Pineapple, Let’s Roll!
$18.00
ISBN: 978-981-18-9758-0 (Hardcover), 978-981-18-9757-3 (Paperback)
Page Count: 36pp
Year Published: 2024
Author: Peh Shing Huei
Publisher: The Nutgraf Books
Dimensions: 22 × 22 × 3.7 cm
Format: Paperback
Pineapple, Let’s Roll! explores the journey of Ong Lai, a shy pineapple outcast by his schoolmates. However, he has a fateful encounter with Jambu Jane, a helpful friend, who encourages Ong Lai to run for Head Prefect in the School of Fruits.
Inspired by Singapore’s 2023 landmark presidential election, this book is a useful primer, introducing young readers to important themes such as the value of friendship, self-confidence, bullying and having respect for others, no matter how different others may look or seem. Encountering the many local fruits amid the familiar setting of school further makes Pineapple enjoyable and relatable to young readers.
Written by Peh Shing Huei and illustrated by Quek Hong Shin, Pineapple, Let’s Roll! is sure to enthrall young readers (and even some adults) across the island with its whimsical yet foundationally important themes.
About the Illustrator
Quek Hong Shin is a Singaporean freelance author and illustrator whose works include picture books such as The Amazing Sarong, Universe of Feelings, and Chou Chou. His titles were nominated twice for The Hedwig Anuar Children’s Book Award. The Incredible Basket, published by Epigram Books, won Best Children’s Book at the 2019 Singapore Book Awards. Grandma’s Tiger, written by Alan John and illustrated by Hong Shin is on The White Ravens 2023, an international recommendation list of children’s literature.
Behind the Book
Ong Lai is a pineapple.
He wants to be Head Prefect in the School of Fruits.
Will he roll to victory?
Peh is a Singapore Literature Prize-winning author and journalist. He is the author of numerous bestsellers, including Neither Civil Nor Servant, The Last Fools, and The First Fools. He also wrote a pair of authorised biographies on former Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong: Tall Order and Standing Tall. His maiden solo title When The Party Ends won the SIngapore Literature Prize for its gripping on-the-ground reportage of ethnic riots, natural disasters, and political upheavals. In addition, he has four picture books, including Panjang which was shortlisted for the Hedwig Anuar Children’s Book Award and Ready, Kueh Set, Go! which won the Singapore Book Awards in 2026. His books are repeated winners of the Popular Readers’ Choice Awards. He is a regular commentator on Singapore and China affairs, and was The Straits Times’ news editor and China bureau chief. He is a political science graduate of the National University of Singapore and Columbia University in New York.
“The story is told in a humorous way; I chuckled at the familiar statements and characters, and the illustrations of local fruits showing their distinct personalities.
– Lianne Ong, Singapore children’s author (IG Review)
“This is a tongue-in-cheek story for pineapple fans (at least 70.4%, I would say) and also one where parents can talk with their children about the theme of respect and the recent Presidential Elections. Plenty of fruit for thought.”
– Emily Lim-Leh, Singapore children’s author (IG Review)
“Peh Shing Huei’s engaging storytelling combined with Quek Hong Shin’s vibrant illustrations make “Pineapple, Let’s Roll!” a captivating read. The book’s message is clear and empowering, encouraging children to respect one another and recognise their own potential.”
– Jacylene Tiew (IG Review)
“It’s generally an enjoyable book for children, even adults too! Lots of important themes to explore and engage children in meaningful conversations. It’s also a good start to introduce more fruits to children and encourage them to learn and eat more fruits.”
– Aqilah (IG Review)
