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
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