Book club: Tales from Asia

Tell us about the new books.

I Love You, Little Boba is a rhyming board book for babies and toddlers. The story celebrates unconditional love and highlights Asian culture through bubble tea characters. Mama’s Bedtime Tales and the Wonders of Asia is a book written for three to eight-year-olds that captures the joy of childhood imagination and family love through some of Asia’s most iconic sites including the Taj Mahal, Angkor Wat, the Great Wall of China, and many more! 

What inspired you to write about travel during Covid? 

Like everyone else, we’ve been cooped up since the start of the pandemic. I decided to play a game with the kids to help maintain their sense of adventure. I’d pretend that my bed was a magic carpet or a helicopter that could take us to amazing places. This was my inspiration for Mama’s Bedtime Tales and the Wonders of Asia.

Is Asian culture well-represented in children’s literature?

In recent years, we’ve started seeing more cultures represented in children’s books but there is still a lack of diversity overall. Growing up, I didn’t see many characters who looked like me, or who I could relate to. Children need to feel that they are seen, it is important for their self-worth and leads to a more tolerant world.

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How did that feel to have The Duchess of York read your debut book to her YouTube audience?

Incredible! I was honoured and humbled to have my book read by a member of the British royal family. I’m thrilled that books representing Asian culture are receiving this kind of attention.

Can you share tips to get young children interested in reading? 

Make reading together part of your daily routine. Children love the freedom to choose their own books at the library. I try to make storytime more exciting by changing my voice for each character and making sound effects. Reading together can be an incredible bonding experience. 

What are your plans this Christmas?

We usually spend Christmas in Sydney with our family but due to travel restrictions, this year we’ll spend it in Hong Kong. We are planning a camping trip over the holidays and of course, I love watching my kids excitedly open their presents with pure joy on Christmas morning. 

Conny Wong is a Hong Kong-based children’s author. She recently released two books, I Love You, Little Boba ($248, including a cuddly plushie) and Mama’s Bedtime Tales and the Wonders of Asia ($140).