Epigram Books | 雋語出版

⭐ Features three unique cover designs, packed at random.

Sonny Liew’s triple Eisner Award–winning The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye chronicles the life of Chan Hock Chye, a pioneering but largely forgotten comics artist whose career spanned over five decades, mirroring Singapore’s political and social transformation. Translated into nine languages, this internationally acclaimed work blends fact and fiction, reimagining history through Chan’s striking illustrations, paintings and sketches. Now returning in a special edition, featuring new material marking its 10th anniversary, The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye is a must-have for collectors and new readers alike.

Since 2015, Mekong Review has provided a fresh perspective on Asian histories, lives and cultures. The Very Best of Mekong Review brings together thirty-two of the finest essays and reviews published between 2019 and 2022 in the quarterly magazine, selected by its editor, Minh Bui Jones. A diverse crop of esteemed and emerging writers such as Bernice Chauly, Sunisa Manning, Sudhir Thomas Vadaketh and Richard Javad Heydarian delve into the promise of Anwar Ibrahim, the legacy of V.S. Naipaul, the 2019 protests in Hong Kong, the military history of Myanmar, dining out in Tokyo, and more. They offer insight and nuance to the rich cultural and political landscape of Asia.

A novella shortlisted for the 2022 Singapore Literature Prize (Fiction in English)
Recipient of the 2022 Singapore Literature Prize Readers’ Favourite English Book

Snow falls over Singapore for exactly four minutes and twenty-six seconds, quietly interrupting the lives of a dozen individuals, lonely and adrift: an art student and a former fling, chancing upon one another at Punggol MRT station; two men awake at 4am, watching YouTube videos of hail falling over the island nation; a sugar baby trawling through Google Maps, exploring the homes and neighbourhoods of her former clients...

Witness the near-miraculous ways passers-by can transform the trajectories of one another’s lives.

Shantih Shantih Shantih is a heady mix of desire and dauntlessness that revels in its interconnections, pulling close a community that is at once together and apart.

🎁Recommended for 6 months old and above

Yaya is a double-decker bus who thinks he’s the best. But can he do everything?

Really Wheelie Buddies is a board book series to introduce the little ones to  Singapore phrases through commonly seen vehicles on our roads.

In this first book, Yaya the double-decker bus thinks he’s the best bus in the whole of Singapore. He’s tall, handsome and fast. Surely no other bus compares! But when his friend Shorty challenges him, Yaya is in for a surprise...

🎁 Recommended for 6 months old and above

Suka-Suka has an important job: he helps to build roads, pavements and more. Just like baking, mixing cement involves combining the right ingredients in the right quantity. But Suka-Suka doesn't think instructions are necessary at all—he prefers to mix the ingredients however he likes, which leads to a path of unintended destruction! Suka-Suka realises his suka-suka ways have negative consequences not just for himself, but others too. That, perhaps, he can't just do whatever he likes all the time and should learn to be more responsible. Suka-Suka the Cement Truck is the third book in the Really Wheelie Buddies series that introduces the little ones to Singaporean phrases through commonly seen vehicles on our roads.

Funeral director and life celebrant Angjolie Mei, one of the very few women in the male-dominated industry, shares her stories and experiences in dealing with the dead—or rather, as she would put it, "People who have completed their life journeys." Be prepared to see funerals and death in a very different light. In this second edition, two new chapters have been added: one relating to the COVID-19 global pandemic and how it has affected funerals—and the industry as a whole; and another on Showers of Love, a sanctuary where family members can join in the process of preparing their loved ones for their final journeys. Find out about the inspiration behind this concept, and how it has provided families and visitors to grieve, and heal.

***
Why would someone leave a shining career in management to work among the dead?

Angjolie Mei, funeral director and "life celebrant", recounts how the death of her father—a veteran known as ‘The Coffin King’ in the funeral industry—prompted this dramatic choice.      

What exactly happens during embalming? What kind of post-death restoration is needed for second-degree burn victims? What are the little-known facts surrounding suicide in Singapore?

Angjolie offers the insider’s view on these and other aspects of an industry usually shrouded in mystery, and reflects on how her perceptions of death, and life, have changed since she chose this extraordinary profession.

Shortlisted for the 2020 Singapore Book Awards (Best Illustrated, Non-Fiction)

This comic by award-winning graphic novelist Sonny Liew and Hsu Li Yang from National University of Singapore Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health answers questions and dispels the myths and misconceptions about antibiotics.

Can antibiotics be used to treat the common cold? How much antibiotics should we be taking?

In this easy-to-read book, Liew and Hsu break down the complexity of the medication, effects of overusage and its adaptation in the farming industry.

Silent Song of the African Savannah is not just a photo book—it's an intimate journey into the heart of Africa’s untamed wilderness. Up close and personal, with both predators and prey within the game parks of Africa. It is filled with hair raising high resolution photographs of animals within their natural habitat and highlights of South Africa such as the Three Rondavels, the majestic Bourke’s Luck Potholes amongst others and the African gastronomical scene.

Named after Burma’s unofficial national dish of fish noodles, Mornings are for mohinga serves as a reorganised and enriched edition of Koh’s 2015 effort.

It is a meticulously researched body of work that has taken Koh 12 years to complete, taking him to all corners of Burma to meet the myriad ethnic contributing to the country’s spellbinding culinary landscape. This includes more well-known communities such as the Kayin, Mon, Shan, Rakhine and of course the predominant Bamar, as well as the Shan Ni, Lisu, Rawang, Kayah and various Chin folk.

Written like a travelogue with food at its foundation, Mornings are for Mohinga is divided according to the 16 regions comprising Burma, including Yangon. It is sumptuous and kaleidoscopic, as well as engaging and insightful. It is filled with information on traditional cooking techniques, lesser-known botanicals and fish that lie at the foundation of the local cuisines and, true to its title, recipes for not just one, but 4 kinds of mohinga. Beyond the culinary realm, the book also sheds light on the lives, culture and traditions of the myriad people who make this great land.

As with his previous 5 literary endeavours, this book is lavish with food and location photographs, all of which were executed by Koh, who also had a hand in the design and layout of the book.

Finalist for the 2025 Epigram Books Fiction Prize

A mythic historical novel by two-time Singapore Literature Prize winner.

Utama reimagines the rise of Sang Nila Utama through the eyes of those who shaped his path— exiles, warriors and queens. From the Chola invasion to a fateful sea crossing, ambition and betrayal forge an empire. As dragons fall and a sea goddess awakens, the Lion City is born.

Embrace life after breast cancer—your best years yet.

Featuring insights from oncologists, physiotherapists, dieticians and courageous survivors, this wellness guide covers everything from understanding breast cancer and treatment options to practical diet and exercise tips. Learn how to manage menopausal symptoms, navigate pregnancy planning and support emotional health after surviving breast cancer. With holistic approaches, including Traditional Chinese Medicine and healthy recipes, this book provides essential tools for reclaiming your health and happiness.

Winner of the 2025 Epigram Books Fiction Prize

The final gripping chapter in the saga of Miss Cassidy.

The truth is out there. And somewhere, so is Miss Cassidy.

The Mystical Mister Kay, a ghost-seer from Singapore, arrives in the English city of Tolwich in search of his friend Miss Cassidy. But his investigation takes a darker turn: a princess is found dead, a cult-like fashion house holds the city in its grip, and a seminary for Asian royals hides secrets no one dares name. As gods from Ancient Greece and Asia slip into the mortal world, Mr Kay is pulled into a mystery that spans continents and mythologies—one that may bring him closer to Miss Cassidy, or destroy him trying.

How does one rise above the trauma of child sexual abuse?

Sofia Abdullah is now an international women’s and children’s rights champion, fighting for equality and fair treatment for disempowered groups all over the world. But she comes from a painful past—one in which she was sexually abused as a child by a family member. Taking many years to heal from the trauma, these are pages from her notes documenting her journey of coming to terms with what had happened. This is her journey of moving on.

*With a foreword by Founder, Chairman and CEO Lei Jun on Xiaomi's tenth anniversary.

Since 2010, Xiaomi has taken the world by storm, going from a smartphone startup to a consumer electronics giant that became the youngest company to make the Fortune Global 500 list. Xiaomi: From Ten to Infinity goes behind the scenes to uncover the company's unique approach to management and business strategy, and how it leveraged the changes in the Chinese domestic consumer market to build a large, loyal following among the youths. Award winning biographer and financial journalist Fan Haitao takes us through the never-before-revealed triumphs and struggles that Xiaomi underwent along the way.

A bestseller in the original Chinese, now translated into English for the first time, the book is an illuminating look at one of the biggest names in tech to watch today.

Meet the Womps–Pinto, So-ya, Kofi, and Chick Bee–a fun and furry bunch of characters who don’t always get things right the first time. Pinto Womp enjoys locking fingers and making pinky promises with all his friends, but can he follow through on all of his promises?

The fun and furry characters are back with a lesson about staying true to oneself.

Chick Bee has just learnt to do the cha-cha! She tries to wow everyone with her charming moves. But when her friends think her dance needs improving, Chick Bee doesn’t know what to say. Will Chick Bee perform her cha-cha in her own charming way? Or will she listen to the advice of her friends? The Womps is a series about a bunch of friends who don’t always get things right the first time.

What does it take to be a doctor?

Divya, Yao Quan, Paul, Samantha and Shafia come from vastly different backgrounds but are aiming for the same goal: to graduate from the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine in NUS as doctors. They hear it's not easy. It's not just difficult tests and a substantial syllabus they have to face; they're learning every day that the things they deal with are quite literally a matter of life and death.

Written for both prospective students and the public, White Coat Tales is a fresh, honest look at the struggles they face as they earn their white coats and take on the mantle of doctor.

All her life, Audrey has done what is expected of her, following her father’s footsteps into the civil service, the “iron rice bowl” of Singapore. When a chance opportunity arises to attend a writing retreat in the Wonju mountains of South Korea, she grabs it, not knowing what to expect. Unexplainable things soon start happening to her, while a long-buried memory surfaces, threatening to unravel her calm and carefully-orchestrated world.

🎁Recommended for ages 3 and above

Winner, Hedwig Anuar Children’s Book Award 2013
Selected for the National Library Board's READ! Singapore 2012

Luke is a little different from other boys his age. His best friend is his Grandma. They would do everything together—walking to school, strolling in the park, and playing in the playground. That was before Grandma’s fall. Everything changed after that. She lost her way in the neighbourhood she has lived in for over twenty years. She even forgot Luke’s name. Edmund Lim tells a poignant story of how one boy copes with losing his beloved Grandma to Alzheimer’s disease only to discover something more powerful. Tan Zi Xi’s sensitive illustrations capture the pathos brilliantly.

Three Singaporean university students in London, as unalike as can be, become roommates and then fast friends. Over three winters in the mid-2010s, Gigi, Yi-En and Clare rely on each other in the face of trauma and big, scary life changes. When news comes of Clare’s disappearance, Gigi and En take a road trip to the countryside to retrace the path of her final days. What We Learned from Driving in Winter explores how we are able to live with tragedy with a little help from our friends.

Shortlisted for Hedwig Anuar Children’s Book Award 2022

Recommended for ages 3 and above

A little boy’s life is filled with wonder with his new-found kite. Worried that the wind might blow his kite away, he keeps it close. But kites are meant to fly, so the boy flies his kite...only to have the wind carry it away. Will the boy ever be the same again? A beautifully illustrated book about the what-ifs in life.

Celtuce? Fingerroot? Tatsoi? If you've never heard of these produce names, local chef Pamelia Chia is here to help.

Wet markets promise charm and authenticity that supermarkets and online grocers cannot replicate. Local chef Pamelia Chia explores uncommonly used vegetables, fruits and herbs found in Singapore wet markets, using over 80 recipes to bring out their unique flavours and textures. Writing in a frank and easy-to-read manner, Pamelia shares stories from wet-market vendors, memories of grocery shopping with her mother and how each ingredient inspires her to push the boundaries of local cooking.

Two teenagers become Earth's only hope to save it from alien domination.

Classmates Wen and Giri find themselves on the planet Ghaert, waiting to stand trial for Earth’s war and climate atrocities. But as the teens hope for an honest hearing, the conniving councillor Nickeolo schemes to enslave the human race and take over the universe! Saving humanity is now in Wen and Giri's hands.

🎁 Recommended for kids aged 6 and up!

Wei Wei can’t tie his shoelaces, or so he says. He just won’t do it until he is rewarded with cake! Now, tying shoelaces is easy; indeed, it’s a piece of cake—literally! But things get out of hand when Wei Wei gets everyone to do his chores in exchange for some cake.

With a clever twist and memorable illustrations, Book 3 in the series I Love Idioms teaches children the meaning of “a piece of cake”.

Book of the Year, 2020 Singapore Book Awards
Winner for the 2020 Singapore Book Awards (Best Illustrated, Non-Fiction)

Food writer, cooking instructor and author Christopher Tan is back with the definitive book on Singapore’s kueh, sharing everything you need to know about local kueh culture.

Much more than just a collection of recipes, The Way of Kueh delves into the topic with a lyrical, insightful and practical approach. It traverses kueh families and genres, key kueh-making techniques, the seasonality and social significance of kueh, and the importance of both tradition and innovation. Local kueh artisans from all walks of life share their stories and perspectives in interviews, while short essays muse on the histories, regional and colonial influences, science and symbolism behind this most diverse of food genres.

Helpful glossaries on key ingredients and essential kitchen tools will equip you to tackle over 100 detailed and precise recipes for kuehs from across Singapore’s communities, from ang koo kueh to kueh bakar, kueh kaswi to jian dui, steamed and baked kueh lapis varieties, and many more, including rare and endangered items such as sesagun, putugal and bak kueh.

Making kueh is truly and traditionally a labour of love. The Way of Kueh was born from a desire to inspire and encourage Singaporeans to make and enjoy kueh together with their families and friends, to celebrate, preserve and progress this unique and rich part of our national food heritage.

A man seeks resolution when the spirit of his abusive mother calls from the grave. A sex worker finds temporary salvation with a returning Australian tourist professing his love. The afterlife plays host to a vast museum dedicated to jetsam from the living world. In this debut fiction collection, these imagined worlds are set variously in plural Singapores, Southeast Asia and beyond, and illuminate the urgent need to connect even after death.

🎁Recommended for ages 7 and above

Winner of Singapore Book Awards 2018, Best Middle Grade/Young Adult Title

Why do Malays use “bin” and “binte” in their names? Why are there two Hari Rayas? Why do women cover their heads? We provide the answers—and useful tips as well—to some of the most-asked questions young Singaporeans have about the Malay community, including why green is special to Malays.

Why Do Malays Avoid Pork? is part of a series of four illustrated handbooks, each with 20 questions and answers to promote understanding of the different races and cultures in Singapore.

🎁Recommended for ages 7 and above

Winner of Singapore Book Awards 2018, Best Middle Grade/Young Adult Title

Why do the Chinese eat noodles at wedding dinners? Why do they hang blankets around HDB void decks after a funeral? Why is Chinatown called “cow car water”? We provide the answers— and useful tips as well—to some of the most-asked questions young Singaporeans have about the Chinese, including what a “red tortoise cake” is.

Why Do the Chinese Shout “Yam Seng”? is part of a series of four illustrated handbooks, each with 20 questions and answers to promote understanding of the different races and cultures in Singapore.