Indonesian picture book awarded grant for UK tour
Award-winning Birmingham publisher the Emma Press is launching When It Rains on 26th March 2019, tying in with the London Book Fair’s Indonesia Market Focus.
With her delightful artwork and enchanting words, Rassi Narika spins a story of discovery and hope that will brighten even the rainiest of days. The picture book tells the story of a girl and her adventures with her friends outside when it rains, inviting readers to see the world with new, curious eyes.
‘With much tenderness, the combination of story and illustrations in this book invites children to become observers in life… The minimalist and pastel tone illustrations makes it a perfect cosy bedtime read for your little ones. They will not only get a sweet story, but also learn about the importance of appreciating life’s moments – even when it rains.’ Herdiana Hakim, Si Kancil, Indonesian children’s book blog.
First published in 2017 as Waktu Hujan Turun by Seumpama Books, Jakarta, When It Rains was translated after the Emma Press was awarded a LitRi translation grant for the translation of three Indonesian titles into English. The publication of the book was also supported by public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
In addition, the Emma Press has been awarded funding from the National Organizing Committee for Indonesia, as Market Focus Country of London Book Fair 2019, to arrange a UK tour for Rassi Narika as part of the Fringe Programme. This will take place 25th May – 11th June 2019.
Emma Wright, publisher and translator, says: ‘When It Rains is a delightful story about friendship, joy and curiosity and – of course – rain. Rassi Narika is a bold new talent in children’s picture books and I can’t wait to introduce her to young readers in the UK.’
Rassi Narika has been writing since she was a child. She worked as a creative writer for Tulisan in 2011, where she fell in love with the combination of writing and illustration. While studying at Goldsmiths, University of London, she started to explore this combination, and she wrote and illustrated her first picture book when she co-founded Seumpama. When It Rains is her second picture book. Rassi now lives in Jakarta, in a little house which feels very cosy even when it’s raining outside.
When It Rains
ISBN 978-1-910139-63-9 / RRP £10.99 / 32 pages / 254 × 203 mm
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