Liu Hsu-Kung’s exceptional picture books, brimming with energy and whimsy, effortlessly capture the spirits of childhood through vibrant illustrations and humorous narratives. From various illustrations, his storytelling talent shines as he navigates through themes from social emotion to environmental observation, weaving together tales that resonate with readers of all ages. His work extends beyond mere storytelling; it serves as a catalyst for thought and exploration, inviting children to dig deeper into the world around them while fostering meaningful connections with their family and friends. There are, however, only a small number of books that are translated into English. Let’s take a look at them!

Look At You! Look At the Mess You’ve Made!

Synopsis: What can a mess lead to? In this circular tale, a government official’s anger at a messy office sets off a series of events that eventually leads to a town cleaning up its pollution. (Goodreads)

Look at You! Look at the Mess You’ve Made is a charming and thought-provoking picture book that masterfully blends a simple, repetitive narrative with profound social and environmental themes. The phrase “Look at you! Look at the mess you’ve made!” repeats through various settings, from the minister’s office to a child’s room, highlighting the universal nature of chaos and disorganisation.

The story’s gentle humour and soft colours create an inviting atmosphere, making the book accessible and engaging for readers of all ages. As we journey through different scenes of clutter and disorder, we are subtly prompted to reflect on the broader implications of our actions on our surroundings. The narrative cleverly illustrates how small, everyday actions can significantly impact our environment, emphasising the transformative power of cleanliness and orderliness.

Through this engaging tale, both children and adults are encouraged to take responsibility for caring for our environment. The book serves as a catalyst for important conversations about personal and social responsibility, inspiring readers to adopt more mindful and sustainable habits.

Look at You! Look at the Mess You’ve Made is a delightful and educational read that beautifully marries humour with important life lessons. Its ability to provoke thought while entertaining makes it a valuable addition to any child’s library, fostering a sense of responsibility and care for the world we live in.

Look At You! Look At the Mess You’ve Made!

2021, Reycraft Books

ISBN: 9781478875413 

Excuse Me, Will My Feet Touch the Bottom? 

Synopsis: Doggy, Kitty, and Piggy decide to go swimming in a mountain pool but forget to bring their floats. Worried that the water will be too deep, they ask the other animals if they can touch the bottom. When all say yes, the three friends jump in but, to their horror, the bottom is out of reach! What will happen next? (Bardon)

It is another delightful and creatively humorous picture book that invites young readers on an engaging adventure. The story cleverly uses picture-text comparisons to add depth and humour. The animals ask if they will be able to touch the bottom of the swimming pool, receiving varied responses from creatures of different sizes and heights. This exchange results in amusing misunderstandings that highlight the disparity between subjective imagination and objective reality. The playful illustrations, paired with simple text, provide hidden clues that enrich the story and keep readers guessing.

When the three little animals finally reach the swimming pool, their initial worries are swept away by their eagerness to dive in. As they leap into the water with a splash, the readers are left in suspense, wondering if the animals can indeed touch the bottom. Liu masterfully uses the rhythm of questions and answers, combined with the humorous contrast between text and illustrations, to create a plot that builds up to a delightful climax.

The book not only entertains but also introduces important concepts such as depth, size, height, and spatial relationships. Children are encouraged to observe the illustrations closely, uncover hidden details, and think critically about the differences between what is imagined and what is real. This interactive element makes the reading experience both educational and enjoyable. Excuse Me, Will My Feet Touch the Bottom? sparks curiosity, promotes critical thinking, and provides a joyful reading experience filled with laughter and discovery. 

Excuse Me, Will My Feet Touch the Bottom? (Chinese-English Bilingual edition)

2021, HsinYi Publications

ISBN: 9789861616346

Bilingual sample

The Orange Horse

Synopsis: In The Orange Horse, we embark on an adventurous journey with the orange horse as he searches for his long-lost brother with only half a photo. Along the way, he encounters the orange house, a car, and the black-haired lion, each recognition falling short of his quest. However, an unexpected meeting with the brown horse sparks a friendship, and the revelation of another half of a photo gives everyone hopes. Could this newfound companion hold the key to the orange horse’s familial reunion? 

It is a heartwarming tale brought to life with vibrant and expressive illustrations. Liu skillfully delves into themes of compassion, acceptance, trust, and the power of caring, creating a story that resonates deeply with both children and adults.

Through the journey of the orange horse in search of his long-lost brother, readers are reminded of the profound importance of connection and understanding in our diverse world. Each page is filled with colourful, captivating images that not only draw readers in but also enhance the emotional depth of the narrative.

Liu’s ability to weave these universal themes into a compelling and visually stunning story makes The Orange Horse a standout in children’s literature. It’s a book that fosters empathy and kindness, encouraging readers to look beyond differences and embrace the common bonds that unite us all.

The Orange Horse is a beautifully illustrated and thoughtfully written story that leaves a lasting impression, making it a must-read for families seeking meaningful and enriching tales.

The Orange Horse

2015, Scholastics

ISBN: 9789811124488

Animation: Directed, Animated & Sound Design by Josh Heineman

The Flyaway Tickets

Synopsis: In order to recover the tickets blown away by the wind, no matter how many obstacles he faces, the driver does all he can to get them back. The ending is not only unexpected, but also heart-warming. (Scholastic)

This is an enchanting adventure that begins with a gust of wind and takes readers on an unforgettable journey. Liu’s use of orange and blue as primary colours throughout the book, paired with simple yet playful brushstrokes, creates a vivid and engaging visual experience. Those lively lines and bold colours fill the story with a sense of life and childlike fun. The unique humour adds a layer of warmth and philosophical depth, making this seemingly carefree tale much more profound.

From the interview with the author, we learned that the tickets represent our life goals that we’ve been chasing after since the day we were born. Regardless, The Flyaway Ticket is a delightful read that captures the imagination and hearts of both children and adults. Liu’s artistic style and storytelling skills come together to create a captivating tale of adventure and the unexpected joys found in life’s journeys. 

The Flyaway Tickets

2017, Scholastics

ISBN: 9789811175497 

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Bardon – Book. https://www.bardonchinese.com/en/book/1493. Accessed 5 June 2024.

‘Excuse Me, Will My Feet Touch the Bottom?（Chinese-English Bilingual）’. Books.Com.Tw, https://www.books.com.tw/products/0010883267. Accessed 5 June 2024.

‘Look at You! Look at the Mess You’ve Made!’ Goodreads, https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/110506667-look-at-you-look-at-the-mess-you-ve-made. Accessed 5 June 2024.

The Flyaway Tickets | Scholastic International. https://scholastic.asia/en/resources/flyaway-tickets. Accessed 5 June 2024.

‘The Orange Horse’. Goodreads, https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44161198-the-orange-horse. Accessed 5 June 2024.

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Eleanor Duggan is a passionate children’s book reader, a storytelling enchantress, an aspiring globetrotter, a part-time book crafter, and an impassioned foodie who is a cooking disaster. She is more known as an international school teacher-librarian and the International Association of School Librarianship (IASL) Regional Director for East Asia. She is a Taiwanese with a Belgian soul and is currently enjoying her life as a citizen of the world with her daughter and their 2 one-of-a kind cats. You may find her via The Third Culture Librarian 

GLLI Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in posts on this site are the individual author’s and are not indicative of the views of Global Literature in Libraries Initiative.