CHOONG Kwee Kim ... AH FU THE RICKSHAW COOLIE (2007)

THIS 32-PAGE, fully illustrated book by Penang-based journalist Choong Kwee Kim (MPH Publishing, August 2007) tells the rags-to-riches tale of a poor, wily rickshaw puller by the name of Ah Fu, who sails from China to Malaya to seek his fortune in late 19th-century colonial Penang. Narrated by a girl named Siti the Storyteller, the story, in rhyming couplets, tells of how Ah Fu finds not just fame and fortune in the new country, but is also hailed as “King of the Road.” Kwee Kim’s illustrations are simply sumptous and rich, a feast for your senses.

Heartiest congratulations, Kwee Kim, on your first book.