It shows that the children’s books scene is growing and maturing. William Phuan, Executive Director of the Singapore Book Council (SBC), which organises HABA, says: “We are heartened by this year’s submissions and the new crop of shortlisted writers and illustrators. Low School of the Arts (SOTA) faculty Priscilla Tey Singapore musician Adia Tay former advertising executive Linda Locke media licensing professional Daryl Kho former financial journalist Vivian Teo, as well as AWARE founding member Margaret Thomas. The short-listees include former secondary school principal J.H.

The guest-of-honour will be Mr Ng Cher Pong, Chief Executive Officer of the National Library Board Singapore.Īll the authors and illustrators are first time short-listees, whose books contain “strong imaginings… thought-provoking insights and observations, and portrayals of beauty,” as described by the HABA 2022 judges. The winners will be revealed at the awards ceremony, which will be held in-person during the Asian Festival of Children’s Content (AFCC) and livestreamed on AFCC’s social media on. For the first time since its inception in 2011, HABA will feature two prize categories: Picture Books and Middle Grade Books. Eight children’s books have been shortlisted for the Hedwig Anuar Children’s Book Award (HABA), the prestigious biennial award recognising the best Singapore children’s literature in English.

Mist Bound by Daryl Kho