MALAYSIA is one of only seven countries globally to permanently house a collection of internationally acclaimed children’s books from the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) Honour List.
The most recent list, announced last year includes Nusantara: A Sea of Tales by Heidi Shamsuddin (Malaysia), Misteri Mamoli Kuno by Agnes Bemoe (Indonesia) and Birdie und ich (Birdie and Me by JMM Nuanez) translated into German by Birgitt Kollmann.
The IBBY Honour List, a biennial selection of outstanding published books, celebrates writers, illustrators and translators from IBBY member countries.
Its main goal is to promote international understanding through children’s literature, with selections representing the best from each country and suitability for global publication.
Permanent collections are also held in Germany, Switzerland, Slovakia, Russia, Japan and the United States.
In Malaysia, the collection is accessible via the MBBY-Universiti Selangor (Unisel) Collection at Unisel Library in Shah Alam.
The National Conference on Children’s Book Illustration 2025, jointly organised by the Malaysian Board on Books for Young People (MBBY), Unisel and Selangor Public Library Corporation (PPAS), highlighted Malaysia’s significant role in housing this collection.
Held at Pustaka Raja Tun Uda state library in Shah Alam, the two-day event aimed to advance children’s book development and illustration in Malaysia through workshops, exhibitions, keynote speeches and forums.
“Illustration in children’s book publishing is not just decorative; it is a visual narrative, a bridge between children’s worlds and meaning,” PPAS said in a statement.
“Recent research shows illustrations are crucial in shaping understanding, as children interpret images to comprehend stories, nurturing empathy, emotion and imagination.
“Illustration is vital in uniting cultures, with studies like Sylvia Pantaleo’s (2008) showing its effectiveness in introducing various cultures, making it a powerful tool for building mutual understanding.”
PPAS director Datin Paduka Mastura Muhamad emphasised PPAS’ readiness to collaborate with stakeholders to build a sustainable literacy ecosystem, aligning with Selangor government’s goals to develop human capital through quality education and strengthen the creative industry.
“Children’s book illustration is a vital component deserving serious attention in education policies, publishing and creative industry development at state and national levels,” she said.
Also present were MBBY president Datuk Ahmad Redza Ahmad Khairuddin, MBBY deputy president Prof Dr Md Sidin Ahmad Ishak and Prof Dr Muliyadi Mahamood, a retired professor of Art History and Cartoon Studies from Universiti Teknologi Mara’s Faculty of Art and Design.
PPAS also served as secretariat for the recently concluded Selangor Children’s Book Fair and the Selangor International Book Fair scheduled for year-end at Setia City Convention Centre in Shah Alam.
Unisel library head Hafiz Abdul Rahim said, “The MBBY–Unisel Collection is housed in a dedicated space at the Unisel Press office in Shah Alam, which also has a comfortable reading area and staff assistance.
“Individuals or institutions who are interested in accessing or viewing books from the collection may submit an official request to the Unisel Library or MBBY.
“Arrangements can then be made for on-site access, including guided visits, consultations or collaborative programmes such as reading sessions, exhibitions or academic discussions.”
He said the IBBY Honour List books are curated by MBBY in partnership with Unisel to promote high-quality children’s literature.
