Our kids are growing up in unsettling times. 45 authors and illustrators in Singapore got together to create a book of comforting stories for kids “A Book of Hugs ” where all proceeds go to charity

Over the last few months and through the circuit breaker, a group of 45 Singapore-based authors and illustrators have been busy contributing to a special project called “A Book of Hugs – Stories to Keep You Company“.

The brainchild of published children’s book author, Leila Boukarim, A Book of Hugs is an anthology of stories and pictures designed to bring comfort and joy to children who are facing a particularly strange and stressful time in their lives with the global pandemic and many changes at both home and school.

Leila, who has written over eight books, along with prolific local illustrator David Liew (who is also the regional head for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) and Denise Tan, Co-founder of Closet Full of Books AKA children’s book curator extraordinaire, came together and joined creative forces on this project with a goal to benefit children impacted by COVID19. With the enthusiastic support of their writer, illustrator and teacher friends— A Book of Hugs was born! Books have the unique power to reassure and comfort us…and this book is intended to do just that!

All profits from sales will go to two local non-profit organizations, Child at St 11 and Superhero Me both of which help support and empower children of all abilities through art and education.

As families continue to deal with uncertainty …parents working from home, economic hardship, no travel and restrictions still in place for everyone’s safety, non-screen activities that bring the family together are much welcomed during this time. Books have the power to transport us, transform us and light up our imaginations and worlds. I’m not sure about you but in the last 6 months I’ve bought more books than I have in years! In fact, according to Publishers Weekly, print book sales in the children’s category are higher than last year and the numbers remain healthy.

Books will always be around to keep us company and books also help children understand more about different cultures, explore the world (even when we can’t travel!), learn about saving the planet. Books help children feel less alone at times, help them manage big feelings and keep their minds curious, engaged and fulfilled.

It’s a time when we’ve never needed books more! Books can bring positive change in the world. With 45 different stories and illustrations from an incredible line-up of contributors and an opportunity to give to a great cause, this book will be a special addition to your bookshelf and make excellent gifts as well.

A Book of Hugs
$25 – one book.
$35 – one personalised autographed book + unlimited access read-alouds.
$65 – three personalised autographed book + unlimited access read-alouds
$250 – education package: 8 books + PDF poster + 5 read-alouds + 2 virtual/in-person author visits

Contributors to A Book of Hugs

Alice Bianchi-Clark | Barbara Moxham | Ben Lai | Chan Wai Han | Colin Goh | Darel Seow | Darius Cheong | David Liew | Denise Tan | Elieth Sardinas | Emily Lim-Leh | Evelyn Sue Wong | Felicia Low-Jimenez | Fleur Vella-Chang | Hwee Goh | James Lim | Josef Lee | Josephine Chia | Katherine Wallace | Katie Van Camp | Leila Boukarim | Lianne Ong | Melanie Lee | Melissa Tan | Moniza Hossain | Moses Sia | Namita Moolani Mehra | Nani | Nurulhuda Izyan | Ovidia Yu | Patrick Ng | Patrick Yee | Paula Pang | Pauline Loh | Pippa Chorley | Quek Hong Shin | Rosemarie Somaiah | Sarah Ang | Si-Hoe S. S. | Simon Wray | Srividhya Venkat | Tammar Stein | Tan Si Qi | Tina Jimin Walton | Zahira Mohamed Sedik

Please note that there will be a shipping charge of $4 for every order, regardless of how many copies are purchased in one order (ie. 1 book will come with a $4 charge, 100 books will also come with a S$4 charge.)