Image: Nasi Lemak Emak (SCBF Student Illustrator Book Prize Winner, 2024
The Singapore Children’s Book Festival (SCBF) returns for its second year from 20 to 22 June 2025 at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), Campus 2, with an exciting line-up of workshops, engaging panel discussions, two new book launches, and fun creative experiences for young readers and their families. Held in celebration of SG60, this year’s festival pays tribute to Singapore’s pioneer illustrators Mr. Idris Mohamed Ali and the late Madam Kwan Shan Mei, while championing the next generation of storytellers and illustrators. The >workshops, talks and activities are through 22 June, while the children’s book illustrator exhibition will be happening daily from 21 June to 6 July from 12 to 7pm.
Organised by the Singapore Book Publishers Association (SBPA) and NAFA, University of the Arts Singapore (UAS), this year’s edition shines a spotlight on local voices and heritage, promoting children’s books by Singaporean authors and illustrators that reflect the rich multicultural tapestry of the nation.
“Illustration plays an integral role in bringing children’s books to life. By showcasing stories created by local authors and illustrators, the festival nurtures a love for reading that is rooted in our unique culture and heritage.” said, Mr Edmund Wee, President, Singapore Book Publishers Association.
Book Launches
This year, two new children’s picture books, xSly the Fly and the Flurry of Flu and Nasi Lemak Emak, will be launched at SCBF. Both titles were illustrated by recipients of the Student Illustrator Book Prize in 2024. Developed in response to last year’s official SCBF competition brief, these projects provided student illustrators with the opportunity to see their work brought to life through publication, from conceptualisation to final artwork.
“Events like the Singapore Children’s Book Festival offer our students the opportunity to engage directly with the publishing industry and better understand how illustration works can bring storytelling to life. It’s encouraging to see their works presented alongside professionals as part of the learning experience as they continue to redefine their narratives in storytelling,” said Sabrina Long, Dean of the Faculty of Art & Design, NAFA.
Children’s Workshops
Families can look forward to 12 engaging workshops for children, from crafting plushie cats to building fantasy creatures. One notable session is “=Jemma Dreams of Sushi”, inspired by a professional illustration submission from this year’s showcase. Children will have the opportunity to sculpt their own sushi roll bento as part of the hand-on activity by using colourful clay through the blending of art, play, and storytelling in a fun and tactile way.
Fringe activities also include crafting coiling snails using beads and pipe cleaners, all designed to stimulate young minds through art, play, and imaginative exploration.
Panel Discussions
The festival’s talks explore topics close to home, including the important role of grandparents in literature, humour and emotional literacy, and the power of bilingual storytelling.
Catch the panel discussion of “Ah Mah Power – Why Grandmothers Make Compelling Characters” on Saturday, 21 June at 3PM at NAFA Campus 2 where authors discuss how grandmothers, with their wisdom, warmth, and quirky ways, have become beloved figures in children's literature. This talk draws themes of family, heritage, and migration found in Grandpa Yeh’s Journey South — a professional submission in this year’s festival — which recounts a grandfather’s journey from Swatow, China to Singapore.
Attendees will also hear the latest insights from acclaimed writers that include:
- Emily Lim-Leh, award-winning author
- Vivian Teo, creator of My BFF Is an Alien series
- Quek Hong Shin, heritage-inspired illustrator
For programme details and tickets, visit scbf.sg.
Images can be downloaded here.
For more information, please contact:
Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts
Karen Chang
Head, Strategic Communications Office
Email: [email protected]
Ashton Chong
Assistant Manager, Strategic Communications Office
Email: [email protected]
Singapore Book Publishers Association
Kay Tan
Secretariat, SBPA
Email: [email protected]