Two new children’s books on Hokkien kuehs are released today, in celebration of the Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan’s 185th anniversary. Ready, Kueh Set, Go! and 《粿就粿位，预备，行！》 .

Launched by Member of Parliament for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC Ms Elysa Chen and Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan (SHHK) President Mr Thomas Chua, the book features five Hokkien kuehs as representatives of the Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan Affiliated Primary Schools at their well-known annual Combined Schools Sports Meet.

The picture book is written by Singapore Literature Prize-winning author and journalist Peh Shing Huei, who has previously written three children’s books, Pineapple, Let’s Roll, Dream Island: The Mad, Mad World of Philip Yeo and Panjang: The Tall Boy Who Became Prime Minister. Peh is Hokkien and attended Nan Chiau Primary School, one of SHHK’s affiliated schools. Ready, Kueh Set, Go! is illustrated by Quek Hong Shin, winner of the Hedwig Anuar Children’s Book Award in May 2024.

The book features Ang Ku Kueh (红龟粿), Ban Chian Kueh (面煎粿), Huat Kueh (发粿), Chih Tzu Kueh (木薯粿), and Wah Kueh (碗粿), who represent Ai Tong School, Chongfu School, Kong Hwa School, Nan Chiau Primary School, and Tao Nan School respectively. Each kueh is a champion in their field, but everything changes when Huat Kueh tries to upstage the rest. Its narrative will follow the five young kuehs as they train together and recognise each other’s strengths, learning about teamwork and sportsmanship along the way.

The book is published in celebration of the 185th anniversary of the Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan, and pays homage to the clan association’s long history of supporting and promoting education. “We hope the book will spark the curiosity of children in Singapore about our traditions and heritage, and inspire them to carry forward the values of ‘we-first’, camaraderie and cooperation in Hokkien culture,” said Mr Chua.

Peh hopes the book will help children get to know Hokkien culture through sports and food. “Sports and sportsmanship are familiar and important to young kids, and there is no better way to get children to learn more about Hokkien culture than through the delicious and colourful Hokkien kuehs which we all love,” he said.

Ready, Kueh Set, Go! and 《粿就粿位，预备，行！》 can be purchased at all major bookstores and online at www.nutgraf.com.sg.