Pineapple, Let’s Roll!

$18.00

“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)

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 Author

Peh Shing Huei is a Singapore Literature Prize-winning author and journalist. He was The Straits Times‘ news editor and China bureau chief. He is the author of 12 books, including seven bestsellers: When the Party Ends, Neither Civil Nor Servant, Tall Order and Standing Tall: The Goh Chok Tong Years, The Last Fools, The Price of Being Fair, and Strictly Business: The Kwek Leng Beng Story. He is a regular commentator on Singapore and China affairs. He is a graduate of the National University of Singapore and Columbia University in New York.

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.

Reviews

“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)

Product Description

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

Behind the Book

Ong Lai is a pineapple.
He wants to be Head Prefect in the School of Fruits.
Will he roll to victory?