Deepavali Nal Valthukkal /by Choo Li-Hsian & Huilee Raj
- author: Choo Li-Hsian
- illustrator: Huilee Raj
- publisher: Gasing Buku
- published in: 2023
- language: Malay
A young boy stayed with neighbours a few days before the Festival of Lights, Deepavali. The neighbours, a mixed Indian and Chinese family had friendly twins. The boy had the opportunity to celebrate Deepavali with the Malaysian Indian family, discovering the diverse and fascinating cultures of Malaysia.
The 36-page colourful picture book vividly portrays the Deepavali festival and its details, highlighting the richness of each cultural aspect.
Did you know that there are hundreds of dialects among the Indian people, or that Deepavali myths vary across different regions in India? The book explores various aspects, from the significance of muruku to the roles of beautiful Kolam/Rangoli. It provides insights into the traditions of celebrating Deepavali, making it a comprehensive and joyful read for children in Malaysia.
About the author:
Choo Li-Hsian is a freelance writer who has contributed to many mainstream corporate and lifestyle publications and writing projects.
She is also a children’s art educator who regularly co-facilitates art discovery toursand coordinates art programmes for children and families at a well-known public art gallery in Kuala Lumpur. An avid picture book enthusiast, Li-Hsian has previously co-authored three children’s picture books on the topics of medicines, climate change and life sciences.
She currently lives in Kuala Lumpur with her husband, and her twin children, a daughter and a son.
About the illustrator:
Huilee Raj discovered her love for painting at a young age and has cultivated it ever since.
With more than two decades of expertise in both traditional and digital art, Huilee excels in graphic design, illustration, and the delicate art of watercolour painting.
Presently, she's accepting personalised commissions for designs and illustrations through her Instagram handle @they.called.me.lili.
Huilee is also a co-founder of Clearlight Studios, an interdisciplinary visual arts enterprise, which she started alongside her husband.