on idea generation.

Writing stories from scratch can seem like an impossible task to some of your students. Let Colin Goh show them how they can draw inspiration from ordinary things, people and everyday life. The award-winning cartoonist, writer, filmmaker and co-creator of the Little Dim Sum Warriors will also share some of his various creations.

About the Author

Colin Goh is an award-winning film-maker, humourist, and the artist/co-writer of Dim Sum Warriors, the graphic novel series about kungfu-fighting dumplings, which was praised by Time, Fast Company, and many others. It was recently adapted into a major musical in China.

Call us at 6908 5510 or send an email to stories@closetfulofbooks.com to book this visit! 

How to Read an Image

Recommended for     P3 - P6   |   Duration     30 min

Interactive talk on visual literacy.

From emojis, to memes, to gifs – your students (and the world at large) increasingly use images to communicate. In this talk, Colin Goh — the award-winning cartoonist, writer, filmmaker and co-creator of Dim Sum Warriors — explains the visual tools that cartoonists use to communicate and how your students can learn to infer and draw meaning from images.

About the Author

Colin Goh is an award-winning film-maker, humourist, and the artist/co-writer of Dim Sum Warriors, the graphic novel series about kungfu-fighting dumplings, which was praised by Time, Fast Company, and many others. It was recently adapted into a major musical in China.

Call us at 6908 5510 or send an email to stories@closetfulofbooks.com to book this visit! 

How to Write an Engaging Story

Recommended for     P3 - P6   |   Duration     30 min

Interactive talk on organising ideas.

Your students have ideas, scenes and characters. How can they turn this into a story that has a beginning, a middle and an end? In this talk, Colin Goh — the award-winning cartoonist, writer, filmmaker and creator of Dim Sum Warriors — breaks down one of the stories from the Dim Sum Warriors series to demonstrate the power of good storytelling.

About the Author

Colin Goh is an award-winning film-maker, humourist, and the artist/co-writer of Dim Sum Warriors, the graphic novel series about kungfu-fighting dumplings, which was praised by Time, Fast Company, and many others. It was recently adapted into a major musical in China.

Call us at 6908 5510 or send an email to stories@closetfulofbooks.com to book this visit! 

Creating Memorable Characters

Recommended for     P1 - P6   |   Duration     30 min

Interactive talk on crafting characters.

Creating characters for their stories might seem daunting to some of your students. In this talk, Colin Goh — the award-winning cartoonist, writer, filmmaker and creator of Dim Sum Warriors — shares with students the craft of creating memorable characters using iconic examples from popular culture. 

About the Author

Colin Goh is an award-winning film-maker, humourist, and the artist/co-writer of Dim Sum Warriors, the graphic novel series about kungfu-fighting dumplings, which was praised by Time, Fast Company, and many others. It was recently adapted into a major musical in China.

Call us at 6908 5510 or send an email to stories@closetfulofbooks.com to book this visit! 

Mysteries of Writing

Recommended for     P1 - P6   |   Duration     1 - 3 hrs

Creative writing workshop with hands-on exercises.

AJ Low, creators behind the bestselling Sherlock Sam series, will break down the twists and turns of what makes a good mystery (and story). Your students will also be guided to create characters and stories of their own.

About the Author

AJ Low is the husband-and-wife writing team of Adan Jimenez and Felicia Low-Jimenez who write the Sherlock Sam series of children’s books. Their books have won the International Schools Libraries Network’s Red Dot Award. An animated Sherlock Sam series is also in the works. When they're not solving mysteries, Felicia is a comics publisher and Adan edits video games.

Call us at 6908 5510 or send an email to stories@closetfulofbooks.com to book this visit! 

Choose Your Own Adventure

Recommended for     P1 - P6   |   Duration     30 min

Interactive talk on idea generation with the duo behind the Sherlock Sam series.

New villains? Adventures in foreign countries? Where do the creators of the Sherlock Sam series get their many, many ideas from? Let AJ Low share how they continue to create mysteries more than half a decade on. Your students will also learn practical tips to pen adventures of their own. 

About the Author

AJ Low is the husband-and-wife writing team of Adan Jimenez and Felicia Low-Jimenez who write the Sherlock Sam series of children’s books. Their books have won the International Schools Libraries Network’s Red Dot Award. An animated Sherlock Sam series is also in the works. When they're not solving mysteries, Felicia is a comics publisher and Adan edits video games.

Call us at 6908 5510 or send an email to stories@closetfulofbooks.com to book this visit! 

Ideas, Innovation & Sheep

Recommended for     P1 - P3   |   Duration     30 min

Interactive talk to inspire innovation.

In the picture book Counting Sheep, the characters try again (and again) to help a wobbly sheep get over the fence. Pippa Chorley, the book’s author, speaks about what it means to innovate and experiment when faced with challenges.

About the Author

Pippa Chorley grew up in a pretty village in England surrounded by sheep. Trained as a primary school teacher, she loves to write stories that make children giggle and think outside the box. Pippa now lives in Singapore with her husband and their very own flock. Counting Sheep is the first book in the Sam Series featuring a spunky and imaginative little girl called Sam.

Call us at 6908 5510 or send an email to stories@closetfulofbooks.com to book this visit! 

Stuffed!

Interactive reading with a cute craft activity.

When Sam awakes to find her stuffed toys strewn across the bedroom, she is sure that they have had an argument in the night. How will she solve their squabbles? With help and ideas from your students, of course! Join Pippa Chorley as she reads from her rhyming story, Stuffed, and enjoy simple craft activities.

About the Author

Pippa Chorley grew up in a pretty village in England surrounded by sheep. Trained as a primary school teacher, she loves to write stories that make children giggle and think outside the box. Pippa now lives in Singapore with her husband and their very own flock. Counting Sheep is the first book in the Sam Series featuring a spunky and imaginative little girl called Sam.

Call us at 6908 5510 or send an email to stories@closetfulofbooks.com to book this visit! 

The Right Stuff

Recommended for     P1 - P2   |   Duration     30 min

Interactive talk on belonging.

Uncover stories celebrating self-discovery and hope with author Emily Lim-Leh. The author will share how she drew from challenging personal experiences to create beloved tales such as Prince Bear and Pauper Bear. If your students are struggling to fit in, we hope this session shows how they can be ‘different’ and still feel like they belong.

About the Author

Emily Lim is an award-winning children’s book author. She was the first outside North America to win three Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPY awards) for her books, Prince Bear and Pauper Bear (Bronze Medal 2008), Just Teddy (Bronze Medal 2009), and Bunny Finds The Right Stuff (Silver Medal 2010).

Call us at 6908 5510 or send an email to stories@closetfulofbooks.com to book this visit! 

Stories with the Right Stuff

Interactive reading with craft-based activity.

Uncover stories celebrating self-discovery and hope with author Emily Lim-Leh. Select a story from the list below and the author will bring the tale to life in a dramatic reading. Sessions for small groups may be paired with a craft activity.

About the Author

Emily Lim is an award-winning children’s book author. She was the first outside North America to win three Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPY awards) for her books, Prince Bear and Pauper Bear (Bronze Medal 2008), Just Teddy (Bronze Medal 2009), and Bunny Finds The Right Stuff (Silver Medal 2010).

Call us at 6908 5510 or send an email to stories@closetfulofbooks.com to book this visit! 

Talking About Big Feelings

Recommended for     P1 - P2   |   Duration     45 min

Interactive talk on emotions with a stress-relieving craft activity.

A big, bad mood can be overwhelming and talking about feelings can be scary. In this session, Leila Boukarim and Barbara Moxham, creators of a series of books for highly sensitive kids, will talk about feelings, moods and how the world reacts to them. This session is perfect for small groups and will include a craft activity that the children can replicate at home.

About the Author and Illustrator

Leila Boukarim was born in Lebanon, raised in several countries, and now resides in Singapore. She spends her time writing stories that inspire empathy and encourage meaningful discussions between children and caregivers. 


Barbara Moxham was born in Munich, raised in Sydney and currently calls Singapore home. She worked as an art director after completing a Master of Arts in Painting and Drawing. Her addiction to books and becoming a mum led her to illustrating picture books, including two books for highly sensitive children. 

Call us at 6908 5510 or send an email to stories@closetfulofbooks.com to book this visit! 

New Beginnings

Recommended for     P1 - P4   |   Duration     45 min

Interactive talk on emotions and change. 

Starting over can be a scary adventure. Learn from Maja, the lead character in ​Hello Goodbye, Little Island​, who finds her way as she relocates to a new and very different environment. Leila Boukarim and Barbara Moxham, the book’s creators, will draw lessons from the story to help students who may be struggling with new beginnings.

About the Author and Illustrator

Leila Boukarim was born in Lebanon, raised in several countries, and now resides in Singapore. She spends her time writing stories that inspire empathy and encourage meaningful discussions between children and caregivers. 


Barbara Moxham was born in Munich, raised in Sydney and currently calls Singapore home. She worked as an art director after completing a Master of Arts in Painting and Drawing. Her addiction to books and becoming a mum led her to illustrating picture books, including two books for highly sensitive children. 

Call us at 6908 5510 or send an email to stories@closetfulofbooks.com to book this visit! 

Find Your Inner Ninja! 

Recommended for     P1 - P2   |   Duration     45 min

Interactive reading with a movement-based activity.

Who’s that ninja at the park? Find out with Leila Boukarim and Barbara Moxham, the author and illustrator of Everyday Ninja, as they share the book’s delightfully surprising story and lead students in a movement-based activity to find their inner ninjas.

About the Author and Illustrator

Leila Boukarim was born in Lebanon, raised in several countries, and now resides in Singapore. She spends her time writing stories that inspire empathy and encourage meaningful discussions between children and caregivers. 


Barbara Moxham was born in Munich, raised in Sydney and currently calls Singapore home. She worked as an art director after completing a Master of Arts in Painting and Drawing. Her addiction to books and becoming a mum led her to illustrating picture books, including two books for highly sensitive children. 

Call us at 6908 5510 or send an email to stories@closetfulofbooks.com to book this visit! 

See What I Can Be! 

Recommended for     P1 - P6   |   Duration     40 min

Interactive talk on writing about inspiring individuals.

Join Eunice Olsen as she celebrates extraordinary women such as Paralympic medalist Theresa Goh in her book, I’m a Girl. See What I Can Be!. Eunice will also share how your students can conduct research and create rhyming poems about amazing humans who inspire them.

About the Author

Eunice Olsen is the founder and Executive Producer of International Emmy® Nominated series, WomenTalk TV. She is actively involved in philanthropic causes such as Muscular Dystrophy Association of Singapore and Habitat for Humanity. I’m a Girl. See What I Can Be! is her debut collection of poems. 

Call us at 6908 5510 or send an email to stories@closetfulofbooks.com to book this visit! 

Stories and Values

Interactive reading with an eco-friendly craft or movement-based activity. 

Introduce your students to values such as kindness and perseverance with stories by Leila Boukarim and Barbara Moxham. If you have a specific focus that you would like for this session, please let us know – we’re happy to recommend a story that would fit!

About the Author

Leila Boukarim was born in Lebanon, raised in several countries, and now resides in Singapore. She spends her time writing stories that inspire empathy and encourage meaningful discussions between children and caregivers. 


Barbara Moxham was born in Munich, raised in Sydney and currently calls Singapore home. She worked as an art director after completing a Master of Arts in Painting and Drawing. Her addiction to books and becoming a mum led her to illustrating picture books, including two books for highly sensitive children. 

Call us at 6908 5510 or send an email to stories@closetfulofbooks.com to book this visit! 

Afternoon Tea at Raffles Hotel

Interactive reading with live drawing. 

What happens when Gus the tiger sets out in search of some tea? Will he visit Changi Airport, the Botanic Gardens or Chinatown? Find out with author and illustrator Fleur Vella-Chang as she brings the board book, Afternoon Tea at Raffles Hotel, to life. She will also show your students how they can draw penguins and tigers of their own using basic shapes.

About the Author

Fleur Vella-Chang is an author-illustrator, teacher and homeschool mum. She is the author of the much-loved book Afternoon Tea at Raffles Hotel and its companion Mabel Moves to Singapore. Fleur enjoys visiting schools to share with students her love for storytelling and passion for seeking wonder in ordinary things.

Call us at 6908 5510 or send an email to stories@closetfulofbooks.com to book this visit! 

Bilingual Tales: Little Dim Sum Warriors

Bilingual (Chinese-English) reading with drawing activity.

Expand your children's bilingual vocabulary in this session with award-winning author Colin Goh. In this session, Colin will read one of the hilarious Little Dim Sum Warriors stories in both English and Chinese before introducing key words and phrases in both languages. He will conclude the session with an interactive live drawing activity.

About the Author

Colin Goh is an award-winning film-maker, humourist, and the artist/co-writer of Dim Sum Warriors, the graphic novel series about kungfu-fighting dumplings, which was praised by Time, Fast Company, and many others. It was recently adapted into a major musical in China.

Call us at 6908 5510 or send an email to stories@closetfulofbooks.com to book this visit! 

Festivals, Epics & Legends

Recommended for     P1 - P3   |   Duration     30 min

Online session with storytelling and Q&A with the author.

Introduce your students to a diverse range of festivals and stories from Hindu mythology with Bhakti Mathur’s Amma Tell Me series. Through her simple and light-hearted tales, your students would gain a better understanding of the customs and traditions celebrated by one of Singapore’s communities. 


This session will take place digitally and we will work with the speaker and the school to ensure that the technology set up is in place for a fruitful session. 

About the Author

Bhakti Mathur, private banker by day, mother to Shiv and Veer and an avid delver in Indian mythology at all other times is the creator of the Amma Tell Me books – a series of picture books about Indian festivals and mythology for children in the 3 to 9 years age group.

Call us at 6908 5510 or send an email to stories@closetfulofbooks.com to book this visit! 

Picture This: How to Write Stories from Photographs

Recommended for     P3 - P6   |   Duration     1 - 3 hrs

Workshop using photographs as writing prompts.

What stories do photographs represent? Author Sim Ee Waun will share how she used photographs as research to develop historical fiction such as The House on Palmer Road and The House on Silat Road. Then, your students will get to use photographs as writing prompts to develop stories of their own.

About the Author

A food & travel writer and freelance editor for 28 years, Sim Ee Waun turned to writing children’s books as her second career. She co-authored history-based The Little Singapore Book and The House on Palmer Road and is a founding partner of boutique children’s publisher Pepper Dog Press.

Call us at 6908 5510 or send an email to stories@closetfulofbooks.com to book this visit! 

Revisiting Singapore's Past

Recommended for     P4 - P6   |   Duration     1 - 3 hrs

Workshop on representing and writing historical accounts.

How would your students represent life in Singapore during the 1950s and 1960s? Award-winning author Josephine Chia introduces different forms of creative non-fiction such as personal essays and memoirs and will draw examples from her many works including Growing Up in Kampong Potong Pasir. During the workshop, Josephine will work with your students to draft a non-fiction piece of their own.

About the Author

Josephine was inspired to be a writer and share the stories of her kampong life and Peranakan heritage. Her books often incorporate Singapore's social and political history, with Kampong Spirit Gotong Royong winning the 2014 Singapore Literature Prize. She has spoken at several international writing festivals, and mentors teenage and adult aspiring writers.

Call us at 6908 5510 or send an email to stories@closetfulofbooks.com to book this visit! 

The Little Red Dot that Could

Recommended for     P1 - P6   |   Duration     40 min

Interactive talk on Singapore's history during a time period of your choice.

Travel back in time with The Little Singapore Book as a guide. Sim Ee Waun, who co-authored the book, will share lesser-known facts and stories to help your students connect with history. Each talk has been designed to cover a specific period in Singapore’s history (namely, 14th century to the end of the Japanese Occupation, colonial days to Independence or the 1800s) and may be paired with a craft activity.

About the Author

A food & travel writer and freelance editor for 28 years, Sim Ee Waun turned to writing children’s books as her second career. She co-authored history-based The Little Singapore Book and The House on Palmer Road and is a founding partner of boutique children’s publisher Pepper Dog Press.

Call us at 6908 5510 or send an email to stories@closetfulofbooks.com to book this visit! 

The Incredible Basket

Interactive reading with games.

How many ways can you use a basket? Find out with author Quek Hong Shin as he tells the story of Xiaoming and The Incredible Basket. Students will also take part in interactive activities and learn more about Singapore in the 1970s. 

About the Author

Quek Hong Shin has illustrated several picture books including The Amazing Sarong, which was shortlisted for Best Children's Title at the 2016 Singapore Book Awards. Hong Shin conducts workshops for primary-school children and is an advocate for Superhero Me, an inclusive arts movement for children with special needs.

Call us at 6908 5510 or send an email to stories@closetfulofbooks.com to book this visit! 

Traditions, Cultures & Sarongs

Recommended for     P1 - P3   |   Duration     30 min

Interactive talk on Singapore in the 1970s.

What was growing up in Singapore in the 1970s like? Find out with author and illustrator Quek Hong Shin in this interactive session. Through the adventures of the characters in his works such as The Amazing Sarong and The Brilliant Oil Lamp, your students will learn more about different customs in multicultural Singapore.

About the Author

Quek Hong Shin has illustrated several picture books including The Amazing Sarong, which was shortlisted for Best Children's Title at the 2016 Singapore Book Awards. Hong Shin conducts workshops for primary-school children and is an advocate for Superhero Me, an inclusive arts movement for children with special needs.

Call us at 6908 5510 or send an email to stories@closetfulofbooks.com to book this visit! 

Writing and Belonging

Recommended for     P5 - S2   |   Duration     40 min

Online talk on writing and finding your place in the world. 

Karma, the lead character in Karma Khullar’s Mustache, grapples with preteen problems such as self-esteem, bullying, changing friendships and family dynamics. The book’s author, Kristi Wientge, will share about her writing and how books and writing can be a tool to help your students navigate the complexities of adolescence. 


This session will take place digitally and we will work with the speaker and the school to ensure that the technology set up is in place for a fruitful session.

About the Author

Kristi Wientge is originally from Ohio where she grew up writing stories about animals and, her favourite, a jet-setting mouse. After studying to become a teacher for children with special needs, she spent several years exploring the world. 

Call us at 6908 5510 or send an email to stories@closetfulofbooks.com to book this visit! 

Sleuthing Through History

Recommended for     P4 - P6   |   Duration     1 - 3 hrs

Workshop on writing with oral narratives.

Are your students looking for creative ways to present key milestones in Singapore’s history? Explore ideas and methods to collect data with author Sim Ee Waun who drew from oral narratives to create historical fiction. Ee Waun will also share how she assessed the reliability of leads and traced data through history and offer practical tips your students can use to do the same.

About the Author

A food & travel writer and freelance editor for 28 years, Sim Ee Waun turned to writing children’s books as her second career. She co-authored history-based The Little Singapore Book and The House on Palmer Road and is a founding partner of boutique children’s publisher Pepper Dog Press.

Call us at 6908 5510 or send an email to stories@closetfulofbooks.com to book this visit! 

Fossil Facts in Fiction

Recommended for     P1 - P4   |   Duration     30 min

Interactive talk with real fossil samples.

Find out more about prehistoric life with Andy Chua, the author of the Fossil Finders series. Your students will also learn how to include scientific facts in their stories and get to see Andy’s fossil collection up close.


This session comes with an optional show-and-tell session for a smaller group of students and can take place during recess or right after the talk. 

About the Author

Andy Chua is a speaker on prehistoric life and dinosaurs in schools and museums. He's been collecting fossils since he was 20, and owns over 450 unique specimens! He has met fossil-experts from around the world, and has real dino fossils of his own that he'll show interested students.

Call us at 6908 5510 or send an email to stories@closetfulofbooks.com to book this visit! 

Building New Worlds

Recommended for     P5 - S2   |   Duration     30 min

Interactive talk on creating dystopian fiction

The Young Adult trilogy, RunHideSeek, tackles issues such as food shortage, genetic modification and the ethics of survival. Learn how the trilogy’s author Gabby Tye created dystopian societies and beloved characters in her novels. Your students will also learn how she balanced her passion for writing with school work and other commitments and get the chance to ask the bestselling author questions.

About the Author

Gabby Tye is an 18-year-old Veterinary Sciences student and also the national-bestselling author of RunHideSeek, the five-book series. Gabby is the youngest Singaporean author to have had her book rights acquired by a major Chinese publisher.

Call us at 6908 5510 or send an email to stories@closetfulofbooks.com to book this visit! 

Ways of Seeing

Recommended for     P4 - P6   |   Duration     40 min

Online talk on writing from multiple perspectives. 

How do different perspectives impact a story? Author H.S. Norup will share how she developed The Missing Barbegazi in two voices – that of 11-year-old Tessa and 154-year-old Gawion, a fantastical creature called a barbegazi. Your students will also get the chance to see things and describe ordinary objects from a barbegazi’s point of view. 


This session will take place digitally and we will work with the speaker and the school to ensure that the technology set up is in place for a fruitful session.

About the Author

H.S. Norup grew up on a golf course in Denmark and has since lived in the UK, the US, Austria, Singapore and now, Switzerland. The Missing Barbegazi is her first novel and it shares the same inimitable editor of the Harry Potter books, Sarah Odedina. 

Call us at 6908 5510 or send an email to stories@closetfulofbooks.com to book this visit!