The Elephant and the Tree

Hello Elly! - Children's Play

2012-01-11T13:13:00.003+08:00

Save a date to learn ABCs and friends of the elephant and the tree at the Esplanade!

DATE 22 FEB 2012, WED -
26 FEB 2012, SUN
TIME Wed - Fri: 9.30am, 11am & 4pm
Sat - Sun: 11am, 2pm & 4pm
VENUE Recital Studio
PRICE $15
$50 for Package of 4.

$10 School special (per ticket)
*For every 10 tickets purchased, schools are entitled to 1 complimentary ticket for an accompanying teacher.

Asian Festival of Children's Content

2010-03-21T07:50:00.000+08:00

http://www.afcc.com.sg/

Agent Kelly

2010-03-21T07:49:00.000+08:00

http://www.asja.org/newspub/x0912f.php

@ Singapore Writers Festival 2009

2009-10-22T19:09:00.002+08:00

24 October - 1 November 2009

Programmes > Main Programme > Publishing Industry Events

28 Oct 2009, 9:00 am
The Business of Books – Publishing Symposium
Price: $120* (single-day pass) / $200* (two-day pass) / $30 (per panel) *includes refreshments and lunch
Venue : Blue Room

Hands off my Manuscript: Do publishers add value to authors' manuscripts?
1.30pm – 2.30pm

Featuring: Triena Ong (President, Singapore Book Publishers Association), Lee Jin Pyn (author), Peter Gorden (Paddyfield.com), Jen Hamilton-Emery (Director, Salt Publishing Ltd)
Moderator: Richard Lord (author/editor)

A discussion on the current and future role of the publisher in the publishing process and how they add value to manuscripts in terms of editing, design, as a literary filter, in shaping a canon of Singapore literature. Why don’t authors just self publish books?

http://www.singaporewritersfestival.com/programmes-pie.php

My Paper

2009-10-22T19:03:00.001+08:00

Oct 12:

zbNOW

2009-09-11T18:26:00.001+08:00

Channel 8 Interview

2009-09-07T02:40:00.002+08:00

Catch Jin Pyn on Good Morning Singapore / 早安您好 on Channel 8 on Tuesday 9 Sep on winning the Best Animation award in Japan

Best Animation award in Japan!

2009-09-07T02:32:00.004+08:00

The Japanese version of The Elephant and the Tree won the best animation award in Japan Wildlife Film Festival!

Despite being just 3 minutes long, it won the votes of the judges out of 334 films submitted from all over the world.

Held in Toyama, Japan, with film screenings across Asia, the festival organisers also used the character from The Elephant and the Tree in the tee shirt design for its staff.

In one of the sessions Jin Pyn had with the audience, she had the honour of the Chief of Education for Kurobe making the introduction.

Jin Pyn feels it's one of the best festivals she has attended, with the focus on giving a platform for independent filmmakers. There was even a tour to a UNESCO World Heritage site for delegates.

And the hospitality she and other delegates received is second to none.

Response on ground to the illustrations? "Kawaii!"

Japan Wildlife Film Festival Nomination

2009-06-26T22:02:00.002+08:00

The Japanese version of The Elephant and the Tree animation has been nominated for Japan Wildlife Film Festival!

One of the biggest of its kind in Asia, the festival, which started in 1993, draws around 40000 participants.

Tampines Reading Club

2009-06-26T21:59:00.003+08:00

Jin Pyn had a wonderful time reading at Tampines Library.

The secret life of Jin Pyn

2009-06-13T00:03:00.002+08:00

Jin Pyn's other passion revealed in the Chinese evening papers:

US Edition's OUT!

2009-05-17T01:46:00.001+08:00

The Elephant and the Tree has been launched on Earth Day in the States. It's now available in all English speaking countries in major bookstores, and online too on Amazon.

Sunday Times!

2009-05-17T01:44:00.001+08:00

Jin Pyn Lee's photo courtesy of Vincent Lee, Vapourtrail Design

New Paper mention

2009-05-17T01:43:00.002+08:00

Travelling to more places

2009-05-17T01:17:00.005+08:00

The Elephant and the Tree is travelling to more places ... this time in style in the Silkwinds magazine, both in English and Chinese.

The Secret Affair of the Asian Elephant

2008-11-30T16:44:00.008+08:00

How are elephants trained in Asia? What is a true elephant sanctuary? Which one has been visited by members of the British royalty? And what has a facial got to do with elephants?

Join us in a free film screening and photography exhibition by Time magazine's named Asian Hero.

Meet elephant conservationists in Asia as they are represented together for the first time.

And learn many secrets about Asia’s endangered iconic giants and their captive trade.

There's also a bazaar and auction. What better way to celebrate Christmas than with meaningful gifts? There’s also an organic facial to be won!

When: 13 December 2008, 1030am – 1pm and 2pm – 430pm
Where: Singapore Botanic Gardens Botany Centre

Presented by Wildlife Asia, Singapore Botanic Gardens and National Parks Board, 2902 Gallery, Earth Sanctuary, Elephant Nature Park and Elemantree Media.

Some pictures from the event:

We would like to thank all our sponsors: Earth Sanctuary for their generosity, 2902 Gallery for their kind advice and generosity, The Sukha House for their kind help and generosity, Expressprint and Printpal for their patience and generosity, Grant Periera 7 Grace Ang for their help, the team at Singapore Botanic Gardens for their kind help and professionalism, Yvonne and her team of filmmakers from Temasek Polytechnic for rushing down to share their filming experiences at the event and the graciousness of the faculty Director Moses to allow the flms to be screened, conservationist Roger Mann from Wildlife S.O.S. and Elephant Nature Foundation who willingly paid his own way to present at the event, and ungrudgingly duped to help set up the exhibition till the wee hours of the morning, plus, instead of being driven around, did the driving, and last but not least, for all those who made the event happen through your attendance and for those who lent their support through the purchase of items.

Over S$600 was raised that day, S$200 going to Wildlife S.O.S. and the rest to Elephant Nature Foundation. Photographs are still available for sale. Will soon put the pictures up. Feel free to contact me for more details.

Here's a summary of checklist against the welfare standards of an elephant tourism offering, in case you are planning for a visit:
1. Are the elephants free from open wounds or deformities from injuries?

2. Are commands given verbally and with nudges rather than by hitting the elephant with the bullhook?

3. Are the elephants resting under shade?

4. Is there ample food and clean water where the elephant is resting?

5. Is the elephant enclosure clean?

6. Is there ample slack in the chain enough for the elephant to move around?

7. Are the elephants allowed to forage during the trek?

8. Does the elephant look bigger than the weight it’s carrying?

9. Is there sufficient padding beneath the elephant seats (6-7 layers)?

10. Is a lightwieght material like bamboo used for the seats?

11. Are rubber hoses used to line the ropes that bind the seats to the elephants?

12. Is the elephant allowed to rest after a trek and how long are its working hours?

13. Does the elephant look well fed - no exposed ribs, exposed spinal column, sunken face and diameter of feet the same as legs.

14. Does the elephant look stressed - its trunk on the ground and rocking from side to side?

15. For lone calves, can the mahouts answer confidently the origin of the calf and where its mother is?

16. Are nursing mothers resting with their young calves or are the calves trailing, trying to keep up with their working mothers?

Here's some establishments that are not mere tourist traps but genuinely care for their elephants:
www.elephantnaturefoundation.org
www.blesele.com
www.bring-the-elephant-home.nl/en/
www.wildlifesos.org

Gone overseas

2008-11-08T21:41:00.002+08:00

The Elephant and the Tree was featured along with Eric Khoo's My Magic and other media content as made-in-Singapore content gone beyond the country's shores in a Strait's Times' report.

Asia's Big 5

2008-11-01T18:33:00.002+08:00

Jin Pyn spearheaded an article on Asia's Big 5 for Asian Geographic. Asia has her own flagship species but never branded as such. This is the first time Asia's natural heritage is given its due honor.

The final published article has been heavily edited, to Jin Pyn's knowledge and is not representational of her writing.

She is very honoured to have met many dedicated conservationists in her research, many of whom are Asians and pioneers in their field. Many apologies for not doing their work and contributions justice in the article.

Some short notes were also written for Asia's critically endangered:
http://www.asiangeo.com/news_poster.html

Launch in Japan today!

2008-10-03T00:40:00.001+08:00

The Elephant and the Tree will be launched in Japan today! The translation is done by a famous Japanese singer UA.

http://www.mediafactory.co.jp/zoutoki/

Her World & Cleo

2008-09-07T11:50:00.005+08:00

Full spread SKII ad in Her World and Cleo

Great way to reach out to readers who are otherwise not concerned about conservation issues.

Lee Jin Pyn. Author/ Conservationist
Jin Pyn has always loved nature. As a child, she saw beauty in wild and unpoiled places. When these places became rarer as she grew up, she realised something had to be done. At 14, she volunteered for her first environmental organisation. Today she is comitted to several in the region, and has even written a book on the impact of deforestation and animal rights. Called 'The Elephant and the Tree', its message, much like Jin Pyn, is earnest and heartfelt.

Committed to Pitera
With her writing and conservation work keeping her busy, Jin Pyn regularly keeps late nights, making her skin fatigued and dul.. She turned to SK-II after discoverng the main ingredients in its products were natural, and was surprised at how much difference it made to her skin.

"Within weeks, people asked me if I was using new make-up products. They were surprised when I told them I wasn't wearing make-up at all. My face glows and doesn't appear weary anymore, as if I just woke up in the morning!"
"I am Lee Jin Pyn, and I am committed to SK-II."

Fun with Asian Elephants 27 Sep

2008-08-30T15:31:00.000+08:00

Saturday 27 September
NSS Kids’ Fun with Asian Elephants @ Orchidville
What is the difference between Asian and African elephants? How do these friendly
giants play a role in man’s activities? Meet Jin Pyn, author of the award-winning
children’s book “The Elephant and The Tree” as she reads aloud this heart-warming
story. She will also screen a short movie and share with Kids fun facts about
jungle-dwelling Asian Elephants. Suitable for kids 4 – 12 years old. Email Gloria at
gloria_seow@yahoo.com with your kids’ names and ages, and your mobile number. Please
state if you are a NSS member or not. Cost: $5 per child (member) or $10 per child
(non-member). Parents can attend for free. Kindly sponsored by Nature’s Niche (the
bookstore formerly at the Singapore Botanical Gardens), this session will be held at
the charming Orchidville in Mandai (Nature’s Niche new home) from 3.30pm to 5.30pm.
More details will be sent to those who sign up.

Going to Japan!

2008-08-11T00:58:00.002+08:00

The Elephant and the Tree is going to Japan! Japanese translation rights have been bought by Media Factory Inc., one of the biggest media content providers in Japan.

Set to be launched in October 2008, The Elephant and the Tree will lead the way to a carbon offset print for the publishing industry in Japan!

SKII Inspirational Women

2008-08-11T00:36:00.002+08:00

Jin Pyn's named 1 of 6 inspirational women in Singapore and Malaysia by international beauty brand SKII.

SKII Commitment

2008-06-30T20:30:00.004+08:00

Jin Pyn's work and commitment to conservation has been validated in being chosen as 1 of the inspiring women to front SKII's new campaign.

This one in the Straits Times on 28 June kicks it off:

Asian Children's Writers and Illustrators Conference 2008

2008-06-08T19:23:00.005+08:00

Jin Pyn shared her experience on working with an agent and selling her rights internationally at 2008's Asian Children's Writers & Illustrators Festival.

The Elephant and the Tree: Write Stuff Frankfurt on FM93.8

2008-04-22T23:34:00.000+08:00

The Elephant and the Tree: Write Stuff Frankfurt on FM93.8

Feature in Simply Her magazine

2008-03-19T23:40:00.003+08:00

Read about Jin Pyn and her debut writing venture in April 2008's edition of Simply Her magazine.

It was the first time she had a stylist for clothes and wore sponsored attire for a photo shoot. Great fun!

The Elephant and the Tree, and Jin Pyn continues to catch media attention even after more than a year. Whoop dee do!

Asian GEOgraphic article

2008-02-26T19:42:00.003+08:00

Hi all

Jin Pyn has written an article on the irrawaddy dolphins of Southeast Asia for the 02/2008 issue of Asian GEOgraphic. Some sketches there by her too. It's out now in the stands.

These dolphins are ONLY found in Southeast Asia, and they number just less than 1000 in all. Divided by geography and dams, each population number only around 100. The ones in Songkhla Lake in Thailand, less than 20!

Some populations are wholly freshwater. In the whole world, there are only 3 species of freshwater dolphins. 2 are found in Asia, 1 in the Amazon.

How can we as Asians not rise to protect what is uniquely ours?

Making history

2008-01-30T19:12:00.000+08:00

As the landmark deal for Singapore, The Elephant and the Tree's representation by Sandra Dijsktra and sale to Running Press was in Singapore's Media Development Authority's news.

Text:

Promising Endings at Frankfurt Book Fair

More Singapore works look set to enjoy an international readership, following the sucess of Lee Jin Pyn's book. The Elephant and the Tree, which has been bought by Running Press, one of the largest independent trade publishers in the US.

Neil Johnson's The Falling Raindrop and Ka Lim's Emily the Duckling Says "Humph!" both attracted keen interest at Frankfurt from the well-known Sandra Dijsktra agency.

All these writers were among the first batch of talents uncovered under MDA's First-Time Writers and Illustrators Publishing Initiative.

Overall, there was much interest and many enquiries on publishing rights and the sourcing of children's content, which was the theme for Singapore at this year's fair.

ACRES Supporter

2008-01-19T13:59:00.000+08:00

Jin Pyn continues to support ACRES in Singapore.

Bazaar at Singapore Post Museum

2007-12-13T17:12:00.000+08:00

Hi all

Will be holding a stall at the 1st bazaar at the Singapore Post Museum on Rowell Road this Saturday from 12-8 pm.

All The Elephant and the Tree merchandise will be available there.

See you.

Stop Street Begging for Elephants

2007-12-08T15:06:00.000+08:00

Street begging for elephants is illegal in Thailand. This legal status has only pushed the trade underground, with mahouts and their elephants living along rubbish dumps or under expressways. Places where there is little water, and where the hungry elephants forage the dumps for food, if their tightly bound chains are long enough to extend to the dumps, that is.

Every night, the elephants are dragged long distances, often to night spots. These majestic beasts are reduced to being beggars. Often the alcohol induced clubbers make fun of the animals. One man was shoving a wooden stick into the elephant, and other blowing smoke into the elephant's trunk, and others force beer down the trunks. One even tried to burn the hair off the elephant's tails.

The city is a foreign place for the elephants. The bright lights hurt their eyes, the sensitive feet and ears get a sensory overload from the racket of the city. Constantly curious people touch and poke at the animals. Many of these are young elephants, snatched from their mothers, forced into training and a very strange world where they will suffer physical and mental re-precussions for the rest of their lives. Accidents involving the frightened animals are not uncommon.

Often these animals are rented out to the mahouts by rich elephant owners. The cycle of poverty extends its toll on the elephants.

Encourage the enforcement of the law. Let the authorities know that this practice is not tolerated. Tourism involving elephants can take into consideration of the animal's welfare and still be profitable.

Sign this petition:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/street-begging-elephants

Sponsorship of elephants

2007-12-08T14:59:00.000+08:00

It is Jin Pyn's wish to use part of the sales proceeds to rescue an abused elephant. But elephants don't come cheap. An untrained 4-year old can cost USD5000. A young elephant, even more pricey.

Before that amount can be accumulated, part of the earnings thus far have been used to sponsor rescued elephants residing in a very well run elephant sanctuary.

The Elephant and the Tree as a Full Animation on Kids Central channel

2007-12-05T13:10:00.000+08:00

The Elephant and the Tree is amongst a few selected children's tales from Singapore to be developed into animation shorts and picked to air on Singapore's Kids Central for the month of December, 2007.

93.8 live Talking Books

2007-11-10T15:36:00.001+08:00

18 Oct 2007

Deejay Michelle Martin featured The Elephant and the Tree as the Book of the Week in her segment Talking Books, and in a contest, gave out 2 copies to lucky listeners.

93.8 LIVE Passion People

2007-11-10T15:30:00.000+08:00

17 Oct

93.8 LIVE played a feature interview on Jin Pyn by Michelle Martin twice.

Jin Pyn and The Elephant and the Tree in Ubud Writers Festival

2007-11-01T01:20:00.000+08:00

Splendid time at Ubud Writers Festival where Jin Pyn conducted a children's workshop and gave her take, as part of an international panel, on Children's literature.

The Ubud Writers Festival is quoted by Conde Nast Travellers magazine as one of the top literary events in the world

Write Stuff Frankfurt on FM93.8

2007-11-01T01:15:00.000+08:00

Podcast:

http://www.rsi.sg/english/thewritestuff/view/20071011161840/1/.html

93.8 LIVE News 3 Oct 2007

2007-11-01T00:49:00.000+08:00

Even after a year The Elephant and the Tree continues to be newsworthy - testament of the title's enduring quality.

This is the transcript:

Authors of nine new local children's books will get help with publicity
when their works are showcased at next week's Frankfurt Book Fair.

They're part of the over 80 publications and 60 authors that will be
highlighted by the Media Development Authority and ten other
organisations at the fair.

Taking part for the fourth time, MDA's Industry Assistant CEO Seto Lok
Yin says the presence of local publishers at the fair is bearing fruit.

More international publishers, literary agents and distributors are
beginning to appreciate Singapore-themed books, comics and magazines.

One example is the interest shown by a US independent trade publisher in
a local 44-page children's book called The Elephant and the Tree.

The publisher - Running Press, has bought over the English Language
exclusive rights to the book featured at last year's Frankfurt book
fair.

Its 32-year-old author and illustrator Lee Jin Pyn says the book about
environmental protection is scheduled for a worldwide launch that'll
coincide with Earth Day in 2009.

I think it's fantastic, other authors will be able to tag on that. I
always love to go the children's section in the book stores. I think
children's books don't only appeal to children. I believe every adult
has a child in you and there must be at least one book that the adult
will remember and that story will bring a smile to the adult's face. So
the children's book genre speaks not only to children but adults. That's
how I started illustrating as well.

Sold! Landmark deal with Running Press

2007-10-03T23:40:00.001+08:00

The world English rights of The Elephant and the Tree has been sold to successful independent US publisher Running Press thanks to Kelly Sonnack of the high profile Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency, the same agency behind Joy Luck Club and Maxine Hong Kingston's works.

http://mrjam.typepad.com/

http://readatpeace.blogspot.com/

http://www.mda.gov.sg/wms.www/thenewsdesk.aspx?sid=832

The new edition will be out in 2009.

Now The Elephant and the Tree will travel the world!

Arts House Appearance

2007-09-04T01:02:00.000+08:00

Hello!

It's the holidays again!

Unwind with Jin Pyn, the Elephant, and the Tree at the Arts House at the Old Parliament House, this Saturday, 8 Sep, 2pm.

See you there!

Earth Day Festivities for The Elephant and the Tree

2007-04-19T03:50:00.000+08:00

Catch Jin Pyn telling the story of The Elephant and the Tree and watch her partly animated documentary based loosely on the book at the Botany Garden of Singapore Botanic Gardens, Sunday, 22 April 5 - 5.45 pm.

Don't mess with an elephant mummy! FM93.8

2007-04-19T03:40:00.000+08:00

Jin Pyn's harrowing escape from being gnawed and trampled to death by a protective elephant mother.

But because she's seen both sides of the animal, she respects it even more for what it truly is - a wild, magnificent and intelligent animal.

Hear her story on FM93.8
http://www.podcast.com.sg/rsi_english/
ttales/070416_ttales_elephant.mp3

iSh, The Elephant and the Tree and Hans Christian Anderson's classics

2007-04-19T03:33:00.002+08:00

iSh 8.1 p94-97

Special feature on Jin Pyn and The Elephant and the Tree. The Elephant and the Tree is compared to Hans Christian Anderson's classics. What an honour! Jin Pyn's philosophy is also associated with that behind the other famous classic - Winne the Pooh.

(Pardon the bad scans. The scanner is old and mouldy. Go get a copy of iSh!)

Text:

Congratulations on having your first title! No doubt the route must have been long and dusty. Tell us more about how the project started and the difficulties you met.

Thanks! I got wind of the opportunity from my cousin and a friend. The Elephant had been gestating in my mind for a while now, and so the birth of The Elephant and the Tree was quick in Cambodia, where I was staying at that time. Thank goodness for Cambodia’s hand-courier services! The manuscript would not have reached the National Book Development Council (NBDCS) in time otherwise! That was the easy part.

As this was my first publishing project, everything else was a case of swimming in murky waters. Guidebooks helped, but they were mostly for aspiring authors who want to pitch to publisher, and not about publishing. Good thing was, there were many helpful people, most of whom weren’t even my friends to begin with.

Aside from The Elephant And The Tree, Singapore Media Fusion 2005 also unearthed other children’s books. How else can the government or local institutions encourage the scene?

International publishers based here and local publishers can publish works from such schemes since the work would have already been validated. Suppliers can support the project through full or partial sponsorship. Big corporations can adopt a title/ artist by committing to buy the finished work, or a certain number of copies; better still, donate the purchases to needy children. They will also benefit from the publicity arranged for the scheme.

I must say that retailers have been largely supportive of local authors. Many give prime spots to local writers; and some, like Page One, actively promote local works.

Aside from funding, the government can help with publicity, which is extremely crucial for debut writers. On exporting the works, Media Development Authority was indispensable in exhibiting the Singapore children’s titles at the Frankfurt Book Fair. Hopefully they will do the same for the Bologna Children’s Book Fair! The non-profit National Book Development Council of Singapore has also done a tremendous job in initiating publishing schemes and publicising local authors, but perhaps more awards and website reviews in the literary scene can be set-up, such as those in the UK and USA, many of which are internationally recognised but are meant only for the respective countries’ own published titles and authors. Apart from helping to push local talent into international limelight, parents rely greatly on these reviews and awards in their selection of books for their children.

What differentiates you from other Singaporean writers and illustrators?

There isn’t much to compare. The Elephant and the Tree is a fable and a children’s picture book. A fable or a children’s picture book tends to be more universal in content, rather than being culturally specific. A great deal of content from local writers do however, centre on Singapore and their sense of identity as Singaporean.

What was the most important lesson you walked away with from your English Literature classes in National University of Singapore? How did you apply it to your writing?

That I can manage not to read my books and still get away with it? Couldn’t apply that to my writing though. Jokes aside ¬- rhythm, syntax, alliteration, imagery, and symbolism. Although a children’s picture book is written in prose, it is, in many ways, like poetry. By its nature, the story has to be succinct, carry rhythm when read out loud, and retain sensitivity in its syntax. For a good children’s picture book, that syntax also interacts with the illustrations. This means a greater thought process, more creativity and discipline! To say more by saying less is more difficult!

Tell us more about the natural history filmmaking course you were selected for. How was the selection carried out? How long was the stint? What did the stint comprise?

The course was part of Animal Planet’s original series and biggest production Unearthed, which will be aired in April 2007. Applicants had to send a short self-introduction reel. The reels were used to judge our creativity and groundings in natural history filmmaking. As this was a course, the most important criterion was passion for the subject. I have been volunteering for various animal welfare and environmental groups, such as ACRES, and WildAid Asia, even chairing one in the university.

Only six were selected from the international applications. We spent a month at the Shamwari Private Game Reserve in South Africa. It was one of the most well-run and ethical game reserves I have visited. We were taught how to put together a natural history documentary, such as budgeting, researching, pitching and camerawork. Everyday we filmed one type of animal: elephants, lions, cheetahs; and we had only a day to cut a short film for each one. It was quite a challenge! The lack of control over the natural elements and the animals’ behaviour didn’t help! We weren’t briefed in advance, so each colourful sunrise, complete with the symphony of birds, brought a new surprise.

Each of us produced, scripted, directed, filmed and edited a short documentary in a few days. The films were judged and the winning film will be shown on Animal Planet.

Pooh Bear, in Benjamin Hoff’s The Tao of Pooh, said, “If people were Superior to Animals, they’d take better care of the world.” What is your take on this?

On a philosophical level, Pooh and Benjamin did not find people to be superior, because the mind of the human separated “him from the world of reality, the world of natural laws,” and was hence “inefficient.” Even Maria Montessori describes the modern man as having “readily given up our own freedom and ended up loving our prison and passing it on to our children”. I cannot agree more. The result: the alienation of man. From an ecological standpoint, man’s claim of superiority has lead to many disasters. There are numerous examples of man interfering with nature, to the extent of wiping out entire species.

However, I am not a romanticist. I believe that we have come to a point where good management practices must be in place for humans and animals to co-exist on a mutually beneficial level.

Your writing and drawing style reveals a child-like side to you. Do you think you have a Peter Pan syndrome? (ie. You don’t wish to grow up)

Let’s see … I still love cartoons. Houses and cars have faces to me – some happy, others sad, some fat, others flat. Lollies and chocolate cakes make my day; my mug has a happy face and wears a hat, children’s books are my favourites, children’s and child-like line drawings make me smile, I like Tokidoki’s creations, and I find immense joy interacting with children. A child always finds joy in the smallest, simplest of things. That is what I wish to hold on to dearly.

“If the tree falls in the forest and no one saw it, did the tree fall?” Do you think that artists are like Tinkerbell who can only survive when recognised?

The very nature of art requires a certain level of creation – which, in essence is quite the opposite of sculpturing oneself for recognition. However, it does depend on the era one is in. In the classical and neo-classical ages, an artist would most likely have a patron. The social segregations were so entrenched that an artist could not be an artist without that recognition and patronage. Art was for the elite. You either have the money to be schooled in it or pay someone to produce it. Period. Now, everyone can indulge in artistic pursuits because the definition of art is much broader.

We hear that you spend many hours with elephants. Pray tell what you have been doing with them.

They allow me to satisfy my voyeuristic yearnings … I just watch them. They make me laugh, just by being themselves.

Did you know that even adult elephants lie on their sides to sleep – and they snore? This only happens when they feel safe. One of these safe havens is Elephant Nature Park in Chiangmai. I have been to many elephant centres. Sadly for many, their claim of elephant welfare is an empty shell – one that is filling up with money, not genuine love. In Elephant Nature Park, like other volunteers, I cleared elephants’ dung too. Elephants are very clean animals and would rather not eat around their poo.

The Elephant And The Tree has been classified as a children’s book. So is Hans Andersen’s Little Mermaid. Both books definitely look very different. How do the illustration styles and themes reflect the concern of each age?

Your choice for comparison is interesting, for I dare say that the two have similarities! Unlike most fairytales where the lead character’s bad fortune is simply reversed at the end, not all Han Christian Anderson’s stories end happily. Instead, some of his characters die with unfulfilled wishes of love and wealth. But this is often only a physical death. What survives is far greater – virtue and integrity. The Elephant and the Tree’s wasn’t an overriding happy ending either.

As a children’s illustrated storybook, The Little Mermaid’s imagery was drawn from words, rather than through illustrations. The Elephant and the Tree, as a children’s picture book, has its imagery played out by illustrations and their interaction with words. I am not sure what Hans Christian Anderson will think of the minimalist style that many have used to describe The Elephant and the Tree. I do know that he will agree to line and chalk drawings. The original illustrations for The Little Mermaid, which he commissioned, were pencil line drawings.

Yes, times have changed, but a rare few things have not.

Drawing and writing are sometimes regarded as sacred territories in their own right. Between the letter and the line, which is your preference?

I do not see the two as oppositional. A drawing is “a line taking a walk” (Paul Klee), and in that walk, the line can play with the letters.

For a tiny dot of a country, Singapore has been seeing the emergence of many writers/artists. What do you think of your peers?

We do have a lot of talented people, although most have to place their real talents aside to earn a livelihood. However I believe in art for a purpose and direction, rather than the mere “I like it, so I do it.” That stance is too egocentric for me. As thinking people we can do much more than just satisfy our own vanity and need for validation.

Who is your favourite local writer?

If playwrights count, then Kuo Pao Kun. If filmmakers count too, then Eric Khoo. If still images count too, then Norman Ng. He has documented the strength of humanity in many humanitarian and natural disasters. All three have so much to say in the works they create. But my most whimsical favourite local creative is not a published writer. Shaun is an artist and designer who has written a short story for film and created an entire clan on his Gardensilly website. His simple line drawings are kid-like and very witty, which always make me smile and laugh.

The Elephant and the Tree

2007-04-06T23:54:00.001+08:00

Life isn’t all about ourselves, is it?

That is the premise that got Jin Pyn started on her first book The Elephant and the Tree.

Knowing full well the message she wanted to bring forth, her pen couldn’t stop. (Well, not that there was a lot to write for a children’s picture book, but hey, less is more!)

Set uniquely in black, and orchestrated with a tuneful rhythm, THE ELEPHANT AND THE TREE is about an endearing friendship between an Asian elephant and a tree, with a dose of reality and a strong conservation theme.

The unique illustrations and powerful writing touched the panel of judges who selected the manuscript for the Media Development Authority and the National Book Development Council of Singapore to groom as representational of National talent under the First Time Writers and Illustrators Publishing Initiative.

By the same token Jin Pyn was also selected out of 34,000 applicants worldwide for yet another development course, this time as a natural history filmmaker in a flagship Animal Planet production.

Till this day she staunchly believes that she has her focused altruistic intentions to thank for her good fortune, and that good fortune is bestowed for a reason – so she may be a tool through which this good will is channeled, and be a voice for the voiceless. (The publishers think that it is her creative talents and hard work.)

For this reason she has spearheaded a charitable cause for the book. Part of the proceeds from the sale of this book will be channeled into an elephant welfare fund.

This way the returns will be double, for ourselves.

For more information, visit www.elephantandtree.com

The Elephants and the Trees

2007-04-06T23:49:00.002+08:00

A partially animated video Jin Pyn made based loosely on the book The Elephant and the Tree, for the kiddies to learn more about elephants and their relationship with trees.

Contains facts that even adults are unaware of!

Was broadcast on Asia's news tv - Channel News Asia, and also screened in Wildlife Asia. Read more about Wildlife Asia from other posting.

Most of the elephant footage shown is from this amazing place up in Chiangmai - Elephant Nature Park. The elephants were all rescued from abusive owners or they were orphans. They do not give rides and the brutal bull hooks are not allowed. Because they roam free, they are so much wilder - that I'm even a tad scared to go near them! And catch them sleeping on their sides and snoring away at night because they feel so secure!

Heaven

2007-04-06T23:49:00.001+08:00

September 2003

We gazed into each other’s eyes but she does not see me. I watch as her eye tear. She feels.

Suddenly, as if answering a telepathic call for support, the matriarch and baby move in. They huddle together defensively, protecting their dear family member from the stranger, me.

After all, this is the first time I have met Joqia, the blind elephant. After all, it was her old mahout, my fellow human kind who had caused her to be blind. He had repeatedly shot into her eyes with a slingshot! With heavy chains tying her to the spot, she could not run or defend herself.

Thankfully though, those torturous days are over. Joqia is now in her little patch of heaven. She is in Elephant Nature Park.

Nestled in the green hills of Chiangmai, Elephant Nature Park is a sanctuary for abused and orphaned elephants. A tiny Thai lady with an enormous will (and may I add, a very stubborn streak too) - Kun Lek a.k.a. Lek (which incidentally means “little” in Thai), buys over these elephants so they will not have to work anymore. Finally free, the elephants nurse their emotional and mental scars in the comforting company of fellow comrades.

The babies - Hope and Jungle Boy were hilarious. Short, stout and chubby, their clumsy trot never fail to bring on a laugh. Their bums would jiggle and small trunks dangle uncontrollably. Always full of mischief, they pushed each other back into the water, creating a jam at the exit from the river.

Jungle Boy and Hope weren’t always in such good form though. They had come in as orphans.

Elephants this young are very dependent on their mothers and family members. Not till they are 10 or in their teens do they venture out of sight of their family (typically for males). In the 1st 3 to 5 years they are wholly dependent on their mothers, both physically and emotionally. The babies are showered with unconditional love and care round the clock, 24 hours a day. The infants will not survive otherwise. Some die purely of heartache. Denied of the love of its family, it loses the will to survive.

Many baby elephants born into captivity suffer such heartache, and much more. Nursing mothers can hardly provide adequate amounts of milk, not having the chance to feed or nurse their babies whilst at work. At the tender age of 4, the baby elephant is forcibly separated from their mother for the 1st time. But this is just the beginning of the horror.

The young elephant, in its stressed and confused state, is then chained and shut in a wooden cage too small for it to even turn, and deprived of food and water.

In a most hair-raising display of sadistic cruelty, it is constantly beaten with poles, thrown with stones and jabbed with nails (so that the wound inflicted penetrates the thick hide and it bleeds). This torture carries on for days, even up to a week, until it gives up the fight and submits to the bidding of its tormentor. More often than not, the helpless elephant is by then, so weak it can barely walk. Many of the wounds inflicted are not treated.

I wept as I watched a human being battered again and again, with each blow the weapon ripping the flesh off bit by bit. I shuddered as men, in their own gratification of power over a helpless man, continue to thrash him with sticks and stones. I had to shut my eyes the moment they hammered the sharp rusty nail through the skin and flesh of his hand into the cross that he bore.

This was the film “Passion of Christ”. The graphic re-enactment of the torture Jesus bore made many who watched it react the same way as I did. The tortures laid upon Iraqi inmates, brought upon by the corruption of the absolute power the US soldiers had over their charge also drew a big outcry internationally.

Is it one of the big mysteries or ironies of life when the same violation to different species – one human and the other elephant draws different reactions?

Many domestic Asian elephants go through the same spine chilling torture.

Not in Lek’s Elephant Nature Park. She advocates the taming of elephants through love and coaxes. The traditional tool mahouts use to make their elephants do their bidding - the hooked nail jabbed into the area behind the ears (where it is most sensitive) is forbidden here. A gentle nudge of the knee and a lot of verbal commands replace it.

As I drifted into peaceful of sleeps that night, I was aware that the melody of the crickets in the forest was punctured occasionally by the trumpeting of elephants. It was Joqia and her family talking to each other. They were telling each other their whereabouts as they once again roam free.

The image of Carl, a tiny human, walking alongside his gigantic friend, Max floated back into my head. Man and Beast. Neither was master of the other. In their calm, steady strides, both were silent. But there was not a need for words. And it was possible.

It is an image I will never forget.

About Me

2007-04-03T17:47:00.000+08:00

The application video that got Jin Pyn selected for Animal Planet's Unearthed, out of thousands.

--------

Gee thanks for your comment, Biby!

The glacier footage was from Greenland. There'll definitely be less ice there now. Africa was the first place I went to on my own for holiday. There was a night out in the national parks that we had a visitor whilst we were in our tents - hyena. Ran out, onto the vehicle where I could see the animal. I'm fortunate to have been selected by Animal Planet to re-visit the African wilderness, this time even better! More up-close-and-personal with all the animals, 3 weeks right in the middle of the wilderness where the animals came up to visit, in the most ethically run private game resort I've come across, and all to do nothing (while, not quite nothing), but to watch and capture all that animal behaviour and that breathtaking beauty on film! The African sunrise and sunset always so mesmerising - the splashes of colour are always different, and I've never seen SO much animal action in my life!

Jin Pyn on Animal Planet

2007-03-30T00:49:00.000+08:00

Jin Pyn's in the news again!

This time for being one of six selected from thousands of worldwide applicants for Animal Planet's original 4-part series Unearthed.

Unearthed will be broadcast worldwide in 160 countries for a consecutive 4 weeks so Jin Pyn will be a familiar face worldwide by then!

The debut times for Unearthed are as follow:

Singapore & Hongkong: 4 April 9pm
Bangkok: 4 April 8pm
India: 8 April, 8pm
Australia & NZ: 4 April, 8.30pm.
UK: 8 April, 7 pm
Brazil: 12 April, 9pm
Mexico: 12 April, 10pm

For timings in other countries, please select the country or region's website to check. Selection's available on the bottom right corner of the webpage http://www.animalplanet.co.uk/unearthed/contestants/index.shtml

WATCH JIN PYN'S FINAL FILM! GO TO
HTTP://WWW.ANIMALPLANET.CO.UK/UNEARTHED/CONTESTANTS/
INDEX.SHTML.

Sky, UK

Berita Harian, Malaysia

Excelsior, Mexico

TODAY. Singapore

Sunday Times, Australia

LIVE RTHK, flagship Hongkong English radio station interview:
http://www.rthk.org.hk/rthk/radio3/morning_brew/20070411.html

To listen:
- click the clip and listen by Windows Media Player
- click the 4th timer 54:58 at the top right hand corner, pull the timer to 12:17

The Elephants and the Trees in Wildlife Asia

2007-03-30T00:33:00.000+08:00

The Elephants and the Trees was screened in the festival screenings, and in the public film screenings of Wildlife Asia - Asia's premier wildlife and environmental film festival, with the support of renowned conservationists such as Sir David Attenborough and Dr. Jane Goodall, and the attendance of major broadcasters such as Animal Planet, NHK, National Geographic, CCTV, BBC, amongst others, as well as conservation organisations such as ACRES, WWF and WCS.

Jin Pyn herself was involved in the festival and hence did not submit the film for the awards. For the same reason she failed to take pictures of herself speaking to the audience after the screening. So no extra pictures to post - sorry!

The Elephant and the Tree on the radio

2007-02-05T22:03:00.000+08:00

Interview on FM93.8, Dec 18, 2006

To hear, go to
http://www.podcast.sg/rsi_english/thewritestuff/
thewritestuff_artscamp.mp3

This written version is taken from
http://www.rsi.sg/english/thewritestuff/view/
20061218181244/1/.html

Very Special Authors...

December 18, 2006

Once upon a time in a land not so far away, there lived some very special children who were invited to an extraordinary event but they did not know what to wear or what to say.

So what did they do? Find out in the Write Stuff with me, Loretta Foo.

The Media Development Authority of Singapore honoured a group of talented first-time children’s authors by turning their dreams books into reality.
In turn, five of them came up with an unusual way to present their stories to children with special needs-by incorporating their stories into a drama.

Lee Jin Pyn is the author and illustrator of “The Elephant and the Tree” and she tells us more about the writers’ collaboration with Very Special Arts.

JP: Very Special Arts is a non-profit organization that uses arts to reach out to children and adults with special needs. Art is a platform for them to express themselves as well to help integrate into certain normalities in terms of activities.

Why use story-books to reach out to these special children?

JP: Children’s stories are always a part of children’s lives. Fairy tales and all, I think we all grew up with them, even special children as well and I think special children are even more innocent in some sense of the word because to them, a lot of social constraints are not registered so they are very much themselves, as child-like as they are. So using fairytales would be very appropriate because it really transports us.

How did you bring the stories across to them?

JP: We had story-telling sessions. Besides just reading the stories or just story-telling, the stories came alive through various other art activities like painting, drawing and the children also dramatized three of the plays; all three from the books themselves. One was “The Boy with the Crumpled Tees”, the other was “Emily The Duckling says Humph!” and “The Elephant and the Tree” was the third. The stories became alive to them which encourages them to read more and is a good activity for any kid, special or not.

How do you as an author feel about the camp and seeing your book being dramatized?

JP: I used to volunteer for Very Special Arts camp so I know the benefits of the camp for the children but I think that we as the authors who went there for story-telling enjoyed ourselves a lot more. I think we were the ones who benefited from it, seeing our stories dramatized. The kids were really, really adorable and we totally enjoyed ourselves and it was lovely to see our stories come alive and that there is another way in which the stories can be told besides just on print.

Wong Gek Noi is the mother of a special needs child who attended the three day Very Special Arts Camp and she tells us how her daughter responded to the story-telling sessions and the dramatization of the stories.

GN: She thoroughly enjoyed the sessions and she would come home being very happy and excited to attend the next day’s events. She got a chance to do what she liked to do which is to create things that are not handicrafts and to do things the way she wants to. If you put her with mainstream children, normally I find that it’s more rigid, they will probably ask her to draw on the board and ask them to please complete it.

Can you tell me one of your most special memories in the camp?

GN: They were told the story of the elephant and the tree and she was given a choice which role she wanted to act in so she chose the role of the cat and then she was told to make her own costumes so she decided that she would draw two ears and she even brought a hairband from home and she glued the two ears to the hairband and put it on her head. I thought it was very cute! And then she decided that she would draw some whiskers and glued it to her cheeks. It’s wonderful that she had the chance to make her own costume.

That was Gek Noi, mother of one of the camp’s participants.

All the children’s books used in the camp are available in bookshops here.
So how does the fairy-tale end? Happily ever after of course, when these special children discovered that they could dance and sing to their hearts’ content with their fairy god-writers watching over them.
I’m Loretta Foo ending off the Write Stuff this week for Radio Singapore International.

AsiaOne Review

2007-02-04T22:52:00.000+08:00

The Elephant and the Tree was featured in AsiaOne website.

http://wineanddine.asiaone.com.sg/unwind/books/200610book10.html

Kinokuniya magic

2007-02-03T23:36:00.000+08:00

Kinokuniya 3 Feb 4 pm

The story was told

to an attentive crowd,

who also responded with much glee.

The documentary was screened.

And the crowd met Elly and Tickle Me Jingles.

Lucky winners took home prizes, including The Elephant and the Tree sling bag!

Yes! To saving the elephants!

Popular in Causeway Point

2007-02-03T23:24:00.000+08:00

Popular Causeway Point 21 Jan, 4pm

The tale was told and the children learnt a lot of facts about the elephants that they did not know.

Some interesting answers, a little amazement, and loads of laughter.

Thoughts from The Elephant and the Tree at ROJAK

2007-02-03T03:31:00.000+08:00

How The Elephant and the Tree was born, and more ...

When?
10th February 2007, Saturday night 8pm

Where?
ROJAK 07 - where artists, creators, designers share the making of their works.
Penthouse One, 37th Floor
Pearlbank Apartments
Singapore 169019
Hosted by Ed Poole.

http://www.farm.sg/index.php/rojak/

Singapore Seventeen

2007-01-31T04:42:00.000+08:00

The Elephant and the Tree was featured with Hoobastank on the same page in Singapore Seventeen magazine. A testament of its appeal even to hip teenagers.

The Elephant And The Tree by Jin Pyn, Epigram and Ele Books ($18.90)

A unique interpretation of the consequences caused by deforestation, The Elephant and The Tree is presented in the form of few words and interesting illustrations. Produced by local author, Jin Pyn, the book serves its purpose well in an attempt to spread the message of saving the forests and the animals that rely on them. Though intended for readers aged four and above, The Elephant and The Tree is a heartwarming tale that adults can definitely appreciate. 5% of book sales will be channelled to elephant welfare projects. For more information, log on to www.elephantandtree.com

Young Parents

2007-01-31T04:40:00.000+08:00

The Elephant and the Tree was Young Parent magazine's pick of January for young parents to buy for their children.

Good Buys for a Good Cause

2007-01-31T03:30:00.000+08:00

Eletree merchandise for sale. Like the book The Elephant and the Tree that they are based on, 5% of sales proceeds go to elephant welfare funds.

A handmade miniature replica of The Elephant and the Tree, but with clear pages for little boys and girls to fill up with their own stories. 48 pages, on recycled paper. No trees were harmed in the process of producing these notebooks. Very limited pieces. A collector's item. Available in green, purple and a bundle of both colours.

Once upon a time, 2 eletree cloth bags were born after The Elephant and the Tree picture book. In 2 sizes - one for the little people, and the other for the big people, they accompanied the little and not-so-little people wherever they went, and had loads of fun together! Comes with sewn in inner pockets - one for mobile phones, and the other for keys, wallets and other fancies.

The extremely popular limted edition body hugging turtleneck tees for the ladies. Made with 93% cotton and 7% cotton, it is breezy to wear yet fits the curves to a t(ee)! Comes in various sizes of S, M and L and in 5 delicious colours - black, brown, white, turquoise and baby pink.

Available at http://sg.auctions.yahoo.com/booth/elephantandtree

Simply Her magazine

2007-01-19T18:14:00.000+08:00

The Elephant and the Tree's in the press again!

SIMPLY HER, January, pg 122, family - kids corner

ENLIGHTEN YOUR CHILDREN ...
on the plight of the elephants and deforestation caused by tourism through this heartwarming tale about a relationship between and elephant and a tree. Written by local writer Jin Pyn, The Elephant and the Tree has been selected by both the Media Development Authority and the National Book Development Council as a showcase of national talent. $18.90 from all major bookstores (5 per cent of proceeds will fund elephant welfare projects).

On stage in United Square on 20th Jan

2007-01-19T00:19:00.000+08:00

Singapore's Child magazine

2007-01-18T22:23:00.000+08:00

Singapore's Child, Jan 2007, pg 23

The Elephant And The Tree

The elephant and the tree are the best of friends, who spend many happy times together as they grow up. Unfortunately, one fateful day, they are united as well in being victims of human exploitation - tourism and deforestation.

Set uniquely in black and orchestrated in a tuneful rhythm, this book is about the endearing friendship between and elephant and a tree.

It is hard to miss out too on the message of conservation; of the natural interdependence of all living things; and perhaps of what humans can do to safeguard and avoid disrupting this flow of nature.

The writer is one of six chosen out of 34,000 applicants worldwide to learn natural history filmmaking in an original Animal Planet series. Her passion and compassion for animals certainly justifies the Animal Planet's selection, and are unmistakably the motivation for writing this book.

MOTHERHOOD magazine

2007-01-13T23:38:00.000+08:00

The Elephant And The Tree
Written and illustrated by Jin Pyn

A graduate in English literature, Jin Pyn, is not new to the wondrous world of writing. Her picture book, the elephant and the tree, doesn't fail to catch the reader's attention with cute illustrations and rhymes.

Page One Wonder

2007-01-04T16:46:00.000+08:00

The eletree trio found the new Page One at VivoCity to be the most wondorous place to tell their story.

Huge speakers were set up, and the trio were given plenty of space for the activity and to display the book and freebie.

With the support of Wildlife Asia, the trio screened their story on slides and also in a documentary.

As always, the eletree trio gave out gifts and prizes.

The most important thing was, that the small, and big kids all had fun with the elephant, tree and human from The Elephant and the Tree.

ELE HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2006-12-30T10:13:00.000+08:00

The Eletree trio would like to wish all an ELE HAPPY NEW YEAR!

ELE Hugs!

Tampines Library Story Time

2006-12-29T17:15:00.000+08:00

The children from Tampines got acquainted with The Elephant and the Tree, and Jin Pyn one Tuesday afternoon and evening on Dec 12 in Tampines LIbrary, and Community Library, all thanks to the children's librarian, Krist Chan.

They had a good time watching the short documentary by Jin Pyn, based loosely on the book.

Borders Fun

2006-12-29T16:47:00.000+08:00

The eletree trio strikes again! This time storytelling in Borders, on a crowded Sunday afternoon on December 16, in the midst of the Christmas shopping frenzy.

As always, Jin Pyn, the author and illustrator of The Elephant and the Tree, enjoyed interacting with the children, and the children, receiving their freebies.

Kids Company magazine

2006-12-29T16:09:00.000+08:00

The Elephant and the Tree is great company for kids too, as featured in the January issue of KIDS COMPANY magazine.

KIDS COMPANY, January 2007

MADE IN SINGAPORE, SAVING THE WORLD
The tree and the elephant were best of friends, until man came along. Set in black, this simple message tells us about the sad effects of deforestation. Good for ages 5 and up. Five per cent of the proceeds from the sale of this book funds elephant welfare projects.

Featured in Lifestyle - the most widely circulated magazine in Singapore

2006-12-29T15:25:00.000+08:00

Lifestyle's review was again a testament to the timeless quality of The Elephant and the Tree.

LIFESTYLE read

Lime-green crayon sketches on matt black pages. Minimal writing but what a strong message in a few words. Jin Pyn has done a wonderful job of drawing attention to the plight of elephants (and all wildlife), to nature abused by selfish, callous humans. My heart breaks for elephants, orang utans, tigers and all life on earth (including trees) we have destroyed. Although designed as a child’s book, this is for all who care. I’m keeping it because it’s such a simply beautiful book.

For the STYLE-ish adults

2006-12-29T15:16:00.000+08:00

Very rarely can a children's tale bring adults back to the fairytale world of the lost wonder years. The Elephant and the Tree has done just that. Discerningly stylish adults have taken to The Elephant and the Tree. Although designed as a children's book, it has made it to STYLE magazine's January 2007's checklist!

STYLE CHECKLIST

AN ELEPHANT”S TALE
Relive childhood bliss with the whimsical The Elephant and the Tree, written and illustrated by Jin Pyn. The charming story of an elephant’s love for its tree friend, accompanied by deceptively sophisticated graphic design will have you smiling and feeling about five again. Five per cent of sales proceeds go to funding elephant welfare projects.

And again in the Chinese news

2006-12-29T15:09:00.000+08:00

The Elephant and the Tree, and Jin Pyn had a pleasant interview with the reporter of the most widely read Chinese papers in Singapore, subsequently published in a full page article - so big Jin Pyn had difficulty scanning it.

In Malaysian news too

2006-12-29T15:03:00.000+08:00

The Elephant and the Tree made it to Malaysian papers too, The Sunday Star, to be specific, on Dec 3, 2006. Seems that wherever the book has been travelled, it has received good reviews!

… I like the illustrations for Samsui Girl by Lee-Ling Ho and The Elephant and the Tree by Jin Pyn.

Crossing over to Mandarin Channel 8 News

2006-12-09T23:48:00.000+08:00

Dec 7 - The Elephant and the Tree was selected for feature in the mandarin television channel, Channel 8's news coverage of the official opening of Page One at VivoCity and the announcement of the inclusion of a new graphic novel category for MDA and NDBCS's First Time Writers and Illustrators Publishing Initiative.

A Very Special Arts Event

2006-12-09T23:38:00.000+08:00

It was a very special afternoon that some authors from the First-Time Writers and Illustrators Publishing Initiative shared with the kids from the Very Special Arts camp.

Both the authors and the children thoroughly enjoyed the storytelling session. bp2.blogger.com/_tmxqsl18s74/RZS300Tx0XI/AAAAAAAAABY/ubqtGBGJM9I/s200/VSA-storytelling-crowd-face-camera.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5013834403192885618" />

They performed a drama based on the book. In the play, we met the other elephants and trees, as well as other animals in the forest.

A fairytale come true.

subTEXT success

2006-12-09T23:33:00.000+08:00

The subTEXT session on Dec 7 in the National Library was publicised by The Straits Times.

30% of the crowd, most of whom are in the literary arts scene of Singapore, bought a copy of The Elephant and the Tree as they liked the illustrations.

"A rare classic ..." The Straits Times, Dec 3

2006-12-09T23:19:00.000+08:00

Kristina Tom of The Straits Times, the most widely read and circulated English language paper in Singapore, likened Jin Pyn's The Elephant and the Tree to Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar - "a rare classic ... where wit and playfulness and heartache leap from the brilliantly illustrated pages all at once."

Jin Pyn is also said to have "an alarming instinct for the very nub of what makes a great fairytale - magic, laughter and very real evil."

"CHILDREN'S picture books do not hold the same magic for me anymore. Of course there is the rare classic like Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar, where wit and playfulness and heartache leap from the brilliantly illustrated pages all at once."

I am happy to say that Singapore has a new rare classic of its own with Jin Pyn's debut.

The slim black book has a minimalist look reminiscent of neon yellow chalk on a blackboard. The doodles - a tree is simply a vertical line topped by a hasty squiggle - seem simple, but they are infuse with a warmth and kooky sense of humor."

It is also a simple story: Elephant befriends tree, tree befriends elephant and the two share everything. The elephant wanders far and bring back stories for his rooted friend, while the tree grows tall enough to report the happenings of a nearby village.

But the tale takes a dark turn. A hunter captures the elephant, who stands by his friend in an attempt to prevent his friend from getting the axe.

When the elephant comes to, the tree has been made into a wooden seat on his back, and the two continue as brothers in bondage, as the elephant, presumably, is used for tourist rides.

"So it was the two friends stayed together in company; one chained and one bound, recounting the happy memories."

This is of course, little consolation for the chilling account of freedom and innocence lost - a subtext that is not lost on young children.

Do not be surprised if you are affected by this book as much as your kids are. Jin Pyn has an alarming instinct for the very nub of what makes a great fairytale - magic, laughter, and very real evil." - Kristina Tom

It's so cute!

2006-11-17T23:29:00.000+08:00

"It's so cute!" was the most common reaction to The Elephant and the Tree at the CLEAN AND GREEN WEEK SCHOOLS CARNIVAL.

Many children who visited the booth left with a new knowledge about the relationship between elephants and trees, as well as the plight of some elephants in captivity.

Many simply stood watching the naturally funny animals on the documentary again and again.

Most were also a card richer - a calendar card that is.

The elephant and the tree found the children cute too.

Book may be used for schools - Ministry of Education

2006-11-17T19:04:00.000+08:00

Taken from The Straits Times, Friday, November 17 2006:

"Dr Elizabeth Pang, an MOE spokesman, said the ministry will review the 14 new books (from the First Time Writers & Illustrators Publishing Initiative), include them in a book list for teachers and consider making them permanent fixtures on classroom shelves."

TODAY's feature

2006-11-17T18:56:00.000+08:00

TODAY, Friday, November 17 2006

THIS LITERARY GREENHORN HAS A GREEN MESSAGE TO SPREAD
by Ashraf Safdar

THERE are resounding symmetries between children and animals.

So it makes sense that first-time novelist Lee Jin Pyn, 31, has brought the two together - in a children's book about animals.

"We have so many social norms to live by; kids and animals don't have that," said Lee, who was given an $8,000 grant by the Media Development Authority to write The Elephant and the Tree.

"When it rains, adults complain. But kids jump into the rain and play."

That's what really connects children and animals, said lee. Both are spontaneous and are naturally curious. And her book is made in a way which will engage this curiosity.

The book, which is printed on black paper, uses green ink to tell the story of a friendship between an elephant and a tree.

The green, symbolically, represents ideas of deforestation, birth and renewal.

The images, meanwhile, are drawn simply - a stream is depicted with a few wavy strokes - because, as Lee believes, "a child will see a line as something else".

The Elephant and the Tree is available from all major bookstores for $18.90. Five per cent of the proceeds will be donated to elephant welfare organisations and Lee hopes that her work will, in no small part, "give a voice to the voiceless".

This, however, is not the first time this former Singapore Airlines flight attendant put her neck out for these "voiceless" animals.

Earlier this year, she and siz other participants were selected from 34,000 people worldwide to take part in Unearthed, a reality TV series during which she learnt howw to film natural history at South Africa's Shamwari Game Reserve.

Unearthed is scheduled to be aired on the Animal Planet in April next year.

Lee said she has always wanted to put the spotlight on the lives of animals through the media - which she certainly has now, on print and on screen.

Minister of State of Education reviews book at OFFICIAL LAUNCH

2006-11-17T18:33:00.000+08:00

The official launch was all over the news on all channels and all in the major English and Chinese papers.

News Release taken from National Book Development Council's website: www.bookcouncil.sg

FIRST TIME WRITERS & ILLUSTRATORS PUBLISHING INITIATIVE UNCOVERS FRESH TALENTS FOR PUBLISHING INDUSTRY.
14 BOOKS LAUNCHED IN THE CHILDREN'S BOOK GENRE

Singapore, 16 November 2006 – Fourteen children’s books by writers and illustrators nurtured under the inaugural First Time Writers & Illustrators Publishing Initiative were officially launched this morning at the Opening Ceremony of the Asian Children’s Writers & Illustrator’s Conference. Minister of State for Education, RADM (NS) Lui Tuck Yew was the Guest of Honour at the event.

Organised by the National Book Development Council of Singapore (NBDCS) and the Media Development Authority (MDA), the First-Time Writers & Illustrators Publishing Initiative aims to nurture aspiring local writers and illustrators and is among a slate of initiatives by MDA to develop fresh talents in the local publishing industry. The publishing industry is a key sector contributing *$836 million to GDP and employing more than 6,000 people in 2004.”

From a pool of 200, 14 applicants were short-listed by a panel of judges comprising representatives from MDA, NBDCS and industry practitioners. The selected applicants attended workshops, seminars and Manuscript Assessment sessions to help them refine their works and marketing plans.

Since then, they have each produced charming tales to add to the growing pool of Singapore children’s literature. From errant ducklings to samsui women, these stories not only depict the abundant culture of the East and West present in Singapore but also contribute to the expanding pool of Singapore children’s literature.

Minister of State for Education, RADM (NS) Lui Tuck Yew, who officiated the launch said, “I applaud MDA and NBDCS for this First Writers & Illustrators Publishing Initiative to nurture local talents. It provides a good platform for aspiring talents to write and illustrate high quality standard children’s literature. I am delighted and moved by the stories and captivating illustrations in these books. The vibrant colours of some, the simplicity of others and the artistry in all would touch the child in each of us. I look forward to the next wave of creative talent from the Initiative.”
* These figures exclude the printing sector.

Executive Director of the NBDCS, Mr. R. Ramachandran appreciates the dedication and commitment of the writers and illustrators to their craft. He said, “The Initiative serves as a launch pad for them to embark on their respective careers in the literary arts while contributing to Singapore’s growing pool of creative writers.”

Commenting on the move to further grow the publishing sector, Mr Seto Lok Yin, MDA's Director of Industry Development said, "The main idea behind this Initiative is to encourage more of our budding writers to create wonderful children stories, have them published and enjoyed by readers not only in Singapore but all over the world. We brought the first batch of 14 books last month to the Frankfurt Book Fair, the world's biggest book fair, and were delighted by the interests from international publishers and distributors.

“Because of the encouraging response to last year's First-Time Writers & Illustrators Publishing Initiative, MDA and NBDCS are pleased to launch the second year of the Initiative. This year, in addition to the Children’s’ book genre, we are adding a graphic novel category. This should open up much more opportunities to our writers and illustrators,” added Mr Seto Lok Yin.

Ms. Rosemarie Somaiah, a well-known teacher, storyteller and writer and one of the judges, is pleased to see the efforts of the budding writers and illustrators come to fruition. “I was very impressed by the variety of styles of the artwork and some of the gorgeous handmade books. This Initiative is a wonderful stimulus to pragmatic Singaporeans who will hopefully be encouraged to take the plunge into writing.”

Heartened by the response from the public, the next phase of the First-Time Writers & Illustrators Publishing Initiative will be launched on a wider and grander scale. While the focus for submission remains children’s genre, another parallel initiative will soon be launched to solicit works in the comics and graphic novel category.

The First-Time Writers & Illustrators Publishing Initiative is also supported by the National Library Board (NLB), Bookaburra Books, EarShot and The Society for Reading and Literacy (SRL).

WIN WIN WIN!

2006-11-12T01:27:00.000+08:00

Win these exclusive prizes and gifts!

PRIZE:
Stand a chance to win one of these exclusive ladies tees! Just answer the quiz conducted once every 2 weeks.

Just fill in the blank with the correct word, based on the text from the book The Elephant and the Tree:

He loved to ___________ free.

Send your answers to human@elephantandtree.com. Correct answers will be eligible for a lucky draw conducted on Dec 1st. A lucky winner will win the tee.

WE HAVE A WINNER!

Alicia Wong is the lucky winner of the draw conducted on Dec 1st. She has won herself an exclusive The Elephant and the Tree tee.

CONTEST QUESTION FOR JANUARY:

Fill in the blank with the correct word, based on the text from the book The Elephant and the Tree:

The elephant and the tree were as ____________ as can be.

Correct answers are eligible for a draw.

The draw will be conducted on 1st January, 2007, to kick off the year on a fantastic start!

WINNER:

It will be a LUCKY year for Joanne Wee! Out of more than 200 correct entries, she won the exclusive Elephant and Tree tee!

But since it was the new year, we decided to give another present! Kris Chong won herself a limited edition The Elephant and the Tree notebook!

What a start to the year!

ELETREE TRIO APPEARANCES AND GIFTS

2006-11-12T00:33:00.000+08:00

FREEBIES when you attend any Eletree Trio event and more freebies when you bring along your copy of The Elephant and the Tree book, and stand to win even more gifts to be won when you join in the activities!

2007 CALENDAR

Mini The Elephant and Tree Notebook
href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/4828/3873/1600/619799/Back.gif">

Special edition Christmas Postcards

Stickers

Elemood Magnets
href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/4828/3873/1600/731907/happy-ele-magnet.gif">

Ladies Turtleneck tees

Details of events:

SPOT THE ELETREE TRIO CALENDAR

2006:

Nov 14-15
0900 am - 0500 pm
Clean and Green Week Schools Carnival
Singapore Expo Hall 2

Nov 16
0930 am - 1100 am
Official Launch at Asian Children's Writers and Illustrators Conference
National Library, Victoria Street

Nov 16-18
0830 am - 0530 pm
Asian Children's Writers and Illustrators Conference
National Library, Victoria Street

Nov 17
Feature in TODAY newspaper

Dec 7
0730 pm onwards
SubTEXT
National Library, Victoria Street

Dec 7-8
various
VSA Very Special Arts Camp
Bedok North Secondary School

Dec 12
0400 pm - 0430 pm
Storytelling
National Library, Tampines

Dec 16
0400 pm - 0500 pm
Storytelling
Borders, Wheelock Place

Dec 17
0400 pm - 0500 pm
Storytelling
Page One, Vivo City

Dec 20
0430 pm and 0630 pm
Storytelling and other activities
Changi Airport transit terminal 2

2007:

Jan 20
0400 pm - 0430 pm
Storytelling
Atrium, United Square

Jan 21
0400 pm - 0500 pm
Storytelling
Popular Bookstore, Causeway Point

Feb 3
0400 pm - 0500 pm
Storytelling
Kinokuniya, Ngee Ann City

Feb 10
0800 pm - ...
Thoughts from The Elephant and the Tree
ROJAK 07 - where artists, creators and designers share the making of their works ..
Penthouse One, 37th Floor
Pearlbank Apartments
Singapore 169019
Hosted by Ed Poole.

Marvellous, Magical, Magnificient MAAD Sunday

2006-11-12T00:09:00.000+08:00

Nov 5 - was a MAAD Sunday for the elephant and the tree, and their human.

The elephant and the tree were very proud to be selected to be a part of an original artists' bazaar at the charismatic Red Dot Museum.

It was a very fulfilling experience for the eletree trio to meet other humans who have their own art and design creations.

The other humans liked the elephant and the tree too.

What a marvellous, magical, magnificent MAAD Sunday!

TRUMPETING GOOD TIME!

2006-11-12T00:06:00.000+08:00

The soft launch on Nov 4, 2006 at MPH Parkway Parade drew a bigger crowd than expected.

Every kid who turned up got exclusive The Elephant and the Tree calendar cards and local stamps to mail to their friends.

Plus stickers.

And magnets.

And prizes to be won, including an exclusive The Elephant and the Tree ladies tee for mummy.

Plus a story to hear from a very funny "Ms Pretty".

And a movie to watch based on The Elephant and the Tree.

No wonder the elephant, the tree and the kids had a trumpeting good time!

SOFT LAUNCH

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There will be a soft launch for the book at MPH Parkway, 4 pm on Nov 4. Storytelling session by a language teacher, followed possibly by a short video by myself.

Plenty of gifts and prizes for the little ones and a little of something for one of the big ones who bring the little ones.

Which explains why my post is at 5 am... definitely not a night out!

IN STORES AND ONLINE

2006-10-28T05:26:00.000+08:00

The Elephant and the Tree is on the shelves! .. in Singapore and Malaysia, that is ... for now ...

but also online at www.elephantandtree.com

RAVE REVIEWS!

2006-10-28T05:24:00.000+08:00

Just back from major industry events - Frankfurt Book Fair for publishing, and Wildscreen Film Festival in Bristol for Natural History Filmmaking.

Many of the names and faces on television - the natural history genre, that is, were at the latter event.

Many who have seen and read "The Elephant and the Tree" commended it for its illustrations and design. Someone's eyes were watery by the end of the read.

It was a shame I did not carry the book with me when I met Sir David Attenborough. Would have been an honour to present a copy to him.

The Elephant and the Tree

2006-09-29T02:57:00.000+08:00

Heaven

2006-09-24T18:50:00.000+08:00