Looking for stories for kids with a familiar setting? We round up the best children books that tell stories about Singapore!
Looking for stories for your little bookworm that’ll take them on a literary adventure through Singapore? Head down to your local bookstore or library and add some local reads into the mix. These children’s books will leave the little ones squealing with delight when they recognise their home city and all the things we love about it. And you’re bound to discover something new about The Lion City too! Want even more children book recommendations? Don’t miss our favourite books for babies and toddlers and our pick of classic kids’ fiction.
Best children’s books about Singapore
1. Ollie’s Big Day Out by Wendy Yee & Julie Conceicao
Otters have become a bit of an animal icon here in Singapore and if your little ones love them as much as we do, this is the book for you. Ollie the otter is on a quest to find his mom. His adventure around Singapore not only brings us to the iconic landmarks, but also shows us how humans and otters can coexist. This children’s book (beautifully illustrated by local illustrator and mum of two Kristen Kiong) is perfect for sparking conversations about Singapore and our wildlife, and the responsibility we have in public spaces. We also love that it comes with activities and fun facts that makes it such an interactive read!
2. The Amazing Sarong by Quek Hong Shin
In this picture book series, the author/ illustrator takes one heritage item and crafts an entire story about it. He introduces the sarong, with its batik prints of flowers and leaves, and turns it into an object of unexpected fun. See go from a boring piece of cloth, to a baby sling, a turban, and more. Check out the sequel, The Incredible Basket too.
3. Grandpa Yeh’s Journey South by Eva Wong Nava
A tribute to the people who made our country, Grandpa Yeh’s Journey South tells the journey of the early Chinese immigrants to Singapore. In search of a better life, they travelled across the world in harsh conditions and took on the toughest jobs to survive. Feeling all homesick, they remember their heritage through food like the Teochew rice cake. And if you want to try your hand at making one, there’s even a recipe by celebrity chef Eric Low inside.
4. Understanding Singaporeans Series by Edmund Wee
In multicultural Singapore, there is so much to learn about one another. And this series provides the answers to some of the most common questions young Singaporeans have about the practices of our four main ethnic groups. The illustrated children’s book about Singapore is presented in a Q&A format to help us understand why we do what we do.
5. The Invisible People Book series by Ames Chen
This heartfelt book series is a tribute to the people we often overlook in our lives. The invisible people – domestic workers, construction workers, and bus drivers – play a huge role in shaping Singapore. Through these children stories, we remember that a little kindness goes a long way and these unsung heroes have needs and dreams, just like us. A great reminder for us to appreciate the people who have helped built our country.
6. My Singapore Alphabet Book by Sarah & Luke Garner
This charming picture book aimed at children up to three introduces them to the sights of Singapore. There’s something to enjoy for each letter of the alphabet! A lovely way to educate and reinforce experiences with young children, we’ve got a copy ourselves as the perfect keepsake.
7. Sarah’s Great Adventure by Madeline Beale
Sarah’s Great Adventure is part of a series of four charming books and is just the thing for multi-ethnic kids and/or kids living in a multicultural society like Singapore. In the series, three-year-old Sarah travels the world to visit her extended family and has many fun and relatable adventures. Don’t forget to also stock up on the other equally gorgeous books in the series: Sarah’s Yummiest Food, Sarah’s BFF, and Sarah’s Happy Holidays! We love how these stories for kids lets them know that being different isn’t so different after all.
8. Lost in Singapore by Matthew Cooper
One of our fave children’s books about Singapore! Brit-born writer Matthew Cooper’s Lost in Singapore takes kids on an adventure all around our sunny island. When his pet parrot, Sid, flies away, Ben Wong chases after him on train, plane, and bike in a quest to track down his friend. Jam-packed with local flavour and all things travel, this book’s sure to satisfy your wanderlust. Plus it’ll show the kids there’s loads more to Singapore than what meets the eye! Check out our chat with Matt himself to see what life is like as a writer and a stay-at-home dad.
9. Find and Seek Singapore by Sally Roydhouse
The concept of this beautiful book was sparked by Australian Roydhouse’s desire to create a keepsake of her own family’s time in Singapore. Little adventurers will love being taken around The Lion City with the book’s protagonist: a little boy with a huge spirit of wonder who has just arrived in Singapore. Rediscover fave local hang-outs along the way, and get caught up in the colourful, educational verse that will make this children’s book a hit for the whole family.
10. Sing A Song Of Hawker Food by Lianne Ong & Janice Khoo
Imagine seeing Humpty Dumpty and friends having a feast at your neighbourhood hawker centre – wouldn’t that be quite a sight? Sing A Song Of Hawker Food is a collection of rhymes about Singaporean hawker food that both you and bub can easily sing along to as they’re written to the tune of classical nursery rhymes. Expect to read about Jack and Jill going up the hill to have ketupat and satay; Three Blind Mice having chicken rice in a hawker centre, Itsy the spider trying to get a sip of Milo Dinosaur, and more!
11. Playtime With Ye Ye by Pauline Loh
This sweet and simple story about Boy Boy’s relationship with his grandpa, Ye Ye, takes place entirely in their living room, where the two play dress-ups one afternoon. Through the power of Ye Ye’s storytelling and Boy Boy’s imagination, the readers get glimpses of this grandfather’s great milestones – and Singapore’s history. Written in rhyme, this is a lovely children’s book to read out loud. It introduces children to Singapore’s momentous moments but is also about keeping family memories alive. A nostalgic read for parents who’ve grown up in Singapore, but just as poignant for families who have come from abroad. This is a lovely reminder of the depth of experience of our grandparents – and just how much we can learn from them.
12. Let’s Celebrate NDP! written by Sharon Koh, illustrated by Kristen Kiong
Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of Singapore’s biggest annual parade? Let’s Celebrate NDP! is a fun storybook by Singaporean mums Sharon Koh and Kristen Kiong, who show all the different people involved in Singapore’s National Day Parade! From the dancers and singers to the Red Lions, directors and even down to the folks who ensure the fireworks go off without a hitch, this book features them all. Perfect for kids in Singapore to get a better idea of the work it takes to put together such a grand show!
13. Pura the Cat by Tan Soon Meng
If the kiddos are mad for cats then this is a great children’s book for animal-loving littlies. Follow Pura the super cute cat who lives on Boat Quay with her besties Bhavana, Mei, and Dexter. Life is pretty purr-fect for Pura until one day… She’s spotted by someone who realises she’s a rare Singapura breed and that catching her can make him a quick dollar or two! This heartwarming kids story is a must for feline fans as well as for any child who loves stories about friendship and heroism!
14. Sasha in Singapore Series by Shamini Flint
These stories about a little girl called Sasha Singapore make the perfect literary keepsake of your little one’s childhood in Singapore. Sasha heads to all the fun places we love to visit with the fam, from the Botanic Gardens to Sentosa (and everywhere in between!). Not only are these books fun to read, but they also serve as great guidebooks for kids on the Little Red Dot!
15. Sam, Sebbie and Di-Di-Di Series by David Seow
Penned by well-known local children’s book writer David Seow, this series follows the Singaporean siblings’ adventures around the Lion City. With 11 tales in the series, we particularly love A Day With The Duchess, which features a very special royal star in its tale – plus an adorable hamster. You’ll go on a fun journey around Singapore without having to leave home!
16. The Adventures of Mittens & Midnight by John Hogger
First-time author John Hogger has lived in Singapore with his family for close to thirty years, so you can be sure he knows a thing or two about the city-state. This tale is all about the adventures of two cats, Mittens and Midnight, as they explore the people and places that we all know and love in Singapore. As well as being a great kid’s story to capture the hearts of the young ones, it’s also got incredible illustrations by Raymond Li, which make the story come to life. A must-have for the book bucket list!
17. Mr Midnight Series by James Lee
For the slightly older kiddos in the family, the Mr Midnight series by James Lee has been running here in Singapore since 1998. He’s written over 90 books and counting! Each book contains two ghoulish stories to satisfy even the most voracious bookworms. These mild-horror books, with titles such as My Mad Maid, There’s a Witch in My Watch, and My Class Vampire, are a total hit with the over-sevens and are all set in and around Singapore. Ghosts in Bishan, vampires in Tampines, and zombies in Serangoon are sure to have your primary school kids engrossed and demanding to devour them all!
18. Singapore Children’s Favourite Stories by Diana Taylor
Diana Taylor has pulled together 11 fantastic myths and tales of all things Singapore from how the island got its name to when a tiger was found under a billiard table at Raffles Hotel. A great book about Singapore for all kids to our island’s multicultural past, colonial roots and surprising history.
19. Mudley Explores Singapore by Arp Raph Broadhead
Join Mudley the bear and his owner, Sophia, in this very cute children’s book about Singapore. Sophia would love to travel the world but has to go to school. And so, each time Dad has to leave for work at faraway places, Sophia packs Mudley into his suitcase to report back on his adventures. Beautifully illustrated, this book would be an ideal gift or travel souvenir for the young reader.
20. The Little Singapore Book by Joyceline See Tully & Sim Ee Waun
Get set for a fresh take on the story of Singapore and its people, with this gorgeous children’s book for five- to 10-year-olds. Through stunning illustrations, young readers are introduced to Singapore’s history and culture. There are also fun activities and projects to make this journey of discovery even more exciting. Once you’re done with the last page, head to the sister website for even more fun.
21. Timmy and Tammy series by Ruth Wan
We love these children’s books about Singapore staples! Timmy and Tammy is a series of books for preschoolers. Join them as they go out around the island to explore and learn. Eager bookworms can also practise their reading skills and have fun with each issue’s activity at the back.
22. Jayden and Janelle series by Seema Dadlani-Ramchand & Harsha Dadlani-Dhalani
This six-part series, written by sisters Seema and Harsha, follows siblings Jayden and Janelle with some uniquely Singaporean experiences. Each book touches on a specific aspect and trait that defines Singapore. We particularly enjoyed Now May I Have Some Ice-Kachang Please. Who can resist an ice-cold dessert on this sunny island? Plus, the kid’s storybook teaches the little ones not only about Singapore’s food but also the importance of eating together as a family.
23. Jack and Jill at Bukit Timah Hill by Gwen Lee
Gwen Lee took the well-known nursery rhyme and gave it a local twist in her children’s book about Singapore. It features identifiably Singaporean stuff such as the obvious Bukit Timah Hill, kueh tutu, and our monsoon season. Kiddos will have a laugh as they read the book and recognise many nursery rhyme classics amidst local settings.
24. Goodnight Crescent Moon: A Singapore Bedtime Book for Children by Burton Ong
Inspired by Margaret Wise Brown’s classic children’s bedtime book, Goodnight Moon, this story infuses the genre with a Singaporean flavour. For early readers and their parents, caregivers or anyone reading to young children, this is a bedtime book that celebrates Singapore icons and nostalgia. We love this ode to a Singaporean childhood. Plus, did you know this book was created by a dynamic father-daughter duo? Author Burton Ong collaborates with daughter Philippa for all the otterly cute illustrations.
25. Ally at the Park by Norlina Samat
Join Ally as she takes a stroll at the Botanic Gardens. There are so many things to see! The Ally’s Adventures bilingual series is inspired by what the author, Norlin Samat, is learning from the journey that she is going through with her child. She hopes the children book series will help family members and educators in their efforts to raise the next generation of bilinguals. Set in Singapore, each book in this kid’s story follows Ally, the little girl-cat, on her adventure at a place that young readers are familiar with.
26. Urban Wildlife in Singapore: Quirky Creatures by Eliza Teoh and Mary-Ruth Low
This adorable rhyming children’s book introduces kiddos to all the amazing wildlife hidden in our concrete jungle. Join a wee little snake on an adventure of a lifetime! Meet an irresistible cast of quirky creatures as the flowerpot snake discovers the wonders of the world around her and learns that she is special too.
27. Beware the Sunda Slow Loris and Other Singaporean Fables by Chen Junhua
Here are 10 great fables with beautiful illustrations that have been selected to give children the most pleasurable experience while introducing them to the local wildlife and more in Singapore. Find out about the Sunda slow loris who will bite if you get too close, the red-cheeked flying squirrel afraid of flying, the mud lobster who welcomes a snake in his home, and learn lessons. Don’t forget the fun facts that follow—they are all about local flora and fauna.
28. Secrets of Singapore series by Catherine Tan, Lesley-Anne & Monica Lim
Is your kid a curious cat? Do they want to know more about this tiny red dot? Discover many things you may not have known about Singapore in these informative children’s books. This series goes beyond the school textbooks and covers everything, from history and politics to transport, education, and food. Perfect for both the young and the young at heart.
We hope you enjoy these children’s books about Singapore as much as we did!