Penangite links up with Lithuanian to publish children’s book with a difference

It’s not often that you come across a vividly illustrated children’s book relating the adventures of a young person in the streets of a city trying to unravel a mystery after dark. And this city bears some resemblance to George Town.

A new children’s book, Twee and the Mysterious Howl, by writer Rosalind Chua and illustrator Artur Sirin was launched in Penang on 8 November with a launch in Europe expected next year.

Some information about the book from the publishers, Clarity Publishing:

The book which is the first in a trilogy follows the adventures of a young girl and her special dog as they overcome fear to unravel a nighttime mystery.

“The idea for the book had been fermenting for some time,” explained the author and publisher Rosalind Chua. “While the story was swirling in my head, the big challenge was finding the right illustrator, someone who could bring the characters to life, and create the surreal backdrop for the story.”

Months passed with little progress, until a chance conversation led to an introduction. “Ernest (Zacharevic) sent me a link to his friend’s website. I was immediately blown away by Artur Sirin’s talent and his eye for the extraordinary,” explained Chua.

“Even though I’m based in Malaysia and Artur works in Lithuania, we were on the same wavelength for the bulk of the creative process. It’s like we have a telepathic relationship!”

Following the Malaysian launch of the book in November, discussions are underway to finalise the launch of the Lithuanian edition in 2015. “There is an amazing tradition of illustrated children’s books in Eastern Europe and we really hope that Twee & the Mysterious Howl will be a part of that. The major market we would like to break in to is the UK market which is incredibly competitive and saturated with talent. Having said that I think we’ve created some very special characters with a beautiful story to tell.”

About the author

Rosalind Chua is a history graduate from the University of Durham, UK, with over 17 years of publishing, ad agency and writing experience. She spent seven years in London working in publishing. After returning to Malaysia, she established Clarity Publishing, an independent publishing house which focuses on high quality, commercial, illustrated titles.

She is the author of 12 books; Twee & the Mysterious Howl is her first children’s book.

About the illustrator

Artur Sirin is an architecture post-graduate from the Vilnius Art Academy, Lithuania. After a long career in architecture and interior design he branched out into graphic design and illustration fulltime after the birth of his daughter.

Graffiti is an art form close to his heart and in 2001, Artur assembled a collective of artists known as “The Milk Team” who carved out a niche in Lithuania’s hip street art scene. While sleepless nights changing nappies has cut down his graffiti time, it has also allowed his technique to expand into print making.

According to Artur who is also a pineapple fanatic, “My illustrations are inspired by my surroundings and past experiences. As a new dad, I draw plenty of inspiration from my daughter, from potty time to dance movements.”
Artur’s work is highly sought-after in Lithuania where it has featured in numerous websites, animations and computer games. Twee & the Mysterious Howl is his fourth children’s book.

For further information, please email Clarity Publishing at info@clarity8.com