CJMY
As Deepavali approaches, Malaysian educators and authors, Mohd Khairul Azman Ismail and Razisatul Asyifah Ismail, unveil their latest creation, “Deepavali Valthukkal, Owly!” – the third instalment in their Owly Celebrations series.
In Bahasa Malaysia, this charming book introduces readers to Owly’s heartwarming adventure into a Deepavali celebration, showcasing the customs and treats of the Festival of Lights. The couple, also primary school teachers, draws inspiration from childhood friendships that transcended cultural differences, aiming to foster understanding and respect among young readers.
Having previously gifted readers with “Selamat Hari Raya, Owly!” and “Gong Xi, Gong Xi, Owly!”, the duo continues to weave enchanting tales that celebrate Malaysia’s rich multicultural fabric.
Captivating journey with Owly
“Deepavali Valthukkal, Owly!” takes readers on a captivating journey with Owly as he immerses himself in the warmth of a Deepavali celebration. The story not only unfolds the beauty of the Festival of Lights but also echoes the couple’s own childhood experiences of forming genuine friendships across diverse backgrounds.
Mohd Khairul and Razisatul, both aged 48, seamlessly blend their roles as educators and storytellers, infusing educational elements into their heartwarming tales.
The Owly Celebrations series, including “Selamat Hari Raya, Owly!” and “Gong Xi, Gong Xi, Owly!”, serves as a cultural bridge for young readers, promoting unity and understanding.
The couple’s dedication to crafting each book is evident in their month-long creative process, involving meticulous planning, storyboarding, character creation, and collaborative writing and illustration efforts. Working as a team, they draw on their teaching experience and shared passion for storytelling to create engaging narratives that resonate with children.
Enchanting tales and relatable characters
A charming aspect of the Owly Celebrations series is the couple’s commitment to accuracy and cultural sensitivity. By sharing drafts with friends from diverse communities, they ensure that their stories authentically represent the traditions they depict. The couple’s collaborative process reflects their shared commitment to delivering stories that not only captivate but also educate.
While their own children may have outgrown children’s books, Mohd Khairul and Razisatul express their hope that young readers will find joy in the enchanting tales and relatable characters presented in “Deepavali Valthukkal, Owly!” and their broader Owly Celebrations series.
The couple encourages parents and guardians to join the reading adventure, emphasising the importance of supporting local publishers that promote Malaysia’s multicultural heritage. Beyond fostering a love for reading, they aspire for their books to impart valuable lessons about cultural diversity and mutual respect.
As the Owly Celebrations series continues to unfold, Mohd Khairul and Razisatul tease upcoming releases that will explore the festivities of Sabah and Sarawak, including Kaamatan and Gawai. “Deepavali Valthukkal, Owly!” is available through OwlyBooks and local booksellers, such as the Museum of Picture Book Art at GMBB. You can buy Deepavali Valthukkal, Owly! and other books published by OwlyBooks by contacting Asyifah at 011-1185 2926.
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