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This charmingly illustrated and thought-provoking picture book introduces children to one of Arthur Yap's most beloved poems in which two mothers in a HDB playground engage in a spirited conversation in Singlish. From exchanging parenting tips to describing their wealth—these mothers have much to say!
Discover timeless Singaporean poems in our new series, Poems to Keep.
Arthur Yap is one of Singapore’s well-known poets who was awarded the Cultural Medallion in 1983 for his contributions to literature. His work, which often uses simple language and Singlish, paints a picture of everyday Singaporean life. An important figure in the development of Singaporean poetry, Arthur Yap published several collections: only lines (1971), down the line (1980), man snake apple & other poems (1986) and commonplace (1977). He was awarded the National Book Development Council award for poetry for the first three. He also wrote a collection of short stories: Noon at Five O’ Clock: The Short Stories of Arthur Yap (2014) and had several solo art exhibitions throughout his career. He passed away in 2006.
Adia Tay is a singer, songwriter, poet and author. She published her first music album Kintsugi and poetry collection Close Enough in 2019. And when she isn't noodling away on her guitar, doodling on paper or brooding over beautiful words, she writes stories for children. What If the Wind Tears My Kite? (2021) was her first picture book which she both authored and illustrated. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Hedwig Anuar Children’s Book Award.
