The Brilliant Oil Lamp

Join Asha and her friends from The Amazing Sarong and The Incredible Basket as she moves from her cosy shophouse to a new housing estate in Toa Payoh. The buildings are tall, the apartments are new — and Asha’s home even has electric lights!

During the housewarming rites, her family lights a beautiful oil lamp to bless their new home. Suddenly, the power goes out and everything goes dark. But Asha has a bright idea — why not share the lamp’s light with their new neighbours? The children soon have fun with shadow play and sparklers, discovering how one brilliant light can bring new and old friends together.

About the Author & Illustrator
Quek Hong Shin is a freelance illustrator whose works include The Marvellous Sugee Cake, The Amazing Sarong, The Incredible Basket, The Brilliant Oil Lamp, Inuka, Lolly’s Secret, and the Ahoy, Navy! series created for the Republic of Singapore Navy’s 50th anniversary.

His debut as both author and illustrator, The Amazing Sarong, was shortlisted for Best Children’s Title at the 2016 Singapore Book Awards and the 2018 Hedwig Anuar Children’s Book Award. The Incredible Basket went on to win the 2019 Singapore Book Award for Best Children’s Picture Book.

Hong Shin conducts art workshops for primary school children and advocates for Superhero Me, an inclusive arts movement for children with special needs. Through his books and storytelling, he promotes local culture and heritage to young readers.