Meet the monster gang

I have been keeping silence for a few months now. I am so thrilled that I can finally let the cat out of the bag!

Last year late October, Adeline Foo, winner of the inaugural First Time Writers and Illustrators Initiative award, author of Ben's Rainforest series and Peranakan Heritage series, invited me to illustrate one of her newest children's titles. It didn't take me long to say yes after reading the initial manuscript.

Since then, I have been working tirelessly. My book which should be available in major bookstores sometime in May. Currently, production is in full swing. After nearly two months of pretty intensive research, hundreds of sketches and thumbnails, I finally started doing the final paintings a month ago. I must admit I underestimated the amount of time I need to work on the book. I also did not expect myself to be so meticulous over the details on the painting. Anyway, thankfully both Adeline and my publisher (Ethos Books) have been really patient. That really allow me to produce my best illustrations for the book.

Today, the first three books of Adeline's latest series (titled Monsters in the Mind) were launched at the Mint Toy Museum. Me, Hannah and Heather, together with Mariko and her daughter Yuri (our Japanese neighbour) rushed to the book event after Hannah's ballet class. We were fashionably late for a good reason. Wai Han called me when I was half way on the road. Apparently everyone was waiting for me to start the event. My jaw dropped! I was certain that I did inform them that I will get there 45 mins later. Before I could settle down, I was given a very warm welcome and a microphone. I don't remember exactly what I said other than thanking everyone for their support and patience. Truthfully, I am so lucky to be in the team of such wonderful people.

After the launch, the girls and I joined Adeline, Kowling and their family for dinner. We also pop by to see Christopher Martin, illustrator for "The Thing Under My Bed". He is also an artist and the creative director of Splatter. Together with his wife Angela Mather, they are selling their original art pieces Creative Australia 2009 event being held at Raffles City, Level 3 Atrium, from 13 to 22 March 2009.

Do drop by if you have time during the school holiday.

Also don't forget to bring for kids to meet the "monster gang" at Kinokuniya Takashimaya on the 21 March 2009, 3.30 to 4.30pm.

So check out MUTB for other events in Singapore .